Cura Support configurations

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When it comes to printing complex 3D models, supports are an essential part of the process. In Ultimaker Cura, you can customize and adjust a wide variety of media settings to get the best results from your prints.

The support configurations in Cura are used to generate structures that can support parts of the model that have overhangs.

Without these structures, parts would break during printing.

Generate Support

The first step to configure the supports in Cura is enable support generation. This function allows the program to identify the areas of the model that require supports to print correctly.

This option is located in the “Support” tab of the print settings. When you activate this feature, Cura will analyze the model and automatically generate the necessary supports to hold the protruding parts during printing.

In these cases, printing a support structure underneath the model will prevent the plastic from falling out. This can be achieved by enabling “Generate Support”.

stand extruder

Dual extrusion 3D printers provide the ability to create water-soluble supports, which is a very useful feature.

This feature allows you to define which parts of the support will be printed using each extruder, giving you greater control over the printing process.

This setting will only be visible if you have a 3D printer with a dual extrusion system in Ultimaker Cure.

This allows you to use a water-soluble material in one of the extruders, while the other extruder is used to print the main model. This way, once the print is finished, you can submerge the object in water and the soluble supports will easily dissolve, leaving the main model intact.

The “Support Extruder” settings are divided into:

• Support Filler Extruder: Specifies which extruder will be used to print the support fill material in a 3D print.
• First Layer Support Extruder: Determines which extruder will be used to print the first support layer, which is the base upon which the rest of the support structure will be built.
• support interface extruder: Indicates which extruder will be used to print the support interface, which is the layer closest to the model and helps provide a smoother, easier to remove support surface.
• Support Roof Extruder: Specifies which extruder will be used to print the support roof, which is the top of the support structures and provides a solid support surface for the upper layers of the model.
• Support soil extruder: Determines which extruder will be used to print the support floor, which is the base of the support structures and provides stability to the model during printing.

Support structure

The support structure determines how the supports will be built in relation to the main model.

Ultimaker Cura offers two types of support called “Normal" and "Tree“.

normal support

When you enable Normal support in Cura, the software analyzes your model design and determines the areas that require additional support to prevent warping or collapsing during printing.

Cura then automatically generates support structures that attach to the print bed and hold up any overhangs or protruding parts of the model.

'Normal' support generates supports directly beneath your 3D model and is used by default in all Ultimaker print profiles.

One of the main advantages of Normal support is its convenience and ease of use. As it is an automatic feature, there is no need to make manual adjustments or customize support parameters.

Cura takes care of generating the necessary structures in an optimal way, saving time and effort in configuration.

Alternatively, the “Tree” support creates branches that grow around the 3D model. The benefits of this alternative include reduced printing time and less scarring on the model.

Tree stand

Tree support is a very useful feature in Cura that allows you to generate specific support structures for models with complex geometry or difficult-to-print overhangs.

This feature uses a branching approach to create a more efficient and easily removable support.

The tree support is based on a hierarchical structure, similar to a tree, where branches are generated that branch off from a main trunk.

These branches are strategically distributed to provide stability to the printed model, while minimizing the amount of support material required.

Here, you can configure the following parameters:

• “Maximum branch angle" that controls the maximum inclination of the branches of the support
• “Branch diameter" which affects the width of individual branches
• “Trunk diameter"which determines the thickness of the main trunk of the support.
• “Branch diameter angle” to control the inclination of the thinner branches.

Placing the bracket

You can set “touching the print bed" either "everywhere“When set in all locations the support structures will also be printed resting on the model.

Contains the following options:

• Touching the plate: Cura only places the support in contact with the print surface.
• Everywhere: Allows the generation of support wherever it is needed, also supporting the model.

The choice between these two support placement options in Cura depends on several factors, such as the geometry of the model, the required stability and the ease of subsequent removal.

Sometimes you don't want the support to rest on your model so as not to ruin it with “unnecessary scars”. Other times, you will have no choice but to activate “everywhere” so that the print doesn't fail.

