michelangelo's david

[Phineas 0]

Hi all, I'm having some real trouble with an amazing statue print. Michealangelo's david. I must have tried 20 test prints but there is always something wrong with it.

 

I'm using various standard PLA.

 

I've got close a few times but there is always an issue with the left arm/elbow or hair detail with the support settings. Even at 0.15mm. 0.4mm nozzle. 55% overhang support etc. Settings are attached below!

 

Can anyone suggest a better set of settings?

 

Please help,

 

Thanks

[gr5 2,172]

Whatever part of David is touching support is going to be imperfect.  So I'd print him laying on his back.  Angled a bit so his head is almost touching the glass.  Will he fit that way?  Maybe diagonal with his head in one corner if you want him as big as possible.  This way all the "ugly" support surfaces will be on his back where people are less likely to look.

 

Also, typically, that means much less support.

 

If you decide not to do that then at least use the support blocker feature to block any support on his head other than his chin.  You don't need support for his nose or hair or ears as they barely stick out at all.

https://support.ultimaker.com/hc/en-us/articles/360012869379-How-to-block-support-generation-in-Ultimaker-Cura

 

[Phineas 0]

Hi GR5 - thank you. I've used the support blocker. Sadly the model is 30cm tall so we need to support the arm.

[gr5 2,172]

From the photos the arms look fine.

 

Well you can also lean David back as much as possible so most of the support is towards the back.  a 30 degree tilt should be enough that you don't need any support on the head - not even the chin.  You'll need it on the arm but it should attach farther back - more out of view when looking from the front.

 

You could get a UM3 which uses PVA, dissolvable support and will give you a better quality.  🙂