With the introduction of Ultimaker's Breakaway support material, there are now more options for supporting 3D printed objects.
But which one is right for your design? Let's take a look at the different options and when to use each one.
When using an FDM 3D printer, support material enables you to print models that would otherwise not be possible due to, well, gravity. It ‘supports’ the material above it so you can print objects with features like overhangs or cavities.
Model with support material Support material removed
For more advanced users, support material allows for greater design freedom. With it, you can orient your model exactly how you want for the best results, or create designs with moving parts built in that are free to move once you remove the support material.
Build material supports
The original way to support your 3D print. If you are printing with, for example, PLA, then 3D printing software like Ultimaker Cura can create support structures for your model that will print in the same material.
If you are using a single-extrusion 3D printer, this is the only way to print support structures. It’s also a good option if you don’t want to worry about material compatibility, because not all build materials are compatible with separate support materials. The main drawback to using build material supports is that when you remove the supports manually, you will never be able to get a model that is 100% accurate compared with your original design.
If you cut or sand your supports too much or leave any small bumps, your model will be a slightly different shape to your design. This can be an issue if your 3D print needs to be very accurate, for example, if you are prototyping a design to test its fit or form. Cutting and sanding away supports can also damage the surface of your 3D print and needs post-processing techniques like polishing to achieve a good quality surface finish. To remove printed material supports, you will need a cutting tool (most people use a knife or pliers) and sandpaper to remove all traces.
Dissolvable PVA
If your 3D printer can print more than one material, then it is also possible to combine your build material with a separate support material that is easier to remove. PVA is a water-soluble support material. Because it dissolves away when submerged in water, it gives you almost complete design freedom.
Large overhangs, cavities, intricate shapes are all possible, and there is no risk of scratching your print while removing the support, leaving a very smooth surface.
One drawback of PVA is that while it is easy to remove, it can take several hours to dissolve, which extends the entire 3D printing workflow.
PVA is also more expensive than other support material options and its quality can degrade if not stored properly. Ultimaker PVA is optimized for use with PLA, Nylon, and CPE. To remove PVA, all you need is a container of tap water big enough for your model.
Breakaway Support
The newest support material offered by Ultimaker, Breakaway has some similarities to the other types of support. Like build material, it is removed manually. But like PVA, it is a separate material printed with dual extrusion.
The result is a balance between the advantages of the other support material options. You can remove Breakaway by hand so there’s no need to wait hours for anything to dissolve, but it also peels away cleanly from the rest of your print so you have an accurate model and don’t need to post-process it.
However, for the smoothest surface finish we still recommend PVA. And the Breakaway material in your print needs to be accessible for you to remove it, so you do not have complete design freedom.
ImprovedUltimaker Breakaway can be used with ABS, Nylon, PLA, CPE and CPE+. To remove breakaway supports, you will need a pair of pliers. Read our complete guide to removing breakaway.
Quick Comparison of Support Materials
• Same material support: When you don't need 100% accurate prints compared to the dimensions of your 3D design, or if you only have one 3D printer.
• PVA support: Ideal for printing complex shapes or when a smooth surface finish is needed for the support, but it can take several hours to dissolve.
• Breakaway support: If time is short, Breakaway is easier to remove than PVA, maintains dimensional accuracy of the printed object, and provides a high-quality surface finish.
Original source: https://ultimaker.com/en/blog/52274-which-3d-printing-supports-to-use-pla-pva-or-breakaway