Supports in 3D Printing.
What are Supports in 3D Printing?
Supports in 3D printing are temporary structures that are generated during the same printing process. The supports in practice are used to support the parts of complex objects where there are different surfaces with overhangs that evolve at angles that are difficult to print, because they generally require to be supported by suitable structures during their construction.
Generally, supports in 3D printing are used to create parts with complex geometry or with corners that are difficult to print, that require support during the printing process. Supports allow you to create three-dimensional objects with greater precision and detail, Enabling parts with complex geometries and smooth surfaces.
How Supports Are Created in 3D Printing?
During the 3D printing process, the printer head following the instructions in the print file, extrudes material layer by layer, at the same time also creating the solid structures that make any supports where some of the parts of the object to be printed will lie.
Supports in 3D printing are created using the same material as the main part of the object and are carefully removed once the print is complete. Removing supports requires special care to avoid damaging the printed object.
When Supports Are Created in 3D Printing?
Support printing occurs when the object to be created has a complex geometry characterized by critical angles to be printed. So in this context the printhead could without the presence of temporary support structures, could not be able to create the model correctly, as the extruded material would not find a solid surface where it could settle.
Generally, Supports are required when the tilt angle of the model is greater than 45 degrees to the build platform. For example, if you are printing a human figure with its arms outstretched, Supports may be required to support the arms during the printing process. In addition, If you are printing a model with a complicated shape, such as a tower with sloping roofs, Supports may be needed to support roofs during the printing process.
Supports are also used to prevent the phenomenon of “collapse” during the printing process. Collapse occurs when the print material deforms due to excessive heating or due to too steep an angle. In this case, Supports are used to support the part of the object that is collapsing, avoiding compromising the quality of the final product.
How Support Removal Occurs in 3D Printing?
Removing supports in 3D printing is an important step in the printing process, which requires special attention to avoid damaging the printed object. Supports are created using the same material as the main part of the object and are carefully removed once printing is complete.
Removal of supports can be done manually using tools such as tweezers, Wire cutters or thin-bladed knives. It is important to remove the supports carefully to avoid damaging the printed object. In addition, It is important to remove all media residue so that it does not interfere with the functionality of the printed object.
In some cases, Removing media can be made easier by using slicing software. Slicing software can generate media “Grid” or “honeycomb”, which are easier to remove than traditional media.
Some printing materials, such as PLA, require fewer supports than other materials, such as ABS. In addition, The tilt angle of the model can affect the amount of media needed during the printing process.
Generally, Removing supports in 3D printing requires special attention to avoid damaging the printed object. Removal of supports must be carried out with suitable tools and with precision, so as to guarantee the quality of the final product.
Soluble Supports in 3D Printing
Soluble supports in 3D printing are a type of supports that are used to support parts or components of the object during the printing process and that can be removed by immersing the object in a special solution that dissolves the support material.
Soluble supports are used to create parts with complex geometries or hard-to-print angles, that require support during the printing process. Soluble supports are created using a soluble material, such as PVA or HIPS, that dissolves completely in water or in a special solution.
Once the print is complete, The object is immersed in a solution of water or a solvent specific for the support material, that melts supports without damaging the printed object. Removing soluble supports is easier and less invasive than removing traditional supports, which may leave residue or damage the object during removal.
Soluble supports are mainly used in 3D printing materials such as PLA, that require support during the printing process. However, it is important to consider that using soluble supports requires the use of a 3D printer with support for multiple filaments or a 3D printer with double extrusion.
Generally, Soluble supports in 3D printing are an effective solution for creating parts with complex geometries or with corners that are difficult to print, allowing you to create three-dimensional objects with greater precision and detail.