Support Structures Support structures are additional printed material used in 3D printing to hold up overhanging sections of a model. These structures prevent parts of the print from collapsing during the fabrication process. In FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), supports are often made from the same material as the print but can be removed post-printing. In SLA (Stereolithography) or DLP (Digital Light Processing), supports are typically thin resin columns designed for easy removal. Soluble supports, such as those made from PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol) or HIPS (High-Impact Polystyrene), can be dissolved in water or a specific solvent, reducing manual post-processing work. Choosing the right support strategy affects surface quality, print success, and overall material efficiency. |