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What is the Purpose of Support Structures in 3D Printing?

Published in 3D Printing Support 3 mins read

The primary purpose of support structures in 3D printing is to provide necessary support for overhanging or bridge structures during the printing process, which are then removed after the print is complete.

Why Are Support Structures Needed?

3D printing, particularly with Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printers, works by melting and overlaying filament layer by layer. This additive process requires each new layer to be built upon a solid foundation. When a part of the model extends outward significantly without anything directly below it (an overhang) or spans a gap between two points (a bridge), the printer needs a temporary structure to build upon for those layers.

As stated in our reference: "The support structure is the added part that supports the overhanging structure or bridge structure when slicing the model, which needs to be removed after printing." This highlights the core function and temporary nature of supports.

Functions of Support Structures

Support structures serve several crucial roles:

  • Preventing Collapse: Without support, overhanging layers would print into thin air, leading to sagging, deformation, or complete print failure.
  • Enabling Complex Geometries: They allow for the creation of intricate designs with features like steep angles, horizontal sections, and voids that would otherwise be impossible to print accurately layer by layer.
  • Maintaining Dimensional Accuracy: By providing a stable base, supports help ensure that features requiring support are printed to the correct shape and dimensions.

What Features Require Support?

Generally, support structures are needed for parts of a model where the angle relative to the print bed exceeds a certain limit (often around 45 degrees) or for horizontal sections that bridge a gap. Examples include:

  • Arms extending sideways from a vertical body.
  • The underside of horizontal holes or cavities.
  • Flat surfaces printed parallel to the build plate but not directly on it (bridges).
  • steeply angled sections.

These temporary structures are generated during the "slicing" phase, where the 3D model is translated into layer-by-layer instructions for the printer, and are then physically attached to the main print.

The Removal Process

Once the printing is finished, the support structures, being temporary additions, are carefully broken away or dissolved from the final printed object. This step requires design consideration for easy removal without damaging the part's surface.

In summary, support structures are vital, temporary components in 3D printing that enable the successful production of complex models with overhangs and bridges, which are necessary due to the layer-by-layer principle of printers like FDM.