Supports are essential when it comes to printing complex geometries with 3D printers. While 3D printing allows us to create unique parts, it has some limitations. Most entry-level 3D printers work by extruding material, which makes it challenging to create parts with extreme overhangs, arches, or shallow angles. Supports come in handy in such situations.

Determining when a print needs supports depends on the printer and the layer height of the print. In most cases, supports are necessary when printing overhang angles over 45 degrees. As the sidewalls of the print get closer to vertical or overhangs get near 90 degrees, each layer is already supported by the layer below, so no additional support is needed.

When properly configured, supports can easily detach from a finished print, leaving little to no evidence they were ever there. To generate supports automatically, Simplify3D is a great tool. It allows you to add, remove, and customize supports easily. The Customize Support Structures icon is the best place to begin. From there, you can select the support type, which is usually ‘Normal’ for most prints that require supports.