I have spent many days and much filament trying to get this print to succeed. This is with Auto Strong Tree Supports with 3 support wall loops at a 15 degree threshold angle (it looks almost identical to 30 degrees so I didn’t bother) extra-fine layer profile, steel 0.4mm nozzle, PolyTerra Matte PLA.
I know this is a relatively brittle material but it seems like the printer is laying down layers with large gaps and therefore structural defects. What can I do about this? Is BL Matte PLA any better? I also have Timelapse video but not sure how to upload it.
Your approach is right in using tree supports, but your selection of what kind of tree support is causing you headaches. Instead try using auto tree support, but then use slim as the style. You’re looking for tree support with one wall thickness. If I were attempting this model print I would also change branch diameter to 6mm and branch distance to 3. That would look like overkill, but it compensates for the lack of structure within the tree branches for when you select slim. Lastly, change your tree support walls to 1.
All of this will give you a part that looks like the attached. It’s quite easy though to pull the supports off honestly.
This is about my 10th attempt. I have tried auto tree support as slim and default. I’ve also tried one and two wall thickness and both failed. Using the settings you suggested generates supports looking like this.
I have printed this model with similar looking supports and it failed. The failure point is always the left elbow. The settings make the other supports thicker but does not do as much for the elbow. I am also drying the filament as per a different recommendation
It’s looking better, but I still don’t see the amount of support that would be ideal for that elbow. What happens when you increase the detection angle to 80 and then max out the angle for horizontal reach? (Sorry, I’m not near bambu studio at the moment).
I can’t seem to upload video but I think the problem here is not in the support structure itself but how the printer lays down the supports. You can see this abnormal looking support on the right. Shortly after it is put down, the print fails.
EDIT: Reviewing the images above, it probably failed because the support structure runs at a very steep angle. The support needs a support of its own!
I don’t disagree. That’s why I think
playing with the support angle might help. There is a setting that allows the support to reach more or less horizontal. I think you should play with that.
Thank you both. After drying the filament a little, I had a successful print in Draft mode with manual support painting, slim trees, 2 wall loops, branch diameter of 3, branch angle of 30. The interfaces are a bit rough. I will try the snug supports.
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I will update this for anyone who might be interested: The extra fine print failed due to poor bed adhesion with Tree Supports. An extra fine print was technically successful with Makers Muse’ method but some of the supports broke off and there were many small defects along the print. It is clear that printing with tall supports carries unique challenges, especially with this Polyterra PLA. Probably if I made wider brims or used Tree infill it would have worked at the cost of longer print time and harder to remove supports.