Self-Supporting Horizontal Hole
Horizontal holes are built during the printing process through a series of overhanging layers. The overhang distance of each layer increases slightly as the hole is built.
For small to medium holes, the maximum overhang is less than the recommended maximum support-free printing.
Holes as large as 25.0 mm can be printed without supports. Holes up to 75.0 mm are possible to print without supports, however some deformation can occur.
Self-Supporting Angle
The maximum self-supporting angle is 30° from horizontal. Angles as shallow as 15° may be printed without supports, but some deformation can occur.
Self-Supporting Overhang
Overhanging features are printable without supports in some instances. Overhanging features within 1.0 – 2.0 mm are possible to print without supports.
Supports are recommended for overhanging features longer than 2.0 mm.
Tip: Fillets or chamfers can be utilized in the design process to help reduce the length of unsupported overhangs.
Self-Supporting Bridge
Bridging features are geometries where a span between two areas is connected by a new layer of material.
Bridges should be kept under a maximum length of 5.0 mm.
Tip: Chamfers and fillets can be utilized in the design process to reduce the effective bridging distance.
