Prusaslicer: /* Feature request */ Meshmixer like tree support for FDM printing

[martinowren]

_Is this a new feature request?_
Yes

You have showed you can do it with the new Alpha SLA support. So make something like it for FDM ;)

[OopAck]

I would like that too...
Also would like to see "Optimize Orientation" on the i3 side too not just SL1

[cnlson]

+1 to both although tree support is more important.

[zheffie]

+1

[Patrik-svobodik]

+1 for both

[Patrik-svobodik]

And maybe make them like cura so they are more stable, they can be “like trees”

[kjgipp]

I would also like to see an added feature for Tree Supports.

[kmshort]

+1 Tree supports for FDM would be fantastic.
Code is already there for SLA, so how hard can it be?

Also, "painting" an area on an object that needs support, with supports being auto-generated to target that specific area. That would be really useful.

[bubnikv]

Tree supports for FDM would be fantastic.
Code is already there for SLA, so how hard can it be?

The SLA tree supports will certainly not work for FDM without major changes.

Also, "painting" an area on an object that needs support, with supports
being auto-generated to target that specific area. That would be really
useful.

We were thinking about that as well.

On Wed, May 15, 2019 at 2:48 AM kmshort [e-mail] wrote:

Tree supports for FDM would be fantastic.
Code is already there for SLA, so how hard can it be?

Also, "painting" an area on an object that needs support, with supports
being auto-generated to target that specific area. That would be really
useful.

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[vertigo235]

I really hope the PrusaSlicer team can get back to working on FDM features soon. Would really love to see some improvements with FDM supports and this is not limited to tree supports.

[3dprintingnewb]

I also would love to see tree supports on an upcoming release. I also use Cura and tree supports work quite well. I have contacted Prusa support requesting them and I sent Josef a message via reddit hope Prusa responds

[WarrenSchultz]

This is possible to hack with extra steps in the latest release if you use an SL1 profile to generate the supports on the base plate, then export as STL with Supports. You can then import that into an FDM project. There is extra support material on the bed, but it works. (And, because Prusa cleverly saved the STL into a part-based format, you can separate by parts and remove the extra bed layers as one big piece)

All that to say, Prusa has all the code it needs in place on the current alpha, just a bit of tweaking is required. :)

[dennyrgood]

I played with this a bit ... when I add tree supports to a model with the SL1 profile, save it with tree supports and bring it back in with it set to the FDM printer ... I can see the trees, but when I go to slice it the tops of the trees do not appear to touch/or come very close to the object.

I have not tried printing it yet, but has anyone else seen what I am referencing?

Mr Warren Schultz (and even others) has this been an issue for you?

Thanks!!!

[tonypartridge]

+1 please!

[gbomacfly]

+1

[kris2340k]

+1

[rveda]

+1

[stuartpb]

The SLA tree supports will certainly not work for FDM without major changes.

What major changes would those be?

[janrg]

+1

[ephramcohen]

+1

[Kiron21]

+10

[Ugars]

+1
Tree support is my only reason for using Cura.

[Kiron21]

And ironing.

[lars-sorensen]

Oh yes please!!

[Nandox7]

+1 Tree supports for FDM would be fantastic.
Code is already there for SLA, so how hard can it be?

Also, "painting" an area on an object that needs support, with supports being auto-generated to target that specific area. That would be really useful.

Maybe create a second FR for that.
That one of feature I miss form cura, where it highlights the overhang areas and we can go around "clicking" on the ones we want support (or the reverse, where you don't want)
On more complex parts it make the work of adding soo much easier and fast compared to creating one support enforcer for every single detail.

[valterfc]

+1

[thorkseng]

+1

[alienboyxp]

+1

[lemon65]

+1

[viestursr]

+1

[Bytewaste]

+1 Would love some tree support, I fall back to Cura atm for that, but I like slic3r better overall.

[jup2000]

+1 Please add tree support! One of the few reasons I still go back to Cura is for their tree support. It's second to none.

[SLITH3RIN]

+1

[delboy2028]

+1

[trollhunterD]

+1000
I been using the SL1 profile to then exporting the file with supports and reloading it to prusa under mk3 just to print wish we could just do it the support option

[cnlson]

@bubnikv please tell me which looks better?

or

especially when the supports come off so much easier

people are already using sl1 supports. why not make it easier for them if they want it? no broken gun, this is exactly what this model needs!

[Kampe]

gonna have to also +1 this one

[MikeRatcliffe]

+1 just for the heck of it... the painted supports are awesome and I am sure the staff all know we all want tree supports.

You can always add them using meshmixer until Prusa implement it though ;)

[karambolis8]

Waiting for this as others

[sej7278]

just tried 2.3.0 alpha3 and was surprised to find no conical/treelike supports or fuzzy skin, we do seem to have ironing though

[Tzabari]

+1

[SuperScratchy]

+1

[sej7278]

Let's face it, linear supports are unusable, most of the time they either snap the very model you're trying to support during removal or use too much filament and need too much cleanup.

Treelike supports in other slicers aren't great either as they can be too fragile, so what's the middle ground - or is there another option?

[cnlson]

@sej7278 if you look at the pictures from my post, that is using the resin printer supports, exported with supports, Then reimported as fdm and sliced. It works, just not totally optimized for FDM. They could do it, but in the meantime you can try it easily. the other option is meshmixer, but prusaslicer's print turned out much better than meshmixers version.

[dryphi]

+1. I like the PrusaSlicer tree supports better than MeshMixer because they place tree tips in between (i.e. at top and bottom surfaces of) the model instead of just the overhangs (image attached). Also stems are straight vertical with connections and it's much simpler to apply with just a couple clicks. However the lack of options is a double-edged sword. I would like to be able to adjust some settings directly from the dialog such as stem diameter. And printing directly on the print-bed (0 z height) would be useful even for SLA prints.
EDIT: apparently you can do this by setting a pad around object.

EDIT2: I also have begun generating these supports on an "SLS" printer (such as the SL1) then selecting "Export plate as STL including supports" from the Export menu, then importing again. But it seems like this step should be unnecessary. Also you can't view overhangs or set the critical angle.