Bracket overhang angle

The support overhang angle is a key parameter in support settings in Cura.

This setting determines the maximum angle at which support will be generated for overhangs and protruding areas of the model.

For example, if you set a support overhang angle of 45 degrees, Cura will generate support for any overhang that exceeds this angle, ensuring that these areas print correctly.

It is important to find the right angle for each print, as an overhang angle that is too low can create unnecessary support in areas where it is not needed, which can increase print time and material consumption.

On the other hand, too high an overhang angle can cause necessary support to be omitted, which can result in warping or collapsing of the model.

The red parts indicate the area that needs support. The middle model has a cantilever angle of 70°, while the model on the right has a cantilever angle of 45°.

To determine the proper support overhang angle, consider printing a overhang test.

Pattern of the bracket

Support pattern refers to the design and arrangement of support lines that will be generated during printing. Cura offers different pattern options that will affect both support stability and ease of removal.

It refers to the pattern that the support structures will follow, resulting in a support that is resistant or, on the other hand, easy to remove.

You can choose between the following patterns:

• Zig Zag
• Lines
• Rack
• Triangles
• Concentric
• Cross
• gyroid

Support wall line count

Support wall line count refers to the number of support lines that will be printed to form the support structure. This setting directly affects the stability of the support and the amount of material used in printing.

Connect support zig-zags

The “Connect support zig-zags” option in Cura allows you to join support lines in a zig-zag pattern to create a stronger, more cohesive structure. This feature improves support stability by preventing lines from separating or breaking during printing.

When you activate the “Connect support zig-zags” feature in Cura, zig-zag support lines connect to each other, creating a stronger structure.

This helps to improve the stability and strength of the support, especially in areas with overhangs or complex geometries.

Support density

Support density determines the amount of material used to generate support structures during 3D printing.

When adjusting the support density in Cura, you can control the amount of material used to create the support structures.

A higher density will result in a stronger, more solid support, as there will be more material to support the protruding or overhanging parts of the model. On the other hand, a lower density will reduce the amount of material used, which can result in a lighter but potentially less strong support.

Distance from support line

Support line spacing is a secondary setting of support density; instead of being calculated as a percentage, it allows you to directly set the distance between supports. This setting can be adjusted separately for the first layer.

Support Fill Line Direction

Support infill line direction refers to the orientation of lines generated within support structures during 3D printing.

For example, if you have a model with steep overhangs, it is recommended to adjust the support fill line direction so that the lines are generated perpendicular to the overhang direction. This will provide sturdier and stronger support, preventing warping or collapse during printing.

Enable support edge

When the “Enable Support Edge” feature is activated, Cura creates an additional layer around the support edge, strengthening its connection to the model.

Just as you can put borders around the model, you can also do the same with supports.

The support edge adds a series of concentric layers to the inside of the support structure in the initial layer, similar to the model edge.

You can choose to modify the “Support Border Width”, and the “Support Border Line Count”

It is important to consider that enabling the support edge may slightly increase printing time and material consumption, as an additional layer is added. However, the benefits in terms of stability and print quality usually outweigh these aspects.

Support edge width

Support border width in Cura refers to the setting that determines the size or thickness of the border generated around support structures during 3D printing.

This brim provides additional support and helps maintain the stability of the model during the printing process.

A larger edge width will result in a wider, stronger support structure, which can be beneficial for models with larger or heavier areas that require additional support to prevent warping or sagging.

On the other hand, a smaller border width will create a slimmer, more discreet support structure, which may be suitable for smaller models or those with more delicate features.

Distance in Z of the support

Support Z-distance refers to the vertical separation between the model and the support base during 3D printing.

This setting in Cura allows you to control the height or space that is created between the model and the support on the Z axis.

Increasing the Z distance of the support increases the space between the model and the support base. On the other hand, by reducing the distance in Z of the support, the space between the model and the support base is reduced.

Too small a Z distance can result in excessive adhesion between the model and the support, which will make it difficult to remove the support and may leave unwanted marks on the surface of the model.

