Have you ever struggled with unnecessary support structures in your 3D prints? While supports are often required for successful prints, they can also be a hindrance. That’s where UltiMaker Cura’s Support Blocker Tool comes in, a powerful tool that allows you to precisely control where supports are generated.
Before we get into the how-to, let’s clarify what support blockers do. Consider them “no support zones”—areas where you tell UltiMaker Cura, “Thanks, but no supports needed here!” This can be especially useful in a few scenarios:
- Small holes can withstand bridging without support.
- Difficulty in removing supports in certain areas.
- Optimize material and print time in specific sections.
- Identify features that can be printed without support.
How to Use the Support Blocker Tool
Getting started with support blockers is simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Select your model: First, load and select the 3D model you intend to work with.
- Activate the Tool: Select the Support Blocker from the Adjustment Tools menu (sixth tool) or press “E” for quick access.
- Place the Blockers: Place the support blockers exactly where you need by clicking on the desired area of your model. Each click results in a 10x10x10 mm cube.
If you look at the above image, you will notice that the original model is displayed in red, a support blocker is shown as a translucent grey cube, the original support structure is highlighted in blue, and the modified support pattern where there is no support within the space of the grey cube even though typical you might need support structures to print that section.
Customising Your Support Blockers
The true power of support blockers lies in their adaptability. After placing a blocker, you are free to manipulate it as needed.
- Adjust Size and Position:
- Exit the support blocker tool (click it again or click anywhere on the build plate)
- Select any grey support blocker cube
- Move, scale, or rotate it to perfectly match your needs
- Fine-tune Coverage:
- Support will be blocked wherever the cube completely overlaps with your model
- Multiple blockers can be used for complex geometries
Pro Tips for Effective Support Blocking
- Rotate and verify: You are seeing a 3D field and so when you place a block and even modify it, you need to check this in a 360-degree view and see the placement. Many a times it may happen that the block is placed in a completely different plane that you intended.
- Always Check Layer View: This is crucial! After placing your support blockers, switch to Layer View to verify that supports are blocked where intended, the remaining support structure is still adequate, no critical areas are left unsupported
- Multiple Models Strategy: If you’re printing multiple models on the same build plate then consider using Per Model Settings instead of support blockers as this allows you to enable/disable support for entire models at once
- Strategic Placement: Do not overuse this support blocker or use it for the wrong reasons. Yes, it is a good tool to reduce the material usage by reducing supports at areas which can be printed, but it does not mean that you can block any and all areas and still expect the part to be printed successfully. So, focus on areas where supports would be difficult to remove, consider the bridging capabilities of your printer and think about how removing supports might affect surface quality.
Common Use Cases & Considerations
Support blockers are particularly valuable when:
- Printing models with small decorative holes
- Creating architectural models with multiple overhangs
- Working with complex mechanical parts
- Producing artistic models with delicate features
Also, before and while using the tool, make sure that ‘Generate support’ is enabled in your print settings, and keep in mind that support blockers only work when they completely overlap the model. There is no limit to the number of support blockers you can add, but adding too many may not be effective. Finally, the blockers you add can be saved with the project file, allowing you to retrieve them whenever needed.
Advanced Applications
For more complex scenarios, use custom 3D models as support blockers via the Per Model Settings. This gives you more control over support generation, which is especially useful for intricate prints.
Remember that successful support blocking is frequently a compromise between saving material and ensuring print quality. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different blocker configurations; each model may necessitate a distinct approach.
Mastering support blockers in UltiMaker Cura allows you to save material and print time while also producing cleaner prints with less post-processing work.
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