Simplify3D User Forum

Ive printed 2 large models with absolutely fantastic results at a .1 layer height. The problem is that the bottom section that faces the build platform is just as important as the top section. The support is doing fine at supporting the sections that float above the platform but are leaving absolutely horrid scarring on bottom of the model. The default settings for a Flashforge Creator Dual are not adequate for this particular model.

Ill upload a picture to show what i mean.

top side
Bottom side...support not easily breakable.

Any suggestions? Im tempted to print without support since ive recently added a cooling fan for PLA prints.

What support settings are you using?

Incease the Lower Vertical Separation Layer variable.

Also try a lower Support Infill Percentage, and also utilize the Dense Layer feature. The lower infill percentage should allow for easier removal of lower supports. The Dense Layer at the top of the support will create a suitable raft or printing platform for the overhang. For instance, try a support infill percentage of 15-20%, then use 3 dense layers at 70% density. Saves on filament too.

KC_703 wrote:Incease the Lower Vertical Separation Layer variable.

Also try a lower Support Infill Percentage, and also utilize the Dense Layer feature. The lower infill percentage should allow for easier removal of lower supports. The Dense Layer at the top of the support will create a suitable raft or printing platform for the overhang. For instance, try a support infill percentage of 15-20%, then use 3 dense layers at 70% density. Saves on filament too.

I will try these settings tonight. Thanks alot.

KC_703 wrote:Incease the Lower Vertical Separation Layer variable.

Also try a lower Support Infill Percentage, and also utilize the Dense Layer feature. The lower infill percentage should allow for easier removal of lower supports. The Dense Layer at the top of the support will create a suitable raft or printing platform for the overhang. For instance, try a support infill percentage of 15-20%, then use 3 dense layers at 70% density. Saves on filament too.

No go. What i think is happening is that im printing to hot and the black PLA support is fusing to the body. 205c is the temp and unfortunately if i drop to 200 i get some clicking in from the extruder.

Here are the support settings I've been using at 0.1 layer thickness. I've been quite satisfied with what lies on top of them.

Support Infill Percentage 20%
Extra Inflation Distance 1.0mm
Dense Support Layers 5
Dense Infill Percentage 80%
Print Support Every 1 layer

Horizontal Offset From Part 0.35mm
Upper Vertical Separation Layers 1
Lower Vertical Separation Layers 1

Support Pillar Resolution 1.0mm
Max Overhang Angle 50 deg

Ive always thought the clicking noise meant the plastic was grinding inside the extruder so i would bump the temp up 5° till it stopped. Today i dropped the temp down to 185°C and i got no clicking and its printing the model above. Ive scaled the model down considerably and trying the first set of settings listed above.

zemlin wrote:Here are the support settings I've been using at 0.1 layer thickness. I've been quite satisfied with what lies on top of them.

Support Infill Percentage 20%
Extra Inflation Distance 1.0mm
Dense Support Layers 5
Dense Infill Percentage 80%
Print Support Every 1 layer

Horizontal Offset From Part 0.35mm
Upper Vertical Separation Layers 1
Lower Vertical Separation Layers 1

Support Pillar Resolution 1.0mm
Max Overhang Angle 50 deg

I will start another print using your settings. Ill let you know the outcome. Thanks!

jdub1981 wrote: No go. What i think is happening is that im printing to hot and the black PLA support is fusing to the body. 205c is the temp and unfortunately if i drop to 200 i get some clicking in from the extruder.

Hmm... try using 2 for the upper / lower separation layers.

I've always thought the stickiness of the supports might be related to the layer height. My prints are usually at a .3 layer height, and using 1 as the lower and upper separation layers work well. So 2 might work well for a layer height of .2... and 3 would work well for a layer height of .1.

As for the temperature, 205C sounds about right for PLA. A 5C drop in extrusion temperature is a lot, try dropping gradually by 1-2C.

Watch your bridge layer angle over the supports compared to the support or dense support angle. You want the bridge layer that will preview in yellow to run more or less perpendicular to the last support layer. Adjust support angles as needed to achieve this.