Model Placement Guide: Slice Techniques for Optimizing Strength and Simplifying Support

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Model with simplifying support

In 3D printing, the orientation of the model on the printing platform is an important factor affecting the printing quality. The appropriate placement angle can significantly enhance the strength of the model, reduce the need for supporting structures, and improve the surface quality of the model. However, the specific placement should be judged based on the purpose of the model. This tutorial will take a specific model as an example to analyze how to adjust the model placement angle in QIDI Studio to improve the printing effect.

Sketch Map

Model for optimizing strength:

Black L - shaped 3D printed bracket, the “Model for optimizing strength” in the tutorial, used to demonstrate improving print strength via orientation.

Model for simplifying support:

White 3D printed bat - like model with supports, the “Model for simplifying support” example, showing how orientation reduces support needs.

If you want to achieve a similar effect, you can try the following methods.

Operation Introduction - Optimizing Strength

The orientation of the model on the printing platform is directly related to the layer line direction during printing, which also has a decisive impact on the stress distribution and strength of the final model. Here is an example of an L-shaped bracket that requires high strength.

1.When printing according to the default placement, the model can be printed smoothly, but the corners of the model are prone to breakage.

Slicer software interface (QIDI Studio) showing default placement of the L - bracket, step 1 of “Optimizing Strength” to highlight initial print setup.

 

Slicer preview of the reoriented L - bracket (laying on its side), step 2 - 3 of “Optimizing Strength” to show strength - enhancing angle change.

2.If you want to further increase the strength of the model, you can adjust the angle so that it "lies on the side" on the printing board. At this point, the cross-section of the model in the direction of force is located on the xy axis plane, resulting in a higher strength of the final product.

QIDI Studio interface showing L - bracket reoriented “on its side” for strength optimization, step 2 of adjusting model angle to improve print strength.

3. Click on slice. In this placement direction, the printing time required for the model will also be significantly reduced.

Slicer preview after reorienting the L - bracket, step 3 of clicking “slice” to reduce print time, demonstrating optimized placement in QIDI Studio.

 

Slicing result of the reoriented L - bracket, highlighting reduced print time and material usage, final step of verifying strength - optimized placement benefits.

Operation Introduction - Simplified Support

Many models have overhanging parts, so support needs to be generated for printing. However, proper placement can reduce the amount of support while ensuring printing quality, thereby reducing printing time.

1.The model shown in the figure is mainly for decorative purposes and does not need to prioritize strength factors. If printing is done at the default placement angle, it will generate more support and require longer printing time.

QIDI Studio interface showing default placement of a decorative mask - like 3D model, generating more support and longer print time as described in the "Simplified Support" tutorial.

 

Slicer preview of the mask model in default placement, highlighting extensive support structure and long print time, demonstrating the need for angle adjustment.

2. Adjust the model angle to rotate it 90 ° along the X-axis.

Qidi Studio interface with the mask model rotated 90° along the X - axis, step 2 of adjusting angle to simplify support and reduce print time.

3. Click on the slice and you will find that, you can reduce printing time by two and a half hours, and save 16% of printing materials. Meanwhile, the reduction in contact area between the model and support, as well as vertical printing, will further improve the surface quality of the model.

Slicing result after rotating the mask model, showing reduced print time, material usage, and improved surface quality, final step of the "Simplified Support" process.

Conclusion

By adjusting the model placement direction and precise setting support in QIDI Studio, you can improve the printing efficiency of your 3D printer, enhance the printing quality, and harvest the ideal printed works. Do you have any experience or creative ideas regarding model placement? Welcome to share with us in the comment section!

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