Yeah, this video was immensely helpful to me as well. Supports are often so difficult to remove and sometimes hard to set up in a way in which they're actually helpful.
Totally agree; I thought I knew all the tricks of S3D supports, but a majority of this video was still new (even if only a small-yet-powerful idea, like leaving in "plier holes").
I find your Tips on using Simplify3D easier to understand and I always look at your site for new tips first compared to Simplify3D's own Tips. This one was especially Helpful. I just wish that you explained in this one on How to Print using an Interface Layer so that I could run an M600 Command to allow me to add a Different Material such as Water Soluble PVa into my Support Structures.
I must say you are the most best knowledgable person on the whole youtube, I´ve just started printing and your videos are helping me so much to avoid failing in 3d printing, especially the support (very important bit during the printing as you said, completely agree). Thank you so much
Thanks Angus. Every time I think, I won't watch this video I know all about the subject. I am always surprised that you teach me something new. Awesome job mate. Thanks
Thank you so much for making this video! After months of struggling with large scale statue prints failing due to support failure on my new guider 2 I found this video and the key was the 90 degree offset on the support structures in simplify 3d. I have not had a single failure since! Thank you so much for saving my printer from the river!
I have sometimes created my own support structures around the model rather than use automatically generated ones. I did this before I discovered the "expert" mode in the FlashPrint software. I'm using a FlashForge Adventurer 3 printer. Because of this I have to use FlashPrint to communicate with the printer. Now that I have watched your video I may be able to make use of the additional expert settings in FlashPrint. I think there is still are likely to still be cases where modelling my own supports is useful. For instance, if support is needed in a difficult to access part of the model, a custom modeled support can be made with a handle that you can grasp to remove it. If I am modelling a complete assembly with moving parts, using custom designed supports enables me to ensure the surfaces of moving parts will be as smooth as can be once the support is removed. Other possible reasons are to reduce waste plastic, reduce printing time and ensure the model does not fall over. Building a custom support that itself does not need support can reduce printing time considerably. I use Fusion 360. To make a basic support of my own, I create a primitive object that surrounds the part I want support for, and then use the cut operator to cut a negative of the object out of the primitive. Then hide the object, and use the extrude and press pull operations to make 0.5mm space between the support and side parts of the model and 0.25mm space between the support and the bottom of the model. Then I use wire-frame mode to inspect the support structure and the model to ensure there are no parts touching.
As others have said, been using S3D for a while but you still show me things that I didn't know about and could have come in really useful for past prints! Brilliant stuff, thank you.
Another great video, Angus! When I experience some problem with Fusion designs, I just come to your channel and there is always an answer. You're the best!
For the longest time, I did think that the smaller supports pillars did effect the density of the supports. I see that tip being super helpful for newcomers to Simplify3d.
Well done. I second your notions regarding assumptions as to what the software will or will not do based solely on the parameter description, especially density vs resolution. Dense support layers are useful but if they are not paired with a high percentage it can destroy fillets and other fine features. S3D will spit out a solid dense layer with half of its edges unsupported and it's not always easy to catch.
I also use the "lilly pad" trick on small support columns if the base of a support tower is small compared to its height. I have a small disk STL I add to the model at the base of the support tower. This prints the lilly pad at the print model settings and then the support prints on top of that giving it a far better base and bed adhesion. This same disk STL can be good to add to a model if you have a sharp corner on the model that has a tendency to want to lift/curl up. Just insert the disc at that problematic spot on the model, and boom instant increased bed adhesion at that feature. I find these disks far easier to remove than a whole model brim, and can be placed only on areas that tend to want to curl versus the whole print base like a brim creates. Great video sharing your tips, keep it up :)
Thanks. Very helpful. I had worked out myself the pillar resolution, but had not understood the use of dense layers. Will give it a go. Also, another benefit / use of extending the support beyond the model is for instance adding support for a round window in a thin wall. Extending allows the support to anchor on the print bed, rather than just the wall.
Really helpful thank you! Sorted out some of my more challenging prints. It had been bugging me about how supports were always long thin strips, i'd never figured out that I could make -45,45 angled supports for strength. I never really got the point of dense supports either but i'm now keen to try one.
