Print orientation and MeshMixer vs Cura supports

[qmaker 29]

Hi Guys,

I have printed a few models now that were quite difficult to orient in a way that would be ideal. I have used meshmixer to generate supports for one model, I have used zbrush to make my own, and I have simply cut my model in half and printed it that way.

In general, I wanted to hear if there are strong feelings about meshmixer supports vs. Cura supports.

If you do use Meshmixer do you use the Ultimaker2 (Dizingof's) setting?

The base is separate, but I am tempted to try printing it as is with supports under the belly.

Curious how experienced printers here would orient this kind of model.[/media][/media]

[qmaker 29]

So, here are my possible orientations and support options.

A. On its back with Meshmixer supports so that the legs print more or less vertical

B. The head and body split and Cura supports

or C. Head and body split with Meshmixer supports

Edited November 17, 2015 by Guest

[LePaul 314]

I haven't toyed with Meshmixer in a long time. I found the interface less than user friendly.

I did use Roberts tutorial a while ago and I did get some good supports. But just using the program was a hassle for me. I keep hoping Cura will give us those sorts of support types and options.

[qmaker 29]

I have heard a couple people praising simplify3d. Does anyone have any strong feelings one way or another. Perhaps there is already a good comparison out there for Cura, simplify3d, Meshmixer and others.

I was turned off my mesh mixer at first, but have started to become more comfortable with it and find it a good tool for certain things.

[IRobertI 516]

Since you're willing to split and glue, I would split it like this (and the base separate of course). That way you wont need any support at all. Just pick a good angle on the cutting plane so that the neck and legs are as close to 45 degrees as possible.

[qmaker 29]

Thanks Robert,

Thats exactly how I split my large one.  But the seam was still more visible than I wanted.  I guess I just need to take more time cleaning up that area.  The reason I split it at the head was so that I could blend the seam into the ruff texture easier.

I will post back my findings on which method worked best for me in case others are printing standing quadrapeds

Edited November 18, 2015 by Guest

[qmaker 29]

Oh additionally I want to go larger, so I am trying to see if I could get greater scale in a vertical print.

Here is the one in the post above mounted and painted

[ultibrain 5]

Wow qmaker this looks amazing!!!! I

[ultibrain 5]

Wow qmaker this looks amazing!!!! Just a question: how is the model created?

[qmaker 29]

Thanks Ultibrain!! I modeled it in zbrush. I am currently printing an even larger version that I split in 4 pieces for the body and the antlers separate. It is by far the largest and longest print I have done since I have owned the machine. Approximately 30- 40 hours per quarter section LOL....

Assembling it now. I will post an image of it when I get it put back together or the process along the way if anyone is interested.

Here is a link to a video showing the build process for the smaller one. Hope you like it.

http://www.quadepaul.com/video.html

[peetersm 124]

Yeah post pics of the big one. Sounds really cool.

[tasopoulos 40]

Great print, and an even better paint job!!

[jffry7 12]

Very Nice print. I've been a lurker and only been a member recently but this prints kinda inspire me to do better next time. Hope to see the larger print.

[yellowshark 153]

Great print qmaker, does not look like you need any help!!!!!

I was put off by Meshmixer initially - BUT persevering I am comfortable with it now and it is a step up from Cura for supports, much better. You can manually add your own supports and delete auto generated supports if need be.

[ultibrain 5]

ZBrush... doesn't surprise me :-)

For simple support work I use Cura. Statues from animals, people, I use preferrably Meshmixer. But also Simplify3D sometimes comes to the rescue... What I like about Meshmixer is you can draw in supports manually and so have perfect control where the supports are put. Sometimes the program crashes but most of the times the program does it job nicely!

[qmaker 29]

Hi guys thanks for all of the feedback and comments. I finally have the 4 parts printed and am assembling them. I added a young buck imitating his father as a gift for my mom for Christmas. I was kind of sidetracked with a version of 2 elk fighting that delayed the larger print of the bugling elk. I will post a few photos shortly.

[qmaker 29]

Here are a few more assembly photos[/media]

[qmaker 29]

Sorry if this is too much. I just thought I would share how using filament as alignment rods has really been helpful in assembling large multipart prints

[yellowshark 153]

Just to modify my view on Meshmixer vs Cura on supports. With 15.04 I used Cura supports the other day - first time in well over a year. They were great and just pulled away from the part like the brim does - even easier. Sure I need to do some more but on that one experience my view has totally changed, Cura supports rock

[qmaker 29]

I agree the supports from Cura have improved, but I do like having the ability to customize my supports through meshmixer.