When 3D printing a model, certain supports are required because it cannot be printed in the air. So, the more supports, the better the 3D printed product? This is obviously a dialectical problem. For 3D printing support, increasing it is a good thing and has a bad side. You can try not adding support when printing.
Today we are going to talk about the disadvantages of 3D printed orthodontic appliances.
1. Increased material costs
The support structure requires additional materials, which are removed and discarded after printing. If you’re using 3D printing in a production environment, you might be concerned about the cost per model.
3D printed support structures significantly increase the cost of the model. Support structures consume materials which are then removed and discarded. So each point of the 3D printed support structure you use adds to the cost of the model.
2. Increased printing time
Since more content needs to be printed on the 3D printing support structure, the printing time will also be extended.
3. Increase Post-Processing Efforts
Support structures increase post-processing work. The 3D printed support structure is not part of the model. They are used to support various parts of the model during the printing process.
This means that once printing is complete, the structure must be removed before the model is ready. The increase in work represents an increase in the cost of the model in a production environment.
4. Risk of damaging the model
3D printed support structures often come into contact with and stick to the walls of the model. This is the only way to support overhangs and bridges.
If you are not careful when removing 3D printed support structures, they can leave defects on the surface of the model. In the worst case, some models could break with the 3D printed support structures.
Generally speaking, there are major drawbacks to using 3D printed support structures. So here’s another rule of thumb: use as little 3D printed support structure as possible and add more if necessary.
Daguang focuses on providing solutions such as precision CNC machining services (3-axis, 4-axis, 5-axis machining), CNC milling, 3D printing and rapid prototyping services.
