Supports: use as much as necessary and as little as possible
Supports make it possible to print geometry that starts in mid-air or overhangs too far, but they add material, print time and post-processing and can leave visible marks. Often the best support setting is not a slicer setting at all: it is a better orientation or a more printable design.
When does a model need support?
Typical cases:
- unsupported islands
- steep overhangs
- large horizontal surfaces
- complex internal geometry
Check orientation first
Before enabling support:
- rotate the model
- inspect critical surfaces
- confirm the mechanical load direction still makes sense
- consider splitting the part
Build-plate-only vs everywhere
Build plate only: reduces support inside the part. Everywhere: can support internal or model-mounted regions, but removal may be more difficult.
Contact distance
Too small: support fuses strongly to the part. Too large: supported surface sags more. There is no single universal value for every layer height and material.
Organic or tree supports
Organic supports can reduce material and contact area on many shapes. They are not automatically best for every technical model.
Design to avoid support
Consider:
- chamfers
- arches
- teardrop holes
- splitting the part
- bridging short gaps