Resin printing can achieve delicate and complex designs, and this process cannot do without the help of support structures. Supports are temporary structures added to a 3D model that provide stability during printing, support overhanging parts, and prevent distortion of the print. If the supports are removed and disposed of correctly, ensuring a clean and smooth surface, the visual appeal of the 3D model can be enhanced for subsequent finishing. In this tutorial, we will introduce several tools for removing support from resin print, to help 3D printing enthusiasts remove supports correctly, obtain a simple and smooth experience, and prevent printing failures caused by improper support removal.
Essential Tools for Removing Supports
How to remove supports can be a problem for some beginners in resin printing. Together, we will learn about the basic tools and techniques for removing supports on resin prints, using them to master the crucial action of handling supports to ensure a smooth and successful post-processing.
Removing supports directly by hand can take care of some of the large support structures on the surface, but it cannot ensure the integrity of the model surface, and it is easy to stab the hand. Therefore, it is more advisable to wear gloves and other necessary protective equipment, and to use tools to remove supports from resin prints. Selecting and using appropriate tools can reduce damage to the surface of the model, and the support of narrow parts can be completely removed.
Flush Cutter
The Flush Cutter is a popular tool for removing supports from the resin print. The Flush Cutter has a sharp blade that removes support structures without damaging the surface of the model, cleanly and precisely.
How to use: Identify the connection point between the support structure and the model, hold the flush cutter at an angle, gently close the jaws, press against the connection point and carefully remove the support.
Pros and cons: The flat cutter is simple to use and easy to master. Using a flat cutter allows for precise, controlled cuts, the removal of supports is less likely to damage the master model, and leaves a smoother surface rather than rough marks. The downside is that it takes a lot of effort to remove larger support structures, and delicate supports need to be removed with controlled force or risk of damage.
Tweezers
Tweezers are also commonly used to remove supports. Flat cutting knives may not be able to handle supports in narrow structures, in which case tweezers are convenient and easy to use, with the tip to reach and remove the support.
How to use: Choose tweezers with a pointed tip, place tweezers around the point of support so that it grips the support firmly, lift the support up and remove it, and then repeat the movement for each support.
Pros and Cons: Tweezers can grip and remove smaller supports with precise control, reducing the risk of damaging the model during support removal. However, tweezers are difficult to remove supports that need to be cut, nor can they handle thick or strong supports.
Hobby Knife
The hobby knife, also known as a craft knife, is a multifunctional cutting tool. After removing the support body, there are usually some small bumps left on the surface, which can be removed by a craft knife.
How to use: Remove bumps from the surface of the model with a push spatula maneuver, which works very well to assist in removing support attachment points after removing the support body. Move the knife in a controlled manner to ensure a clean cut.
Pros and cons: The hobby knife can make precise cuts in delicate areas with minimal contact with the model, effectively removing support points with precision, and obtaining a clean surface for resin prints. If not used carefully, it is easy to cut directly to the surface of the model and cause damage.
In Conclusion
Understanding the process of removing supports is essential for post-processing resin prints. This tutorial introduces three basic tools for removing supports from resin prints, their use and advantages. Choosing the right tool according to the specific situation can help you get a clean print, if you are still interested, the following video will help you learn more about support removal and post-processing techniques: a delicate model printed by Anycubic Photon Mono X 6K, Wash&Cure Plus Machine quick cleaning and curing, successfully removing the support body and smoothing the support points, coloring and exhibit.