Ok, I am printing a Viking ship hull and as you can imagine it requires supports. I admit it is a kind of quirky print with the keel looking ling it is going to cause problems at first but generally the print goes well. My issue is that when removing the supports that a layer of the hull actually comes off with the supports.
Does anyone have a good technique for removing the supports?
I can provide pictures if needed.
Tom
removing supports
Re: removing supports
Pictures would be good.
If you are using Simplify3D, you can try adjusting the layer separation for supports. But in general, I would look to see if your piece can be printed in another way. See if you can split it into two or more parts that can be printed without support, or at least with the visible exterior surfaces as the top layer. You will get much better surface quality for just the cost of having to glue your parts together and having a nearly invisible seam.
If you are using Simplify3D, you can try adjusting the layer separation for supports. But in general, I would look to see if your piece can be printed in another way. See if you can split it into two or more parts that can be printed without support, or at least with the visible exterior surfaces as the top layer. You will get much better surface quality for just the cost of having to glue your parts together and having a nearly invisible seam.
Re: removing supports
For physical removal, I use a good set of sprue cutters to get fairly close to the surface, then grind the nub down with a dremel tool and a set of diamond burr grinding tips from Amazon, or carefully carve it away in thin layers with a sharp set of Exacto carving tools. (Need to be very careful with those....it's damned easy to carve your fingers.)
http://www.amazon.com/SE-30PC-Diamond-S ... l+grinding
http://www.amazon.com/SE-30PC-Diamond-S ... l+grinding