Thank you Angus for your time to teach. and to C3C3, :) S3D is by far the best slicer for FDM . I am so glad I bought it. I have not regretted the purchase.
This was so useful, if I didn't have z wobble on my printer due to a bent lead screw i am sure this would give me near perfect parts that i couldn't get before.
BOOM - I recalled seeing this tutorial back in June last year and knew I would need it someday... today was that day! Now I can crack on with my hydraulic prototype. Love you muchly Angus!!!!!
Just got into 3d printing 8 months ago and got simplify3d and was wondering about all the support settings had most of it wrong ! Thanks for clarifying this now maybe removing supports won’t be such a pain, also having so many prints ruined when a single support falls over Thanks
I have already learned sooo much by your videos... Such a well person and so good explaining. I wish you would have been the teacher who had taught me english, or maths back then :-) Great respect from germany
Just getting started in 3D printing. Quite glad Angus you are doing your thing, your awesome! Just waiting for the Prusa i3 MK2 to arrive. Thank you for continuing to share your vast knowledge.
Thanks for the video! The one thing I would like to be added to simplify3D is smarter supports. So for example supports that slowly grow as they get larger. For example: take a box that for some reason you want to print upside down. In this case you will need to fill the entire box with support materials. It would be better if there is an option that it starts from a point and then grows at an angle of for example 45 degrees outwards. There are some other variants and situations where they would benefit but I think you get the point.
I'd make two processes for this situation. One with 5~10% support density for 90% of the cavity height, and the second for the remaining height with 15-20% density. Stratasys software does a very similar thing by making pillars very very sparse (but with 1 perimeter shell all around so it doesn't wobble) and then printing solid density when the contact surface is close.
Great video as usual. I did not know about Dense Support layers, or Extra Inflation Distance options. Makers Muse is definitely one of my favorite 3D printing channels. Don't worry Joel, your channel is good also! ha ha.
Nice work! I didn't know you could mix and match different resolutions of supports and the angles tip is very nice. I thought I had supports down well, but those are very helpful.
So my problem is buy simplify3d or a Flexion Extruder for my Cocoon Create as they both cost pretty much the same. Love the videos mate hope the channel grows.
Great video man, this was actually super useful, I'll be applying things I learned here all the time! Keep making those kinds of videos, they're extremely pertinent.
thanks for the great explanation. would love a similar video explaining raft settings and how increase or decreasing settings effect the raft and print.
Great video! I just can’t understand why in this video you find a way to deal with support and say how important it is to choose correct settings for the support so that the 3d model gets a smooth surface and the support is removed easily, while in your previous video you're doing it differently and point to support settings that ruin the entire 3D model?! It’s a rhetorical question. Also, in your video reviews you often say that the 3D models are faulty because they require a lot of support for printing. I think you figured it already out that the problem is not in the 3D model. However, in this video you also show that you use the same amount of support. You could also have used a different support pattern for less material use. But I suppose this was done to get the part with the attached support smoother. Am I right? I’m glad you’re learning from your own mistakes, you’re testing more and spending more time on dealing with settings. Keep it up!
Great video to which I'll for sure return at the time I have my own 3D printer (hopefully somewhen this year) Thanks for sharing your knowledge. it means a lot to newbees and wannabee newbees as well as for people gradually getting used to 3D printers and printing.
Angus, is it possible to replace the last layer of support material, that touches our print, with water dissolvable filament, so we throw it into the water and PLA/ABS support just falls off and dont leaves any marks? I know, we could just make entire support from that dissolvable filament but its expensive.
Not that I've seen in S3D. Supposedly Slic3r lets you have support interface layers which looks similar to "dens support material". I was given the impression the interface layers could be a different material but I can't find that setting.
I think it is possible but not really built into S3D, depending on the design you could design your own supports that come close to the part and then let S3D create the support for the area between your supports and the part. For example using the same example that Angus showed with the parts suspended in mid air you could create a block that has the same infill that you want for supports and use a different process to turn off top, bottom, and shells and have that block stop like 2-3 mm from the part, then S3D could generate the support for the 2-3mm gap and you could define supports to be printed with the second extruder. Maybe a feature request to S3D to add the option to use a different extruder only for the dense support layers and not normal support layers would be a way to go, right now you can only define for all supports.
