Breakaway support

Hi guys,

I am new to reprap but I have used the ZCrop and Strasys machines before both SST and BST. I must say how amazing these commercial machines are designed! Now I got the chance to build my own Reprap, not yet started though still waiting for the parts to arrive, and doing some research on the host software. I am wondering, since Reprap doesnt print support materials yet, is there any software that generates breakaway structures for Reprap?

Many thanks.
Adrian

Skeinforge and its derivative SFACT can do this when they slice the .stl to make G code.

thanks Dale, I'll look into that.

To clarify, in SFACT settings, activate the "Raft" tab, and then choose your preferred "Support Material Choice" - "Exterior Only" works well for me.

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Follow my Mendel Prusa build here: [julianh72.blogspot.com]

Thanks. How strong does the supporting structure stick to the actual model? Will I end up doing a lot of post-printing work, such as sanding and filing similar to carving a sculpture?

I cant wait to build my Reprap!

My experience is that once you have "tuned" your RepRap so that it can print neatly, the Support material breaks away very easily with just your fingers / thumbnail. You might need a little bit of work with tweezers or a pocket knife to just scrape the last couple of "dags" off, but on the whole, no, you won't need to do any "machining" to achieve a finish comparable to the overall RepRap print quality.

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Follow my Mendel Prusa build here: [julianh72.blogspot.com]

How well it sticks depends on the particular situation.

75% of the time the support I use breaks right off leaving nothing behind other than some discolored stress lines (which can easily be removed with a lighter/torch for 1/2 sec)

Otherwise it is usually a single thread which can be removed with an exacto knife or some sanding.

The only difficulties are when the support structure is in a deep hole.

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www.Fablicator.com

thanks very much for your info guys.