Failing supports

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Supports are an important part of a 3D-printed object, especially when printing a model with a complex shape. If support material breaks, it is likely to cause a failure on the whole print. 

PrusaSlicer shows a warning message if stability problems are detected on a model. In most cases, the solution is adding support material. Typically, support material is added on big or highly sloped overhangs.

More info on support and related settings is on the dedicated support material article. 

How to prevent failing supports

• Avoid isolated or scarce support towers 
  • For Grid and Snug supports, by reducing the pattern spacing.
  • For Organic supports, by increasing the branch density.
• Reduce printing speed for supports in PrusaSlicer, section Print settings –> Speed.
• Use a Brim around our support, found within Print settings –> Skirt and Brim.
• Use a different support pattern. In PrusaSlicer, section Print setting –> Support material –> Pattern. 
  • The rectilinear pattern is set by default and is the easiest to remove.
  • The rectilinear grid pattern is sturdier and less prone to breaking during printing compared to the rectilinear pattern and is harder to remove.
  • The honeycomb pattern is sturdy and somewhat difficult to remove.
• Change the value of the Overhang Threshold. The Overhang threshold value represents the most horizontal slope (measured from the horizontal plane) that you can print without support material (90° = vertical).
• Use custom supports, tailored to your model.

Speed, skirt and brim settings location

Support settings location