Great video, thanks. I agree that if Simplify3D would lower their price it would become much more mainstream, especially given the price development of 3D printers.
Great tips! I always have problems with the "extra inflation distance" it always seems to extend them inside of the model. most of what I print has thin walls and the inflation generally moves inside of the wall.
can you thoroughly cover the meshmixer support settings. including the different presets as well as the support generator and advanced support settings. as we as the orientation . thx.
Hi there, I love your video and really appreciate your insights! I was wondering if you have any idea when simplify3d version 5 is coming out... its been two years since they were "close to launching" and it's been radio silence for a very long time, have you alpha or beta tested anything from them?
1. Excellent tip around the -45/45 degree (or any degree) support option. That's a new one for me, thanks!! 2. Support separation layers weren't discussed, I've had luck in some circumstances with 0 upper separation layers (more so with ABS than brittle PLA). 3. I have trouble with curved overhangs that need support, there seems to be a gap between the sweet spot of support, and the overhangs that don't need support. (I think around the 55-70 degree area seems most troublesome. I've got around it sometimes with changing the layer width, but that can do other things to some models, or that isn't a desirable option. Do you have recommendations? Do you have any contact with Simplify 3D, particularly are you aware of any potential pillar support (like meshmixer) being developed for this product?
This is something i added to my Favorites because i will need advanced Supports for upcomming 3D Printing Projects. :) THX for this usefull Tips! *#HighFive*
I have a print I am working on and the support is a complete nightmare. I am going to try again and HOPE some of these work (although some I was already tweaking). Big question for me is, printing at .2mm, how far can I get away with spacing the actual supports?
![Eminem - Temporary (feat. Skylar Grey) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZaK9Wi5ho0o/mqdefault.jpg)
I've been using S3D for over a year, but still learn tons of tips, tricks and advice from your videos.
Great work as always Angus.
Thanks man! happy to help.
Exactly what I was thinking. Never thought about leaving spaces for pliers or the larger tabs on the edge for something to grab onto. Very cool!
Yeah, this video was immensely helpful to me as well. Supports are often so difficult to remove and sometimes hard to set up in a way in which they're actually helpful.
Totally agree; I thought I knew all the tricks of S3D supports, but a majority of this video was still new (even if only a small-yet-powerful idea, like leaving in "plier holes").
I'm right there with you Spike! Angus keep it up man, your S3D vids are always helpful!
I find your Tips on using Simplify3D easier to understand and I always look at your site for new tips first compared to Simplify3D's own Tips. This one was especially Helpful. I just wish that you explained in this one on How to Print using an Interface Layer so that I could run an M600 Command to allow me to add a Different Material such as Water Soluble PVa into my Support Structures.
I must say you are the most best knowledgable person on the whole youtube, I´ve just started printing and your videos are helping me so much to avoid failing in 3d printing, especially the support (very important bit during the printing as you said, completely agree). Thank you so much
Thanks Angus. Every time I think, I won't watch this video I know all about the subject. I am always surprised that you teach me something new. Awesome job mate. Thanks
Your channel is the far best on FDM printing! Thanks a lot!
loving the new graphics elements!
they really add to your explanations, you certainly explain this stuff the best out of almost everyone online.
Thank you so much for making this video! After months of struggling with large scale statue prints failing due to support failure on my new guider 2 I found this video and the key was the 90 degree offset on the support structures in simplify 3d. I have not had a single failure since! Thank you so much for saving my printer from the river!
Wow. Really good ideas. End inflation and thicker bottom layers. Good idea
I have sometimes created my own support structures around the model rather than use automatically generated ones. I did this before I discovered the "expert" mode in the FlashPrint software.
I'm using a FlashForge Adventurer 3 printer. Because of this I have to use FlashPrint to communicate with the printer. Now that I have watched your video I may be able to make use of the additional expert settings in FlashPrint.
