this post was submitted on 12 Dec 2025
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[–] squaresinger@lemmy.world 14 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

This is a super difficult model. There's no good orientation for it.

I'd probably print it as oriented on the picture and use a lot of support. If classic support isn't working for you, try organic/tree support, but I think the regular support would be better. Support should cover the full underside with this print.

When printing in PLA make sure you have really, really good cooling for this.

[–] nieceandtows@programming.dev 1 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Thanks for the advice. I'm still learning, so what makes you say regular supports would be better for this compared to tree? I always struggle to get off tree supports from thin/skinny parts and end up breaking them.

[–] squaresinger@lemmy.world 3 points 1 week ago

In general, Tree support is easier to remove but has a higher chance of failing. Tree support also only really makes sense if you can get it to go around a part.

So say you are printing a standing O shape. With regular support the support will touch the bottom of the O and will be printed on top of the bottom part of the O, which will make that surface look rougher. Tree support will start sideways of the O and will only move into the O towards the top, so it will not touch the bottom part of the O, leaving it in good condition.

In the case here there's nothing underneath most of the floating surfaces, so regular supports will be better.

Also, tree support is better when it supports small areas, regular support is better for large areas.