In the video titled “3D resin print supports [EASY GUIDE]” by VogMan, he provides valuable tips and techniques on how to properly support 3D resin prints. The video aims to address common questions and problems that arise during the printing process. VogMan emphasizes the importance of orientating prints to avoid islands and overhangs, while also discussing the use of a raft, anchor, and support structures. Additionally, he offers insights on using ChiTuBox and similar slicers, and encourages viewers to support his channel through Patreon or PayPal donations. Overall, this guide offers beginners a comprehensive understanding of how to achieve successful resin prints.

If you’re new to 3D resin printing or have been facing issues with your prints, VogMan’s video, “3D resin print supports [EASY GUIDE],” is exactly what you need. In this guide, he shares valuable tips and techniques, from orientating prints to avoiding islands and overhangs, to using a raft, anchor, and proper support structures. He also dives into the world of slicers like ChiTuBox, providing expert insights on how to optimize your printing process. Whether you’re seeking answers to common 3D printing problems or looking to enhance your skills, this video is a must-watch. Don’t forget to support VogMan’s channel through Patreon or PayPal if you find his content helpful!

Why Supports are Necessary

Resin printing is a popular method for creating high-quality 3D prints. However, in order to ensure successful prints, supports are necessary. Supports are structures that are added to the print to help it adhere to the build plate and prevent failed prints. In this article, we will explore the importance of supports in resin printing and provide tips on how to optimize your prints for the best results.

Resin Prints and the Importance of Supports

When printing with resin, the print is created layer by layer, starting from the build plate and moving upward. However, gravity can pose a challenge as it tries to pull the print down. This is where supports come in. Supports provide a structure for the print to cling to, helping it stay in place and preventing it from falling off the build plate.

Without supports, the lowest point of the print, such as the bottom part of a sphere, would be left unsupported and would not be able to stick to the build plate. This would result in a failed print, as the unsupported part would simply drop away. By adding supports to the lowest point, the print can anchor itself to the build plate and each layer can adhere to the one before it, allowing for a successful print.

Identifying and Supporting Islands

Not all parts of a print are connected to the build plate. There are often sections that are called islands, which are unsupported floating sections. These islands need to be identified and supported to ensure a successful print.

When using slicer software, such as G2 Box, you can enable features that indicate areas that require support. These features, such as colored lines or indicators, help you easily identify the islands and areas that need to be supported. While auto support features in slicer software can be helpful, it is important to note that they are not perfect. Having a good understanding of why supports are necessary and manually adding supports can often yield better results.

Understanding the Limitations of the Auto Support Feature

While the auto support feature in slicer software can save time and effort, it is important to be aware of its limitations. Auto supports are generated automatically by the software based on certain parameters and algorithms. However, they may not always be placed in the most optimal positions and may not provide enough support for certain areas.

To overcome these limitations, it is crucial to have a good understanding of why supports are needed. Taking the time to manually add supports to areas that need them will ensure better results and minimize the risk of failed prints. Manual support placement allows for more control and customization, resulting in stronger and more stable supports.

Optimizing Print Orientation

Print orientation plays a significant role in minimizing the need for supports and preventing failed prints. By properly orienting your print, you can reduce the number of islands and overhangs, which are areas that require additional support.

When using slicer software, you can adjust the angle and position of the print to find the best orientation. Some general guidelines include avoiding flat edges adjacent to the build plate, as they can lead to sagging and misshaped prints. It is recommended to have the lowest point of the print around five millimeters or so above the platform to ensure proper adhesion.

By experimenting with different orientations and angles, you can find the optimal position that minimizes the need for supports and ensures a successful print.

Using a Raft

A raft is an additional structure that is printed underneath the actual print and provides a larger area to help the print stick to the build plate. Using a raft can greatly improve adhesion and prevent the print from detaching during the printing process.

When using slicer software, you can adjust the size of the raft to increase its surface area, which will enhance its sticking power. Increasing the size of the raft up to 150 percent is recommended for better results.

By incorporating a raft into your prints, you can increase the chances of a successful print and reduce the risk of detachment or warping.

Choosing the Right Type of Supports

Supports come in different types and strengths, and choosing the right type for your print is crucial for successful results.

