Episode 10: The Basic Support Settings

In three d printing supports our temporary structures printed alongside the main object to provide stability for overhanging parts or complex geometries. They prevent sagging, warping, or collapsing by offering a scaffold for layers that do not have sufficient contact with the layer below. There are different types of support structures, each with its unique advantages. The most common are tree supports and normal supports.

Tree supports are branch like structures that grow from the bill plate and reach out to sport overhangs. Tree supports use less material and are generally easier to remove. Normal supports form a lattice like structure beneath the overhanging parts, providing robust and evenly distributed support, but potentially using more material and being harder to remove. Support settings can be found under prepare, process, and support tab.

Enable support and choose normal or tree. In the drop down, you will also see options for manual support. The setting is to be used with the support painting tool above the build paint preview. Paint the areas where you would like support and hit slice plate to see the new preview.

The threshold angle or overhang angle is a critical setting in three d printing supports. It determines the angle at which the printer will automatically generate support structures. Bamboo Studio by default has this set to a very safe 30 degrees. It's typical to see values at around 45 degrees.

This angle reflects the printer's capability to handle overhangs without assistance. Angles steeper than the threshold will prompt the slicer to add supports, while gentler angles will print unsupported. Adjusting this setting helps ensure the supports are only used when necessary to maintain print quality and reduce material waste. In our next video, will discuss brims, skirts, spiral vase, fuzzy skin, and when to use a prime tower.