I need some help. I’ve designed the above model in FreeCad and am having issues printing it using PLA on a P1S. I’ve made a 2 mm recess into the bottom of the base as this is going to sit over a circuit board in a computer. I need some advise for supporting the overhang while its printing. I’ve tried tree and normal support types but the result is a very rough surface. Is there another way to do this? I’ve also tried using another filament (PETG-HF) as a support filament but that turned out worse of the three attempts I’ve tried. I’m not sure what to try next, would the support for PLA filament be of any use in this scenario I still have the sample that came with the printer.
Thanks for your help.
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I am assuming it is printed in the same orientation shown - left and right “feet” contacting the bed with the square raised, and a hole thru it
This is a good candidate for dedicated support material and a 0 gap if you have an AMS. If not…
I would use “Normal” aka not tree support. It’s best for wide flat ranges. With only 2mm you may need to verify there is enough room for it to generate this support structure but I would use this:
a) slight reduction of top gap means less drooping but a little more bonding to support, itll be ok on this shape, you can pry it off easy
b) More interface layers makes the interface more solid - so when you are ripping it off, it all STAYS together because it is a big chunk and is very well bonded, lets you pry and lever it off easily.
c) interface spacing of 0 makes it so the top surface of your interface looks like a top surface of a print - fully flat. It also helps solidify that interface.
Couple ways to do this but neither involve using supports.
One, could print the object on a 45 degree angle with some engineered breakaway supports (see SLANT-3D video about that). May not need any “tree supports” or ugly spots on the final print, just need the support to keep it from moving as the print gets taller from a small print bed contact point.
OR
Can you use the CUT tool to draw a horizontal plane about 1.5mm below the top flat surface.
Print some small dowels (3mm x3mm) (it is OK if they stick all the way through, you can cut the ends off later). Print the dowels laying down on their side. Leave a little clearance to hold some glue between the dowels and the piece. Then flip the bottom part to print both parts on the cut surface. After printing, score the surfaces, use thin ca glue set the pieces and the dowels, hold together with rubber bands for a few hours. If the dowels stick out, cut the ends off (carefully) with flush cutters or a razor knife.
that is totally doable and with a decent bottom. I strongly suggest to use PLA support filament. yes PET works but final result is superior with PLA support, comes away like nothing.
Support settings are prompted automatically as soon you set “PLA support” as you default interface filament.
Also, how hot does the circuit board on the computer get. If it gets over 55C, and you print this part in PLA, it will start to warp/sag at the hot spots ?
