Supports falling apart?

[mitchfx]

I'm using S3D with a Dremel Idea Builder and loving all the features compared with the bundled slicing software. I'm getting overall faster and cleaner results using S3D, and placing supports is a dream. However I am also finding that my supports tend to collapse when taller than an inch or so and my models often work themselves loose from the supports before printing is finished. I'm wondering if I may need to adjust my support infill and separation settings a bit to make them sturdier. I'm also using an aftermarket PLA (MatterHackers brand) with temp set to 200c for a more matte finish. I'm suspecting that may also be a factor and will bump up to 210c next time.

Here are some photos of my last print that failed.

Thanks,
M

[JoeJ]

There's a couple things to learn here. First of all, tall thin supports (or any type of object for that matter) are susceptible to getting knocked over. For tall support pillars, make sure you have a decent footprint so that it won't get knocked over by the extruder. If you are having trouble with this, there are two easy settings to change. Add some support inflation distance to automatically increase the support footprint by a few millimeters, or add some retraction Z-lift so that the nozzle moves up a slight distance before traveling over your support structures to avoid pushing them over.

Second, keep in mind that clusters of support will always print better than a single lonely support pillar. Many times, I may add an extra support pillar next to a previous one to help create a slightly larger cluster. You can also get some improvements by using a lower support pillar resolution (~2mm works well for me)

[mitchfx]

Add some support inflation distance to automatically increase the support footprint by a few millimeters

So, for 4mm supports how much inflation in mm should I try adding?

or add some retraction Z-lift

Is this the "Force retraction between layers" checkbox under Advanced?

You can also get some improvements by using a lower support pillar resolution (~2mm works well for me)

I'm currently using 4mm supports for larger parts with tall supports. You are saying that around 2mm might be better? If so, how?

Thanks,
M