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  • The surface above the support material of my 3D print is uneven

The surface above the support material of my 3D print is uneven

3D Printing Help Centre

3D PRINTING HELP CENTRE

In the 123-3D help centre, we answer all your questions about 3D software and printer settings, problems you may experience during or after 3D printing and other 3D-related topics.

The surface above the support material of my 3D print is uneven

Does the surface of your 3D prints show irregularities after using support material? Then you probably need some adjustments in your slicer software. When printing complex overhang designs, the use of support filament or support is essential. However, this can cause an uneven surface on the underside of the print, just above the support foundation. 

How do you improve the surface quality?

Improve the surface quality with the following tips, which mainly focus on adjustments in your slicer software.  
  • Decrease the layer height

    When you reduce or even halve the layer height, twice as many layers are printed. This allows your printer to take smaller steps when creating overhangs. This makes the entire structure sturdier, smoother and reduces the amount of support material required. In addition, it reduces the total printing time and significantly increases the quality.
  • Adjust the support infill percentage

    As with choosing the 'regular' infill structure of your 3D print, you can also adjust the density of the 'support infill'. The usual percentage is between 20% and 40%. Is the 3D print dropping? Then there is too little support and you need to increase the support infill percentage.
  • Prevent adhesion of the support material

    Although your print must have sufficient support at overhangs, you want to avoid adhesion of the support material at all times. It is therefore essential to set the correct space between the support foundation and the print bed. You do this by adjusting the 'vertical separation layers' and 'horizontal part offset' settings in your slicer software.
    • Vertical separation layers

      Do you print with the same material? Then it is wise to adjust the vertical separation layers to one or two. If you enter zero here, the two parts will most likely merge, making them difficult to separate. However, if you print water soluble PVA filament, this is no problem.
    • Horizontal part offset

      This setting ensures the correct distance on the sides. Values ​​of 0.2mm and 0.4mm are common, but the exact settings depend on the type of extruder and filament you are using.
  • Use a second extruder

    When you have a dual extruder printer, printing with specially developed support material such as PVA becomes child's play. With this type of printer, it is possible to print with two different filament types. When using a printer with only one extruder, you are forced to use one type of material. Are you a true 3D pro or tech-savvy? Upgrade your existing printer by mounting a second extruder yourself.
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