[Slicing Software] Ultimaker Tree Support: Minimal wire usage, seamless support!
Minimal material usage, yet capable of supporting the most complex part structures!? Ultimaker's latest support type , "Tree Spports," defies the effects of gravity, providing a novel way to support 3D printed models. What exactly is Tree Spports? A complete explanation of its principles, along with a tutorial on setting up Ultimaker Cura slicing software and operational tips:
The principle of hot melt stacking 3D printing (FFF/FDM) technology is to print objects by stacking layers. However, 3D printing filaments are affected by gravity and will fall when suspended in the air. Therefore, auxiliary structures called "supports" are usually added at the suspension points. After completion, the supports are removed from the main body, and the model body is finally completed ( click to see: click to see: compare the support effects and see which method suits you ). Ultimaker Cura has recently developed a second type of support structure called "Tree Spports". It can be more easily disassembled from the main body with minimal material, and the surface of the finished model is almost unmarked.
Tree Spports
Tree supports are a new type of support structure in Ultimaker Cura. Unlike standard support generation, tree supports grow around the model, with the thickest base that thins as it rises. They also grow branches at a certain angle, with each branch having only one pointed tip that contacts the part of the object that needs support. The base support is as stable as a tree trunk, while the upper part uses small structures to precisely support the suspended structure of the object, making it look like the branches of a tree.
When the support function is activated in Cura, supports are typically generated below the object to support parts suspended in mid-air. The model body (red area) can be made using PLA , ABS , Nylon , or other high-strength industrial materials, depending on the part requirements. The support parts (blue area) usually use water-soluble PVA filaments . Water-soluble supports dissolve directly in water, eliminating the need for manual disassembly and effectively ensuring the quality of the finished product. ( Click to see: New support options available, dissolving six times faster! )
Tree-shaped supports can surround the model, supporting more intricate and complex structural parts. By contacting objects in a branch-like manner, they can use less material than conventional supports, which not only saves production costs but also increases the overall 3D printing speed, resulting in a cleaner process and a smoother, less defective finished product.
Tree-shaped support main settings
1. Support Placement
This setting can also be used for regular supports, with two options: Touching buildplate / Everywhere.
When "Everywhere" is selected, supports can be generated on top of the object, while when "Touching buildplate" is selected, supports will only grow upwards from the print platform and will only support the locations that the system considers to be suspended and need support.
2. Support Overhang Angle
Set the "minimum angle" for the tree support. The smaller the value, the larger the support area; the larger the value, the smaller the support area. It is recommended to start with a value of 50 and then adjust it according to the complexity, size, and details of the model.
3. Tree Support Branch Angle
Setting the "maximum angle" of the tree support allows for adjustments based on the model structure, reaching more subtle areas, eliminating unnecessary support positions, and avoiding large-area attachment to the model body.
Did you enjoy this sharing session? In the field of 3D printing , companies use support structures frequently. Mastering the tricks and methods of use can improve the quality and success rate of each production run, and also enable the creation of more refined industrial parts. Ultimaker offers more than just 3D printing . Contact us now to learn more about the full range of Ultimaker 3D printers .