Removing support structures  

Removable supports are a challenge

The key to removable supports is providing enough separation between the supports and the supported part that the support can be easily removed, while still providing support for overhangs. Unfortunately, supported layers are never going to look as good as layers printed without overhangs.

• For support to be removable, there has to be a gap between supports and supported layers.

• That gap means the supported layer is literally printed in thin air.

• You often need to increase the size of the gap (Z contact distance) to improve ease of removal.

• The supported layers print without any squish onto layer beneath, so have a circular cross-section and tend to sag slightly.

There are a few things you can try to improve appearance when using supports:

• Re-orient the part on the print bed to reduce the need for supports.

• If you are designing the parts, you can design in some easily remove “sacrificial supports”.

• Slice the part into smaller portions that don’t require supports and assemble them after printing.

Otherwise, finding a good balance of separation is important on the XY and Z axis. Here are the settings I change:

Support settings can be found under Print Settings->Support material in PrusaSlicer.

I've got some more notes here that might be helpful. If the ballerina has lots of fine details like fingers and hair, you may find that Cura's tree supports are easier to work with. Prusa is constantly improving PrusaSlicer and is in the process of updating supports, but for now, PS supports can be tricky.

... and for the removal process itself needle nosed pliers help to crush the support close to the model which eases the process.

Cheerio,

Thanks

Thanks for the helpful reply!!

Change Print Settings-> Support Material

When I try to change the support settings they are locked.

How do I turn off the lock?

Open the Box?

have you ticked the top box?

Joan

Changing Settings

Finally got it to work.

Thanks for help

RE: Removing support structures

I am surprised that no one mentioned organic supports and painting on supports to minimize the location of the support.  If bridging is set correct, minimal supports can be used. 

A good quality scalpel or razor knife is needed.  If the parts are small, get/print a small jewellers vise to hold the small parts while working on them.  Better for safety and less likely that stray force will be put in an area that you are not working on.  3D print an adapter to fit in a normal bench vise to hold smaller parts.

RE: Removing support structures

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I believe each such post should be removed and accounts suspended.