A small clearance between the support structure and the model parts is required to easily remove supports after the model has been printed. A low value creates a smoother surface, but can also make proper support removal more difficult.

X/Y distance of support

This setting in Cura allows you to control the gap or distance in the X and Y axis between the model and the support. By adjusting this distance, you determine how close or far apart the model is from the support structures.

The X/Y support distance refers to the horizontal separation between the model and the support structures generated during 3D printing.

Increasing the X/Y distance of the support results in a larger gap between the model and the support structures. This can be useful in cases where it is desired to reduce the contact between the model and the support, thus facilitating its removal later.

On the other hand, reducing the X/Y distance of the support means that the support structures will be closer to the model. Too small an X/Y distance can result in excessive adhesion between the model and the support, which would make it difficult to remove and could leave unwanted marks on the model surface.

Priority of support distances

Support distance priority in Cura refers to the setting that determines which distance will be considered first when generating support structures during 3D printing.

This option allows you to set whether the X/Y distance or the Z distance will take priority when determining the support location and spacing relative to the model.

For example, if you set a priority on X distance, the software will give more importance to the horizontal separation between the model and the support, adjusting the structures according to that distance.

On the other hand, if you choose a priority on the Y distance, the software will focus on the vertical separation between the model and the support, generating support structures that maintain that specific distance.

Minimum X/Y support distance

(This setting will only be visible when the “Z over X/Y” option is chosen)

When Z overrides the X/Y distance priority, as mentioned above, the X/Y distance can force the support to stick to the model. By setting a minimum X/Y support distance, you can make sure there is enough space between the model and the supporting structures, avoiding collisions or unwanted interference.

The X/Y minimum support distance in Cura refers to the setting that determines the minimum allowable separation between support structures and the model in the X and Y axes during 3D printing.

Setting the minimum X/Y support distance allows you to use Z support priority, but still be able to set a minimum distance between the model walls and the print supports, to ensure that the support don't stick to the walls.

Ladder stand step height

When “Everywhere” is chosen, the support is printed with the model. This support does not necessarily follow the contours of the model seamlessly. Instead, The lower part of the support structure consists of small ladder-like steps..

A low value will result in a softer base of the support and more connections between the model and the support structure. A higher value makes it easier to remove the support later..

This option allows you to control the height of each step in the staircase-shaped structure generated to support the model during 3D printing.

Adjusting the step height of the stand ladder is important to tailor the stand to the specific needs of each model. A higher step height will result in a more vertically spaced support structure, which can be helpful for models with complex areas that require a more solid and stable support.

On the other hand, a lower step height will create a denser, more compact structure, which may be suitable for simpler models or those with more delicate features.

Maximum width of the support ladder step

The maximum support stair step width in Cura refers to the setting that determines the horizontal distance between different levels or steps of the stair-like support structures generated to support the model during 3D printing.

This option allows you to control the width of each step in the support structure.

Adjusting the maximum step width of the support ladder is critical to tailoring the support to the specific needs of each model. A larger step width will result in a more horizontally spaced support structure, which can be useful for models with complex areas that require more solid and stable support. On the other hand, a smaller step width will create a denser and more compact structure, which may be suitable for simpler models or those with more delicate features.

Minimum slope angle of support ladder step

The Minimum Slope Angle of Support Stair Tread in Cura refers to the setting that determines the minimum slope or incline allowed for the steps of stair-shaped support structures generated during 3D printing.

This option allows you to control the slope of each step in the support structure.

With this setting, you can disable the steps at the bottom of the stand, until the slope of the model has a certain angle.

For those cases, you can limit the stair steps to occur only on the steepest slopes. This setting decides what constitutes a “steep” slope in that sense.

Bracket joint distance

This distance controls how close the support structures are to the main object and allows the support material to bond more solidly to the model. Adjusting the support bond distance is important to balance the stability of the model and the ease of support removal once the print is complete.

