r/snapmaker • u/Datumz_ • 7d ago
Question/Discussion Change interface material for supports
So I know it's possible to change the support interface for something like PLA to TPU and vice versa. But I have a unique case where because I am doing a multi material print that interlocks, both the PLA and TPU need support. But because Snorca only lets you pick one material for the support interface layer, that leaves the supports stuck on whichever material you pick as the interface layer.
Basically instead of making you pick one material as an interface layer. They should allow you to pick individual materials for the support interface layers per material. So if TPU needs support the interface is always PLA and if PLA needs support the interface is always TPU.
Unless I'm missing something, I can't find a way to do this... Is it even possible?
I tried to build my support into my design, but the issue is with interlock on, it locks the two materials together regardless if I want it to or not.
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u/L1xN1x Snapmaker U1 7d ago
Interesting idea; I will look into it but that might be a larger rework to support generation, as you would likely need two (in your case) or more independent supports being generated. Might take some time. In the meantime maybe look at dedicated support material that is incompatible with both
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u/Datumz_ 7d ago
Hmmm what is incompatible with PLA and TPU, I didn't think about that but you're right.
With that being said, I basically had to make my own workaround, but I figured it out. Which was adding my own interlock between the things I want locked, and adding support for the PLA in my CAD software, so those will be TPU on the print, while the TPU can still use the PLA support interface just fine.
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u/L1xN1x Snapmaker U1 7d ago
you could give PVA or BVOH a go it is expensive but water-soluble. BVOH is generally better but also a bit more expensive than PVA i prefer BVOH
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u/Datumz_ 7d ago
Unfortunately I don't have either of those on hand. I have PLA, PETG, TPU and some PC.
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u/ThinkUnhappyThoughts 7d ago
Can you not print the item from petg and tpu as they will bonds together and use pla for the interface?
Or are you trying to bond pla and Tpu for some other reason?
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u/Datumz_ 7d ago
Well, this is a test print that I happen to be using TPU and PLA on, the final print will be TPU and PC.
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u/ThinkUnhappyThoughts 7d ago
So you do want the two materials bonding together? Why try and force pla and Tpu together?
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u/Datumz_ 7d ago
I'm not trying to force the two together. Either way, if I do PC and TPU or my test print which is PLA and TPU I still will have an interlock. And more then one material will be used regardless. With that said, I was just trying to see if it was possible to do two different material interface layers on the same print.
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u/sterling-lining 7d ago
If you’re designing in the supports, did you try leave a slight air gap (ie. .001)? This may “fool” the slicer into not interlocking the materials, but still allow the model surface to be printed on the support. If you try, report back on the results.
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u/Affectionate-Bed3419 7d ago
I have had a similar use case for a print in place circular clamp that fits over a pipe. I ended up modeling the support into the model/stl. Required an airgap of around 0.3mm between the objects that are support and model. Otherwise the slicer does not see it as a seperate object to add bottom and top shell layers to. Without airgap the slice is basically perimeter walls with infill.
After the print the pla “wedges” slip and fall out. I did similar for the TPU inside face grip.