DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRADITIONAL 3D PRINTING SUPPORTS AND JEWELRY 3D PRINTING SUPPORTS
WHAT IS “SUPPORT” IN 3D PRINTING?
Supports are necessary to ensure the successful printing of complex or unusual forms and to preserve the quality of complicated designs. A temporary structure added to a design to sustain overhanging portions or intricate geometries during printing is referred to as "support" in 3D printing. These supports guarantee the successful printing of portions that lack adequate base.
Without supports, sections with large overhangs or angles might sag or collapse, which will degrade the print quality.
WHY DO WE NEED SUPPORT?
Supports keep overhanging components or angles greater than 45 degrees stable during 3D printing to avoid sagging or collapsing. Without supports, there may not be enough underlying material for layers to form correctly. It assures print integrity, stabilizes overhangs, and enables the printing of intricate models. However, as a drawback, it includes the need for post-processing, the addition of material, and an increase in expenses and print time.
Support Types:
• Tree-Like Supports: Branch-like frameworks designed to minimize material use.
• Grid/Linear Supports: Grid-like structures use more material but provide consistent stability.
• Custom Supports: Supports that are precisely positioned and created using modeling software.
TRADITIONAL 3D PRINTING SUPPORTS
Traditional 3D Printing Supports are standard structures that are used to keep overhangs and complicated shapes stable while 3D printing. They usually have basic linear or grid patterns created from the same material as the model and are automatically generated by slicing software. Although these supports guarantee structural stability, they must be removed by hand, which may leave the model with little scratches.
Pros:
• They are suitable for the majority of designs.
• All materials and printers are compatible.
• No particular supplies are needed.
Cons:
• It must be post-processed.
• Traditional support has increased expenses and use of materials.
• It could be less effective than more advanced forms of assistance.
• Although they work well, traditional supports might need to be modified for complex models.
JEWELRY 3D PRINTING SUPPORTS
Jewelry 3D printing supports are specialized structures made to maintain the structural integrity of the object. It also stabilizes complex geometries and delicate embellishments. In contrast to typical supports, they emphasized accuracy, preserving fine characteristics, and minimizing post-processing. These supports are designed for smooth removal and seamless casting. They are frequently positioned specifically for maximum stability without causing harm to sensitive areas. They also burn cleanly during the investment casting process, leaving no residue behind. This makes them perfect for producing jewelry models of superior quality.
Pros:
• Preserve Details: Made to prevent fading delicate elements.
• Removal Ease: Supports are simpler to remove, which lowers the risk to sensitive areas.
• Effective Material Utilization: Designed to utilize as little material as possible without sacrificing stability.
Cons:
• Time-consuming Setup: Expertise and time are needed for custom placement.
• Specialized Tools and Materials: Needs to work with wax or resins that can be cast, and care must be taken during post-processing for investment casting.
TRADITIONAL PRINTING SUPPORTS VS. JEWELRY 3D PRINTING SUPPORTS:
A DETAILED COMPARISON
The design, function, and application of jewelry 3D printing supports differ from those of traditional 3D printing supports since they are customized to meet the unique requirements of the models they support.
Objective:
Traditional 3D Printing Supports
Traditional supports stabilize general models with complex geometries or overhangs.
Jewelry 3D Printing Supports
Jewelry supports preserving fine features for casting purposes while accommodating delicate and complex designs.
Points of Contact:
Traditional 3D Printing Supports
Traditional supports frequently have wider contact points, which may cause the model to get marks.
Jewelry 3D Printing Supports
Jewelry supports minimizing post-processing and preserving details using precise and minimal contact points.
Positioning:
Traditional 3D Printing Supports
Typically, slicing software generates traditional supports automatically.
Jewelry 3D Printing Supports
Jewelry supports are placed manually using the precise knowledge of 3d Printing and Post-jewelry finishing.
Content:
Traditional 3D Printing Supports
Traditional supports employ the same resin or filament as the model.
Jewelry 3D Printing Supports
Jewelry supports use the same Cast-able resin material with which the main design is printed.
Post Processing:
Traditional 3D Printing Supports
Traditional supports need to be heavily removed and sanded.
Jewelry 3D Printing Supports
Jewelry supports may be removed more easily, preparing the surface for casting.
Consistency and Accuracy
Traditional 3D Printing Supports
The objective of traditional support is to ensure structural stability.
Jewelry 3D Printing Supports
Jewelry supports are suitable for delicate designs because of their accuracy and detail preservation.
In conclusion, jewelry 3D printing supports are designed to maintain fine details and guarantee seamless casting. Traditional 3D printing supports provide overall stability for complicated pieces. These supports, which are custom-built reduce contact points, which lowers post-processing work and improves the quality of designs. Although both kinds are important, jewelry supports are necessary to achieve accuracy in creating fine jewelry.