Support structures are temporary features generated during 3D printing to stabilize areas that cannot be printed in mid-air. Proper selection of support type, style, pattern, and material improves print success, surface quality, and post-processing efficiency.
Because FDM printers build objects layer by layer, unsupported geometry may sag or collapse. To prevent this, support structures are added.
|
Geometry Condition |
Support Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Overhangs（Outward-facing surfaces without layers underneath） > 45° |
Required |
| Overhangs < 45° |
Often unnecessary |
| Long bridges（Horizontal spans between two points） |
May require support |
| Floating features (no underlying layers directly beneath them) |
Required |
| Internal cavities（Enclosed or hollow areas） |
Required |
|
Support Type |
Characteristics |
Best Use Case |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Normal |
Straight vertical supports from build plate to overhangs | Large, flat overhangs | Strong | High material use, harder removal |
|
Tree |
Supports branch out like a tree from the base to the overhangs | Complex shapes, organic or non-planar overhangs | Less material, easier removal | Slower slicing, less rigid for heavy overhangs |
|
Hybrid |
Combines tree-like branches with traditional straight-down supports | General-purpose tree support | Balanced strength and material use | / |
Normal Support Styles
|
Style |
Description |
Strength |
Removal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grid | Expanded rectangular regions |
High |
Hard |
| Snug | Follows overhang shape closely without expansion |
Medium–High |
Hard |
Tree Support Styles
|
Style |
Characteristics |
Strength |
Removal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tree Slim | Aggressive branch merging; thinner branches |
Medium |
Easy |
| Tree Strong | Conservative merging; thick connected branches |
High |
Medium |
| Tree Organic | Smooth, curved, organic branches |
Medium |
Easy |
| Tree Hybrid | Stronger branches with limited grid-like reinforcement |
Medium–High |
Hard |
Selecting compatible support materials ensures clean separation and good surface quality.
| Support Material | Compatible Model Materials |
|---|---|
|
PLA |
PLA, PLA-CF |
|
PETG |
PLA, PLA-CF, PETG, PETG-CF |
|
PVA |
PLA, PLA-CF, PETG, PETG-CF |
|
PA/PET Support |
PA, PAHT, PET |
Supports consist of two distinct parts:
|
Component |
Purpose |
|---|---|
|
Base |
Provides overall structural strength |
|
Interface |
Directly contacts the model surface |
Each part may use:
|
Pattern |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Default |
It typically uses a rectilinear pattern for normal supports and a hollow structure for tree supports. |
|
Rectilinear |
Using straight lines in two directions for reliable support |
|
Rectilinear Grid |
It alternates line direction between layers, making it stronger than rectilinear but harder to remove. |
|
Honeycomb |
It provides a good balance of strength and stability, especially for tall support structures. |
|
Lightning |
It is a very sparse tree support pattern that saves material and print time, but provides lower strength. |
|
Hollow |
No internal infill for tree support. |
|
Pattern |
Description |
Removal Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
|
Default |
It is an automatic pattern: rectilinear when using support material, and concentric with other materials |
Moderate |
|
Rectilinear |
A simple rectilinear pattern suitable for most cases |
Easy |
|
Concentric |
A concentric circular pattern that works well on non-planar surfaces and with support materials; very small interface spacing |
Easy |
|
Rectilinear Interlaced |
An offset rectilinear pattern that interlaces between layers, improving adhesion and underside smoothness but making removal harder than standard rectilinear. |
Moderate–Hard |
|
Grid |
A crisscross grid pattern that is very strong and stable, ideal for large flat surfaces, but harder to remove; best for high-rigidity support interfaces. |
Hard |
Step 1: Check Geometry
Step 2: Choose Support Type
Step 3: Select Support Style
Step 4: Select Support Material
Step 5: Support Removal