Light supports have a smaller contact area with the print and cause less damage to the surface. These supports are preferable for areas with intricate details or delicate structures. However, light supports may bend or fail when dealing with longer distances, so it is important to consider the weight and structure of the print when choosing the type of supports.

For longer distances and heavier prints, medium to heavy supports are more suitable. These supports provide more stability and strength and are less likely to bend or fail. When using medium to heavy supports, it is recommended to ensure that the lowest point of the print has at least one heavy support to bear the weight of the print as it grows.

By choosing the appropriate type of supports based on the complexity and weight of the print, you can ensure better support and improved print quality.

Supporting Islands and Pink Areas

As mentioned earlier, islands are unsupported floating sections that need to be identified and supported. These islands are commonly found in prints and can greatly affect the success of the print if left unsupported.

When manually adding supports, it is important to carefully inspect the print from different angles and camera positions to identify all the islands. By rotating and examining the model, you can ensure that no islands are missed and that proper support is added to each one.

Additionally, there are often areas marked as pink in slicer software, indicating potential weak points that may need additional support. These pink areas should not be ignored, as supporting them properly can prevent failures and improve print quality.

Manually Bonding Supports

In some cases, the default supports generated by slicer software may not be strong enough or thick enough to provide adequate support. To overcome this, manual bonding can be done to create thicker and stronger supports.

By manually adding additional supports or connecting existing supports with small cross-sections, you can increase their strength and stability. This technique is particularly useful for prints with larger or heavier sections that require extra support.

By bonding supports, you can ensure that the print remains stable and intact throughout the printing process, resulting in a higher success rate and better print quality.

Over-supporting for Success

When it comes to resin printing, sometimes it is better to err on the side of caution and over-support rather than under-support. Over-supporting involves adding more supports than strictly necessary to ensure a successful print.

By adding extra supports, you can provide additional stability and minimize the risk of failure. This is especially useful for complex prints with intricate details or overhangs that may be prone to deformation or detachment.

While over-supporting may result in more post-processing work, such as support removal and sanding, it can greatly increase the likelihood of a successful print and save you from the disappointment of a failed print.

The Role of Slicer Software

Slicer software plays a vital role in the resin printing process, helping you prepare your model for printing and generate the necessary supports. Choosing the right slicer software is important to ensure smooth and efficient printing.

There are various slicer software options available, each with its own set of features and capabilities. When selecting a slicer software, consider factors such as user-friendliness, support options, and compatibility with your printer.

One example of a popular slicer software is G2 Box, which offers a range of features to enhance the printing process. With G2 Box, you can adjust print orientation, add and customize supports, and easily identify areas that require additional support. By utilizing the features and capabilities of slicer software like G2 Box, you can optimize your prints for better results.

A Different Slicer Software Recommendation

In addition to the popular slicer software options, there are also alternative software choices that may suit your needs. One such recommendation is a simpler slicer software, which will be discussed in the next video.

This simpler slicer software offers a more streamlined experience, focusing on the essentials of resin printing without overwhelming users with complicated settings and options. The next video will highlight the benefits and features of this software, providing an alternative option for those seeking a more user-friendly approach to resin printing.

Conclusion

Supports are an essential component of successful 3D resin printing. By understanding the importance of supports, optimizing print orientation, using rafts, choosing the right type of supports, supporting islands and pink areas, manually bonding supports, over-supporting if necessary, and utilizing slicer software effectively, you can achieve great results with your resin prints.

Remember to take the time to experiment and find the best orientation and support options for your specific prints. While resin printing can be challenging at times, with the right techniques and tools, you can overcome common printing problems and achieve high-quality resin prints. Happy printing!

Supporting your 3D resin prints to ensure great results every time is effortless! To start, make sure to orientate the prints correctly to avoid any islands or overhangs. Additionally, using a raft, anchor, and supports can greatly improve the quality of your prints. Don’t worry if this sounds confusing at first, because in this straightforward guide, I’ll show you how to do it all and address the common questions I often receive about 3D printing issues.

If you’re interested in learning how to support your 3D prints, overcome common printing problems, and maximize the performance of ChiTuBox and similar slicers, this video is perfect for you.

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