AI Summary
Stop Using Tree Support for Your 3D Prints
Full Summary
Key Quotes
« And the problem with them is always the same. They waste a bunch of plastic, they scar up the part, and they're a pain to get off. »
Introduction to the problems with traditional 3D print supports.
« So, I made a free open-source website that builds a support right into the model instead. »
The creator introduces their solution to the support material problem.
« I hate websites that try to charge you like a subscription for something simple, or if they're trying to steal your data. »
The creator explains their motivations for creating an open-source tool.
« Printed straight up, a part is weak along its layer lines and it's going to snap pretty easily. If you tilt it 45°, it comes out stronger. »
Explanation of why orienting parts for printing can improve strength.
« The fins really can save a lot of time and material. The cube itself saved 3 g of filament and 4 minutes and had arguably better quality. »
Summary of the benefits of using support fins on a specific print.
Resources mentioned in the video
website
printfins.com
A free, open-source website that generates integrated support fins for 3D models directly in the browser.
other
CNC Kitchen
A YouTube channel and creator whose work on print orientation and other 3D printing topics inspired the creator of printfins.com.
person
Stefan
Creator associated with CNC Kitchen, known for videos on 3D printing techniques.
other
Slant 3D
A 3D printing service and creator who pioneered the concept of integrated support fins.
other
Teleport
A 3D printing service offered by Slant 3D.
tool
3js
A JavaScript 3D library used by printfins.com to run the support generation in the browser.
website
GitHub
Platform where the printfins.com project is hosted as open-source, allowing for community contributions.
other
In's Logic
A filament company that provided material for the video and was having an anniversary sale.
Glossary
Support Material
Disposable structures printed alongside a 3D model to support overhangs or bridges, which are removed after printing.
Tree Supports
A type of 3D print support structure that branches out like a tree, often using less material but can be difficult to remove cleanly.
Gridded Supports
A common type of 3D print support structure that forms a grid pattern, typically dense and sometimes difficult to remove.
Support Fins
Integrated supports built directly into the model, designed to be easily snapped off and reduce waste and print time compared to traditional supports.
Tines
Small extensions or teeth on support fins that fuse to the model's side, helping to anchor the part and prevent it from shifting or falling over during printing.
STL
Standard Tessellation Language, a common file format for 3D models used in 3D printing.
3MF
A 3D Manufacturing Format, an XML-based file format for 3D models that can store more information than STL, such as color and separate parts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Traditional supports waste plastic, can scar the printed part, and are often difficult and time-consuming to remove, sometimes causing injury.
printfins.com is a free, open-source website that allows users to upload their 3D models (STL files) and automatically generates integrated 'support fins' directly into the model, which are designed to snap off cleanly.
Printing parts at an angle, rather than straight up, can make them stronger along their layer lines, preventing them from snapping easily when used.
Tines are small teeth on the support fins that fuse to the side of the main model, acting as anchors to prevent the part from moving or falling over during the printing process.
Support fins use less material, reduce print time, result in a cleaner finish, and are designed to snap off easily, saving time and effort compared to traditional supports.