Support attachment distance in Cura refers to the setting that determines the separation or gap between support structures and the printed model.

Increasing the support attachment distance will create a greater separation between the model and the support structures, making them easier to remove. This setting is especially useful when you want to minimize any marks or deformation on the surface of the printed object.

Horizontal expansion of the support

Horizontal support expansion in Cura refers to the setting that determines the horizontal expansion or extension of the support structures generated around the model during 3D printing.

This option allows you to control the distance that support structures extend from the edges of the model, providing additional support and improving stability during printing.

Support infill layer thickness

Support fill layer thickness in Cura refers to the setting that determines the thickness of the support material layer that is generated within support structures.

This option allows you to control the thickness of the support layers that are placed inside the structures to provide stability and strength to the model during printing.

This setting can be used to save time when printing supports. For example if you are printing with a layer height of 0.2 mm you can change this setting to 0.4 mm so that for every two layers of the model you will print one layer of the support.

Support filler steps

It is the number of times required to halve the density of the support fill as it moves away from the upper surfaces.

The areas closest to the upper surfaces have a higher density, until reaching the density of the support fill.

Minimum support area

This option allows you to specify the threshold of the object's surface that should be covered by support. If the area of a section of the model is less than the set value, no support will be generated in that region.

This setting sets the minimum size required to generate support structures around the model.

Setting the minimum support area is useful to avoid unnecessary support structure generation in small areas or on parts of the model that do not require it. This saves material and printing time, while ensuring that supports are only placed where they are truly needed to maintain print quality and stability.

Enable support interface

This support interface acts as an intermediate layer that improves the surface quality of the model by providing a smooth, even base. Enabling this feature is useful when printing models with visible surfaces, fine details, or soft curves that require higher precision.

The “Enable Support Interface” option in Cura allows you to enable or disable the generation of an additional layer between the model and the support structures.

Support ceilings and floors can be configured separately and each has its own options:

Support Interface Thickness

Support interface thickness refers to the setting that determines the thickness of the additional layer generated between the model and the support structures.

Increasing the interface thickness creates a more solid and resistant layer that helps improve the stability of the model during printing. On the other hand, a lower interface thickness will result in a thinner and more discreet layer, ideal for models with delicate details or that require easier support removal.

Support Interface Resolution

Support interface resolution refers to the level of detail and accuracy of the additional layer generated between the model and the supporting structures.

This setting determines the amount of lines or patterns that are created on the interface. A higher resolution will result in a more detailed and accurate interface, which can be beneficial for models with curved surfaces or fine details. However, a lower resolution may be sufficient for simpler models or those with less precision requirements.

Support Interface Density

Support interface density refers to the amount of material used to generate the additional layer between the model and the support structures.

Adjusting the interface density allows you to control the amount of material deposited, which affects the strength and stability of the substrate. A higher density will result in a more solid and resistant interface, while a lower density will create a lighter and less visible interface.

Support Soil Density

Support soil density refers to the amount of material used to generate the support layer at the base of the model.

This setting allows you to control the density and strength of the support floor to ensure a solid and stable base. Adjusting the density of the support floor is especially useful when printing a model with a wide or heavy base that requires a strong support to prevent warping or sagging during printing.

Support Interface Pattern

The support interface pattern refers to the design or arrangement of lines or patterns generated in the additional layer between the model and the supporting structures.

Cura offers different pattern options, such as straight lines, zigzags or grids, which affect the appearance and functionality of the interface. Choosing the right pattern will depend on the characteristics of the model and the

Minimum Support Interface Area

The minimum support interface area refers to the minimum size required to generate the additional layer between the model and the support structures.

This setting allows you to set the minimum area threshold that a section of the model must have in order for a support interface to be generated. This is useful for avoiding the generation of interfaces in very small areas or in regions of the model where no additional support is required.

Horizontal Expansion of Support Interface

Horizontal expansion of the support interface refers to the adjustment that determines the amount of expansion or widening applied to the interface in the horizontal direction.

