Anchor Points are the lifeblood of flawless 3D model printing. Ever faced that annoying issue where your Cura anchor points seem to float, never actually making contact with your model? Fret not, techie souls! Dive in, because Carolina, your tech-loving guide, is about to spill the beans on how to troubleshoot this.
How to Nix the Floating Cura Anchor Points Phenomenon
Tweak the Support Z & XY Gaps
Turn On the Support Interface
Switch Up the Support Distance Hierarchy
Modify the Thickness of the Support Interface
Experiment with Varied Printing Angles
Opt for Support Pillars
Extend Horizontally
Experiment with Alternate Anchor Designs
Alright, lovelies, before we deep dive into these solutions, it might be useful to check out an insightful video on anchor points to get the full 411.
Minimize the Support Z & XY Gaps
The key here is to adjust both the Support Z and XY Distances. Typically, the default sits at 0.2mm for Z and 0.8mm for XY. But you can play around in Cura’s ‘Anchor’ menu. Remember, the purpose of this distance is to avoid the anchor from fusing to your model. It allows for a subtle connection, ensuring ease of removal without much force.
Setting it to a complete 0? Well, that’s like glue – super attached. So, maybe give values like 0.1mm a shot. Don’t forget, in the ‘Support Z Distance’, you also have the Top and Bottom distance values, defaulting to one layer’s height. Cura sometimes likes to play hide and seek with these settings, so here’s a quick hack:
Type in “Support Top Distance” in Cura’s search bar.
Right-click and select “Make this setting always visible”.
A tip straight from the 3D-printing grapevine: Completely fusing the anchor to the model, especially for intricate designs, might not be a stellar idea. Setting both Z and XY to 0 might be your best shot for that perfect anchor-to-model connection. And hey, why not try out a Temperature Tower from Thingiverse? It’s a fab way to find that golden temperature for optimal overhangs with your chosen filament.
Activate the Support Interface
Another trick from Carolina’s tech magic hat! Switch on the “Support Interface” and maybe set it at 0.8mm or any value that’s your jam. Different interface patterns could also do the trick if there’s still that pesky gap between the model and the anchor.
When activated, this feature rolls out a thick mesh-like layer between the 3D model and the anchors, ensuring a solid bond.
Toggle the Support Distance Order
Here’s a pro-tip: Swap the “Support Distance Order” to “Z takes precedence over X/Y”. Sometimes, when X/Y dominates Z, it pushes the anchor slightly away, making the Z gap inconsistent. Changing this ensures a more seamless connection.
Adjust the Support Interface Thickness
Alright, tech fans, let’s get nerdy! Dive into the “Support Interface Thickness”. Some folks find the sweet spot to be around 0.2mm, while others venture as low as 0mm. The key? Experimentation. This setting defines the thickness where the anchor touches the top and bottom of your model.
Rotate and Print!
Twist and turn your model at diverse angles! Sometimes, these minor adjustments can ensure that the anchor and the model connect flawlessly.
Embrace Support Pillars
Support Pillars, a larger variant of anchors, might just be the fix for those intricate points on your model with small overhangs. Customize the Maximum Pillar-Supported Diameter, and Cura will do its magic for any overhang smaller than your input.
Horizontal Expansion for the Win!
For those narrow and elongated overhangs, consider the “Horizontal Expansion” setting. A value just above 0, like 0.2mm, should do the trick.
Experiment with Varied Anchor Designs
Depending on your model’s design, switching up the anchor structure might just be the golden ticket. While tree supports might be the hero for some, others might find the regular structure to be the real MVP.