As you all know in 3D printing objects are built layer by layer. This implies that each layer supports the next layer. This next layer may not coincide exactly with the previous one, which causes part of the layer to be exposed, that is, without being supported by the previous layer.
There is a point where this is not possible since the upper layers do not have enough support from the lower ones. This occurs when we exceed an angle of 45º. To solve this problem and for the piece to hold up during printing we need to use the support structures.
What are support structures in 3D printing?
The support structures are elements that are printed together with the model but that are not part of the original design and that serve to support the protruding parts of the models that exceed 45º.
These support structures can be made of the same material as the main piece or, if we have an extra extruder, of another material that is easier to remove.
The support structures are created from the same program with which we prepare the 3D printing and their correct configuration is crucial to obtain a good finish in the parts in which we use them.
The support problem with flexible materials
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When we use rigid materials such as PLA remove the support, although sometimes tedious, it is usually simple. With the appropriate tools we break the support structure and remove it. This is because support structures are often thin and brittle with rigid materials.
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| Removing flexible supports |
With flexible materials things change. Although the support structures remain thin, the very nature of the material means that it does not break. So the only way to remove the support material is by stretching or cutting in the worst cases.
What should be taken into account when configuring support for flexible materials?
There are two key aspects when setting it up: the support pattern and the gap between the support and the part.
As we have said before, the only way to remove the support in 3D printed parts with flexible filament is to stretch. This is why we must configure the support in a way that makes this task easier for us.
Speaking of thesupport pattern, it is best to reduce the contact points by trying to make the supported surface as large as possible. We have to avoid types of support in which the structure crosses each other, such as a support with a grid pattern. Our choice is always a support with a cross pattern since the area it supports is much larger but the contact points are always a single line.
To see this we are going to compare the single line pattern with the cross pattern.
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As you can see for the same area, the cross pattern supports more areas than the others with the advantage that it always maintains the minimum contact surface, not like the grid support that when intersecting creates areas where removing the support is going to be more difficult for us.
The other fundamental parameter is the separation between the piece and the support. If we leave it too close together, the support will fuse with the piece, making its removal impossible. If we separate it too much it will not be able to withstand the layers of 3D printing, resulting in a disaster.
Recommended parameters to generate support with eFil
Taking into accountAll of the above, the parameters we recommend for the eFil range of flexible filaments are:
| Cantilever angle |
45º |
| Density |
25% |
| Support pattern |
Cross |
| Z distance on the support |
0.19mm |
| X/Y distance on the support |
0.7mm |
| Priority in support distances |
Z over X/Y |
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