I think there is still are likely to still be cases where modelling my own supports is useful. For instance, if support is needed in a difficult to access part of the model, a custom modeled support can be made with a handle that you can grasp to remove it. If I am modelling a complete assembly with moving parts, using custom designed supports enables me to ensure the surfaces of moving parts will be as smooth as can be once the support is removed.
Other possible reasons are to reduce waste plastic, reduce printing time and ensure the model does not fall over. Building a custom support that itself does not need support can reduce printing time considerably.
I use Fusion 360. To make a basic support of my own, I create a primitive object that surrounds the part I want support for, and then use the cut operator to cut a negative of the object out of the primitive. Then hide the object, and use the extrude and press pull operations to make 0.5mm space between the support and side parts of the model and 0.25mm space between the support and the bottom of the model. Then I use wire-frame mode to inspect the support structure and the model to ensure there are no parts touching.
As others have said, been using S3D for a while but you still show me things that I didn't know about and could have come in really useful for past prints!
Brilliant stuff, thank you.
Another great video, Angus! When I experience some problem with Fusion designs, I just come to your channel and there is always an answer. You're the best!
For the longest time, I did think that the smaller supports pillars did effect the density of the supports. I see that tip being super helpful for newcomers to Simplify3d.
Well done. I second your notions regarding assumptions as to what the software will or will not do based solely on the parameter description, especially density vs resolution. Dense support layers are useful but if they are not paired with a high percentage it can destroy fillets and other fine features. S3D will spit out a solid dense layer with half of its edges unsupported and it's not always easy to catch.
Thanks Angus. I really need to learn more on support structures and your tips on improving density seems to be the key I'm missing. Much appreciated
Been using S3D for quite a while but never know what those setting did, This is gold!
Thanks again Mr Angus another fine set of tips :)
I also use the "lilly pad" trick on small support columns if the base of a support tower is small compared to its height. I have a small disk STL I add to the model at the base of the support tower. This prints the lilly pad at the print model settings and then the support prints on top of that giving it a far better base and bed adhesion.
This same disk STL can be good to add to a model if you have a sharp corner on the model that has a tendency to want to lift/curl up. Just insert the disc at that problematic spot on the model, and boom instant increased bed adhesion at that feature. I find these disks far easier to remove than a whole model brim, and can be placed only on areas that tend to want to curl versus the whole print base like a brim creates.
Great video sharing your tips, keep it up :)
Another great & informative video. Just goes to show you don't need time-lapse scenes to make good content.
Too many videos of time-lapse prints already out there already imho!
Thanks. Very helpful. I had worked out myself the pillar resolution, but had not understood the use of dense layers. Will give it a go.
Also, another benefit / use of extending the support beyond the model is for instance adding support for a round window in a thin wall. Extending allows the support to anchor on the print bed, rather than just the wall.
Your videos helped me get through a ton of challenges that I faced with this project that I have been working on! Thank you sooooo much.
Thanks Angus! I always learn something from your vids. Keep up the great work!
Really helpful thanks! The written descriptions are nice but having them visualized like this is far better! :)
Excellent video - explaining the different settings is extremely useful!
Really helpful thank you! Sorted out some of my more challenging prints. It had been bugging me about how supports were always long thin strips, i'd never figured out that I could make -45,45 angled supports for strength. I never really got the point of dense supports either but i'm now keen to try one.
Thank you Angus for your time to teach.
and to C3C3, :)
S3D is by far the best slicer for FDM . I am so glad I bought it. I have not regretted the purchase.
Insanely well explained!
Doing a great job showing off how powerful Simplify 3D actually is!
Nice, thank you. I knew a couple of these tricks but not all of them.
This was so useful, if I didn't have z wobble on my printer due to a bent lead screw i am sure this would give me near perfect parts that i couldn't get before.
I thought I was getting good at s3d supports but picked up a couple of good tips here, thanks!!
BOOM - I recalled seeing this tutorial back in June last year and knew I would need it someday... today was that day! Now I can crack on with my hydraulic prototype. Love you muchly Angus!!!!!
