3D Printing Forum

Hi all,

I am currently working on a part where the generated support of slicers doesn't work to well and I would like to add custom supports already in the CAD file. To get structures that break away easy but aren't removed by the slicer, I am now looking for tips and tricks on how to size them. Do you have experience in that area? How thick should such a support structure be? I noticed that features that are exactly the nozzle diameter seem to be "optimized" away by the slicer sometimes. How do you connect the model and the support structure? Just in a few places to ensure that it becomes one object in the STL file or everywhere were it touches the model?

Best regards,
Reiner

I have always wanted to know how to do this, sometimes it could be best if you can make your own supports.

I design my own parts so I can customise them to suit. At time Cura doesn't put supports where they are needed, more often puts supports or a brim where I don't want it. I usually make the supports 0.5/0.6mm wide where it meets the part, anything less and it doesn't seem to work, the same for a brim. They seems to be no "Sliver bullet" that fits all, you have to use a bit of common sense, and guesswork.

Yes, 0.5 seems to be the minimum width to prevent the slicer from not generating g-code for a support wall. Do you let your support touch the area it supports on the full length or keep a gap of one layer? I have seen this sometimes that there is a one layer gap or the last layer only has a few high spots where it touches the structure above.

I make the supports touch. I have never thought of leaving a gap, good idea.