Is it better to use support material or split the print and glue it?

3D Printing
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1

Is it better to use support material or split the print and glue it?

2

I’d say it depends on the object. If you’re only talking about a little bit of support material, I don’t think it would be worth the trouble doing it in multiple parts and gluing it.

3

I would say support almost always. The problem with splitting is warping. The models need to hace a nice smooth clean mating surface for any adhesive to work.

Another option is friction welding

4

I’d say it depends on how well tuned in your support material settings are, dual extrusion support, etc.

I’d much prefer epoxying the models together after a split. Primarily because I’ve seen what good support material can do to filament usage. It can easily double/triple the amount of filament used…and you’ve gotta post-process anyways, so why not go the easier post processing route of epoxy?

5

Structural parts should always be made in one piece with supports if needed. If the piece is a dust collector for the knickknack shelf then use glue.

6

Thanks for the input :slight_smile:

7

@Reinhardt_Kraemer by smooth I meant flat… Sorry.