support settings

[NixxereBB]

Hello, I am starting out using S3D on a Robo 3D, and getting very good results except where my support structures support the print in certain areas..

As shown in the image, the arms are missing lower sections, more on one side than the other..

I believe it is because I have the "Support Material Generation" settings set too far from the build, but I'm not sure, the setting used is in the image below..

Any suggestions on how to fix would be appreciated, I'd rather hear from someone with experience rather than guess at the right settings via trial and error over several prints.

Thx!

[JoeJ]

Well it's always a balancing act, because you want just enough support without making the support structures impossible to remove. So some trial an error is likely required since every plastic tends to bond a little differently. Some people like to use a few layers of dense support and place those dense layers closer to the part (decrease the horizontal and upper separation distances).

If you really want perfect support, the best way is to use a different material for the support structures that won't bond to the main part. Like using PVA support with a PLA part. Then you can get perfect support since they won't fuse together.

[NixxereBB]

JoeJ, thanks for the reply.. I was able to get excellent results by adjusting the dense support..

I am very interested in learning more about printing with multiple extruders, especially with the scenario you mention using a non-fusing support filament.. I've looked a bit, but not finding much in the way of best upgrade path for the ROBO 3D to support the case..

Any site recommendations, or advice on that?

[JoeJ]

Well not all machines can be upgraded to 2 extruders (not sure about the Robo3D). But if you really want to take your support to the next level, using one of these alternate materials like PVA or HIPS can make a big difference.