Creating support with Meshmixer
Many complex models will have a structure consisting of areas that have sharp angles and layers, which have little or no contact with the build platform surface. We can see this illustrated in the following jellyfish shape.
By printing this model in several different positions, there would be issues with drooping filaments in the areas marked as 1 in the following image. There would be insufficient surface contact on the build platform in areas marked as 2.
Let's look at another model that we made in this chapter. In the following image, we can easily see that severe support issues would occur. There is minimal surface contact, and there are areas where print layers would print in open space without underlying support.
In this recipe, we'll learn how to use Meshmixer to create a temporary support structure for these models.
Getting ready
Open Meshmixer and import the starfish/handle model.
How to do it…
We will proceed as follows:
- From the toolbar...