Just got into 3d printing 8 months ago and got simplify3d and was wondering about all the support settings had most of it wrong ! Thanks for clarifying this now maybe removing supports won’t be such a pain, also having so many prints ruined when a single support falls over Thanks
I have already learned sooo much by your videos... Such a well person and so good explaining. I wish you would have been the teacher who had taught me english, or maths back then :-) Great respect from germany
Just getting started in 3D printing. Quite glad Angus you are doing your thing, your awesome! Just waiting for the Prusa i3 MK2 to arrive. Thank you for continuing to share your vast knowledge.
Your tips save my print today
Love your quick and informative tips. As a hobby novice it's extremely valuable... Thanks for the work!
This video is super helpful. Ive alays just used curas supports and man, it can be rough going. Thanks!
Thanks for the video! The one thing I would like to be added to simplify3D is smarter supports. So for example supports that slowly grow as they get larger. For example: take a box that for some reason you want to print upside down. In this case you will need to fill the entire box with support materials. It would be better if there is an option that it starts from a point and then grows at an angle of for example 45 degrees outwards. There are some other variants and situations where they would benefit but I think you get the point.
I'd make two processes for this situation. One with 5~10% support density for 90% of the cavity height, and the second for the remaining height with 15-20% density. Stratasys software does a very similar thing by making pillars very very sparse (but with 1 perimeter shell all around so it doesn't wobble) and then printing solid density when the contact surface is close.
Sounds like a nice addition! Well we can conclude that there are quite a few features that are welcome additions to the support system of S3D
Awesome video thanks! short and to the point! exactly the info i needed!
Great tips Angus! I'll be making sure to try them all out on my next print!
Great video as usual. I did not know about Dense Support layers, or Extra Inflation Distance options.
Makers Muse is definitely one of my favorite 3D printing channels. Don't worry Joel, your channel is good also! ha ha.
Nice work! I didn't know you could mix and match different resolutions of supports and the angles tip is very nice. I thought I had supports down well, but those are very helpful.
So my problem is buy simplify3d or a Flexion Extruder for my Cocoon Create as they both cost pretty much the same.
Love the videos mate hope the channel grows.
You are the best 3d printer on youtube thanks!
Wow so much info for supports I am in awe. Great vid Angus and can't wait to put these tips into effect.
This video was so nice I watched it twice.
Most excellent tips for using support in S3D, Angus, thank you for sharing this.
Great video man, this was actually super useful, I'll be applying things I learned here all the time! Keep making those kinds of videos, they're extremely pertinent.
thanks for the great explanation. would love a similar video explaining raft settings and how increase or decreasing settings effect the raft and print.
Great video! I just can’t understand why in this video you find a way to deal with support and say how important it is to choose correct settings for the support so that the 3d model gets a smooth surface and the support is removed easily, while in your previous video you're doing it differently and point to support settings that ruin the entire 3D model?! It’s a rhetorical question.
Also, in your video reviews you often say that the 3D models are faulty because they require a lot of support for printing. I think you figured it already out that the problem is not in the 3D model. However, in this video you also show that you use the same amount of support. You could also have used a different support pattern for less material use. But I suppose this was done to get the part with the attached support smoother. Am I right?
I’m glad you’re learning from your own mistakes, you’re testing more and spending more time on dealing with settings. Keep it up!
I wondered what Extra Inflation Distance was good for. Thanks!!
More of the Masterclass series! :))) 10/10
Would you able to talk about prints that use PVA as support material or 2nd extrude material? It would be appreciated. Your videos always seem useful.
First time here, absolutely great tips, and I've been using S3D for almost 2 years. Subbed. Keep up the great content!!!
Great video to which I'll for sure return at the time I have my own 3D printer (hopefully somewhen this year)
Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
it means a lot to newbees and wannabee newbees as well as for people gradually getting used to 3D printers and printing.
Another great tutorial where I took something new away. Thanks Angus...
Great video Angus. You teach me something new every time.
gave this a thumbs up, but adding details on the number of layer spacing and separation for each material could be a good video to make
With dense support layers use 2 lower vertical support separation layers while the upper vertical support separation layers is set to 1
good stuff. over the last 4 years I have came to the same conclusions as you mention in this video. good tips. ~Russ
Very useful...thanks, Angus!
Great Video! I Have learnt so much from you Angus! Absolute legend!
