Support question

[erniehatt]

i all, just what distance can be covered without support.

I have a model with a rectangular hole, dimensions 40 X 40 x 11mm it is in a vertical position, the filament needs to cross the 11mm, is that possible.
I understand there is something in S3D called Bridging, can someone explain how this works, and if it will work with this file. thanks.

[CompoundCarl]

It's not just a question of the width, it also depends what the rest of the part looks like. But in general, I can usually cover around 15-20mm gaps without too many issues. Once you get past 40mm, things start to get pretty ugly and you would probably be better adding a little support.

[erniehatt]

thank for that, but what does Bridging do, and is it helpful.

[dkightley]

Bridging is not a process or something special...it is simply something that happens when extruding the plastic filament whenever there is a gap in the layer below. The filament is essentially extruded into fresh air across the gap, and then onto plastic on the other side of the gap.

As you might expect, this string of plastic will have the tendancy to sag as its being strung across the gap. This is where the "bridging" settings come in....they are designed to reduce or eliminate the sagging and to ensure the bridged plastic forms a neat and as flat as possible surface.

That's it really.....do a search on the forum for "bridging" and you'll find some illustrated threads on the subject.

[erniehatt]

Thanks Doug, I will do that