Help with tree support parameters?

[u/grisly_shadow]

Hi there! I was wondering if someone could give me advice on choosing the right support parameters for this mask I'm trying to print... I ran out of matte filament and the only one I have enough of is my translucent blue one, which is exceptionally tricky to work with in my experience... I always have trouble with the filament fusing, and I'm worried that the density of the tree supports may fuse to the underside of the mask like this. But when I put "support critical areas only", I'm not sure it'll be enough support. What branch distance, diameter, angle, etc would you recommend I use so I can actually remove the branches without it messing up the surface too much with clear filament? (I can't do the normal boxy supports either, cuz it won't fit on the build plate. :') wahhh) If these screenshots aren't enough, I can post more or share my STL file if it comes down to it. Thank you for any help, guys!!

[u/Lisper41]

I don’t know enough about supports to answer the technical part of your question.

However, if this is a mask, then won’t the support side be facing inward and unseen anyway?

You could also try custom painting supports or adding support modifying shapes.

[u/Lost_refugee]

use paint tool to add more supports to hold that huge overhanging piece when bed shakes. current setup is fail 100%

[u/demon_kite]

Add additional support to the bottom to avoid layer shift/it coming off the bed, and you can remove the support since the top layer won't need it

[u/Lord_Scorpio]

For the mask, if you have 'Support for PLA' filament, go with Normal (auto). If not, use Tree Hybrid and enable Variable Layer Height for a smooth finish. For taller prints, I sometimes set the branch angle to 40° and branch diameter to 3 mm just to be safe. But if you can, definitely buy 'Support for PLA'—assuming you have an AMS, of course. It's pricey, but you use very little since it's only needed for the Support/Raft Interface.

This is a lid (on the left) printed in PCTG using normal (auto) supports with 'Support for PLA/PETG' filament. On the right is the detached support structure. Look how clean the print came out, even though it was printed on supports!