+Ashley Weston thanks! Happy printing
Some great tips there, thanks will try these out
I gotta get Simplified 3D...
Thanks for the support structure tips Angus...
GREAT tips. Thank you.
Really great video! Always nice to learn something more about a great software like S3D!
+Simone | FNTSMN thanks man!
a great help as always. nicely done.
Subscribed!!! All good info thanks for the time and upload.
great video, will come in handy
cheers
Thanks for the tips Angus. Great as always.
Crystal clear: thanks chief !
VERY useful! Thanks bud!
Really great tips, thanks Angus.
Just great tips, thank you
So incredibly helpful! Thank you!
Angus, is it possible to replace the last layer of support material, that touches our print, with water dissolvable filament, so we throw it into the water and PLA/ABS support just falls off and dont leaves any marks?
I know, we could just make entire support from that dissolvable filament but its expensive.
Not that I've seen in S3D. Supposedly Slic3r lets you have support interface layers which looks similar to "dens support material". I was given the impression the interface layers could be a different material but I can't find that setting.
I think it is possible but not really built into S3D, depending on the design you could design your own supports that come close to the part and then let S3D create the support for the area between your supports and the part. For example using the same example that Angus showed with the parts suspended in mid air you could create a block that has the same infill that you want for supports and use a different process to turn off top, bottom, and shells and have that block stop like 2-3 mm from the part, then S3D could generate the support for the 2-3mm gap and you could define supports to be printed with the second extruder.
Maybe a feature request to S3D to add the option to use a different extruder only for the dense support layers and not normal support layers would be a way to go, right now you can only define for all supports.
Arek R. I know this is a bit of an old comment, but the new update to Simplify3D just added this feature.
David yes
This feature is available now on S3D.
Thanks for posting, much learned.
Great video, thanks.
I agree that if Simplify3D would lower their price it would become much more mainstream, especially given the price development of 3D printers.
Great tips! I always have problems with the "extra inflation distance" it always seems to extend them inside of the model. most of what I print has thin walls and the inflation generally moves inside of the wall.
Love your videos man, i find almost all my answers here!
Excellent video once again. Gonna try out this simplify 3D. I need some better bad software too. What do other people use? SketchUp is kinda limited.
Excellent video thanks
Really great video again, thxs for it
can you thoroughly cover the meshmixer support settings. including the different presets as well as the support generator and advanced support settings. as we as the orientation . thx.
Hi there, I love your video and really appreciate your insights! I was wondering if you have any idea when simplify3d version 5 is coming out... its been two years since they were "close to launching" and it's been radio silence for a very long time, have you alpha or beta tested anything from them?
My goodness dude. LEGEND.
great video. well put sir.
Thanks for the video. What is your dense support percentage ?
LETS GET STARTED
1. Excellent tip around the -45/45 degree (or any degree) support option. That's a new one for me, thanks!!
2. Support separation layers weren't discussed, I've had luck in some circumstances with 0 upper separation layers (more so with ABS than brittle PLA).
3. I have trouble with curved overhangs that need support, there seems to be a gap between the sweet spot of support, and the overhangs that don't need support. (I think around the 55-70 degree area seems most troublesome.
I've got around it sometimes with changing the layer width, but that can do other things to some models, or that isn't a desirable option.
Do you have recommendations?
Do you have any contact with Simplify 3D, particularly are you aware of any potential pillar support (like meshmixer) being developed for this product?
awesome tips! thanks
I learned something from this video
Thanks
Great advice!
This is something i added to my Favorites because i will need advanced Supports for upcomming 3D Printing Projects. :)
THX for this usefull Tips! *#HighFive*
great vid gonna help heaps
Thanks bud, very informative.
some brilliant tips there, thank you
I have a print I am working on and the support is a complete nightmare. I am going to try again and HOPE some of these work (although some I was already tweaking). Big question for me is, printing at .2mm, how far can I get away with spacing the actual supports?
Thanks it helped me to understand my S3D a bit more :-)
Again, another great tutorial!
These prints look amazing, what type of filament are you using?!?! I need to find a stable brand to stick with!
Great Tutorial Angus. If you're watching S3D, I have 3 words for you 'Tree Structure Support' :-)