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  1. #1

    3D Noob seeking supports wisdom

    Howdy all, new/basically-not-yet 3d printer here.

    I'm teaching myself Blender, and managed to make a low-poly bison figure I'm pleased with and thought it'd be fun to 3d print it. I'm wondering the best way to print this figure as far as supports go. My local library has a MakerBot Replicator+ I can print from, though a tech at the library does the actually printing (so I won't be at the machine making adjustments/fine tuning anything).

    The makerbot software adds what looks to me like gobs of supports when I run the print preview, so i figured I could split the figure in half along the ~X axis, print two parts without supports, and join them later. I don't have any experience, but I'd like to develop good practices and habits from day 1 in the event I get around to doing more printing and/or getting my own printer. So I'm wondering if one direction is better, as far as post-print processing and final finish.

    Are the 'breakaway' supports reliably 'breakaway'? ... or more like tediously cut and sand each 'breakaway' point?
    Will my big split across the middle leave me warped planes that won't glue together nicely without a pass on the belt sander (which I do have, but seems like bad practice to rely on)?
    Am I asking dumb questions or overthinking or underthinking?

    The makerbot software estimates the full figure with supports at 6cm tall to take ~5.5 hrs with 2 shells and 10% infill (I clicked whatever infill pattern said fastest, diamond i think). At $1 per half hour to print, it isn't a bucket load, but I'd hate to try 2 or 3 times before I get it right. Advice appreciated, pics of design below.

    Screen Shot 2023-02-22 at 7.33.31 PM.jpgScreen Shot 2023-02-22 at 8.06.44 PM.jpg
    Screen Shot 2023-02-22 at 8.24.13 PM.jpgScreen Shot 2023-02-22 at 8.25.33 PM.jpg

  2. #2
    Soooo ..... Is this a dead forum ... or am I missing something?

  3. #3
    Super Moderator
    Join Date
    May 2020
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    595
    Perhaps you could ask the technician at your library where you intend to have the print done.
    You could always send your file to one of the many companies that specialise in printing 3D files.

    Youtube will have videos that could help you regarding supports.

    Supports do 'breakaway' but might need cleaning up afterwards at the contact point. The split model would be the safest way to print because just having the feet on the bed would run a risk of the print detaching from the bed.

  4. #4
    Quote Originally Posted by Bikeracer2020 View Post
    Supports do 'breakaway' but might need cleaning up afterwards at the contact point. The split model would be the safest way to print because just having the feet on the bed would run a risk of the print detaching from the bed.
    Thanks, sorry for the bother, it just seemed like this was a good place to find assistance or feedback on a work-in-progress 3D design.

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