Problem with quality of finish when supports are removed

[Paulae 0]

Hi,

I have recently printed a students work which required supports on the curved section. It printed fine but when removing the supports from the shape it left an unsightly mark where the supports were. To get it smooth they tried sanding it with emery paper which then dulled the colour and although flattened the surface it left a poor finish.

Is there any way in cura to reduce the thickness of the support to make for better removal and end finish.

[fbrc8-erin 296]

You could try a program like MeshMixer, and make custom supports with minimal amounts of touching, like on this print (the post is a bit old, but MeshMixer is still around and something like this should work: http://www.extrudable.me/2013/12/28/meshmixer-2-0-best-newcomer-in-a-supporting-role/

Alternately, a little mineral oil might help shine the PLA up a bit where the supports were removed after sanding.

[kmanstudios 1,120]

I have found that sanding is only good if painting; at least for me so far. But I did find that using an x-acto knife does a pretty good job of someone is decent at whittling.

You can also cover it with a clear coat of some kind too.