This setting allows you to control the amount of material deposited at the interface, which affects its strength and stability. A higher expansion will result in a wider, more solid interface, while a lower expansion will create a thinner, more discrete interface.

Support Interface Line Addresses

Support interface line directions refer to the settings that establish the orientation of lines or patterns generated in the additional layer between the model and the support structures.

Cura offers orientation options, such as horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, that affect the appearance and functionality of the interface. Choosing the appropriate orientation will depend on the characteristics and geometry of the model, as well as your personal preferences.

Fan speed change

This option gives you control over the fan speed at different stages of print output, which can affect quality and appearance.

This configuration allows you to adjust the speed from the fan during printing in the support areas.

Adjusting the fan speed can be beneficial to optimize support printing. For example, decreasing the fan speed in support areas can reduce vibration and material movement, improving the accuracy and quality of the printed support.

On the other hand, increasing the fan speed can accelerate the cooling and hardening of the support material, which can be helpful in reducing printing time and improving efficiency.

use towers

Enabling this setting allows for independent tower structures to be generated to support specific areas of the model during 3D printing. These towers act as support pillars and are strategically placed in locations where increased stability is required, such as overhangs or areas with higher weight.

By enabling the “Use Towers” feature, Cura will automatically generate the necessary tower structures to provide additional support in the designated areas.

These towers are independent of the rest of the support and can be more easily removed once the print is finished. Additionally, by using towers, the need to generate a full support around the model is avoided, which can save material and printing time.

Tower diameter

This setting controls the diameter of the towers, which are independent pillars that are strategically placed in areas of the model that require additional stability.

This configuration determines the size of the structures of the towers generated to provide additional support during 3D printing.

A larger tower diameter will provide a wider, more stable base, ideal for heavier areas or to improve the strength of long overhangs. On the other hand, a smaller diameter may be suitable for smaller or more delicate areas that require a more discreet support.

Maximum diameter supported by the tower

The maximum supported tower diameter in Cura sets the maximum size allowed for tower structures generated during 3D printing.

This option controls the maximum diameter that can have a tower without generating additional support structures.

If a tower exceeds the maximum diameter set, additional support structures will be generated to ensure stability and adequate strength of the model during printing.

Tower roof angle

The Tower Roof Angle in Cura sets the roof pitch of tower structures generated during 3D printing.

This setting controls the tilt angle of the towers roof, which is the upper surface that provides additional support to specific areas of the model.

A larger angle will result in steeper tower roofs, which can be beneficial for areas with higher weight or long overhangs. On the other hand, a smaller angle will result in less steep tower roofs, which may be suitable for smaller or more delicate areas that require more discreet support.

Deployable Support Mesh

By enabling the deployable support mesh option, Cura will generate a mesh-like support network with thinner, more closely spaced structures, reducing the amount of material used and making it easier to remove the support once the print is complete.

It is a configuration that allows generating a mesh-shaped support structure around the model during 3D printing.

This feature is used to provide lighter, more efficient support in areas that require additional stability.

The deployable support mesh is particularly useful on models with complex geometries or intricate features where a traditional support might be difficult to remove or affect the surface quality of the model.

The scene has support meshes

This setting allows to automatically identify and recognize support meshes in the 3D printing scene.

This feature is especially useful when working with complex models that already include support structures in their design.

By enabling this option, Cura will analyze the print scene for existing support meshes and take them into account when generating additional support structures if necessary.

This means that the software will recognize and respect existing support meshes in the model, avoiding generating additional supports in those areas and optimizing printing efficiency.

This feature is particularly useful when working with models that have been designed with specific supports or have been optimized to be printed without the need for additional support structures.

By enabling automatic support mesh detection, you can save time and effort by avoiding unnecessary support generation in areas that are already adequately covered.

Also read: Easy to remove supports in Cura: Better settings a post with what I consider to be the best support settings in Cura for beginners.

Continue reading about build plate adhesion settings in the following post: Skirt Border or Raft Which to use in Cura?