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Build Plate Supported 3D Printing

3D printing unique objects with large overhangs and bridging surface prints often requires the printing of support materials,

Supports break away (hopefully) from your print when it is finished. However, supports add time and material to the print, and can leave the surface of your print rough where it connected with the supports. People who print on 3DHubs  will want to save time and material when printing.

While changing the orientation of the print  may help with support issues, using supports is not a favorite option for any 3D printer.


But what if there was a way to 3D print an item without having to deal with the mess and waste of support material?

In a few Facebook post I have seen other printers save their 3D prints from failure by gluing loose supports back in place; while others have mentioned in a post using clay to salvage a support that was about to fail.


All of these methods came to mind as I was working on a badge design for a client. This particular print had to be printed flat on the side with a massive flat bridge to produce the shiny effect of the packing tape covering the build plate.

The first item I printed failed, as the filament clumped and twisted badly over the unsupported bridging surface.

1st print, with the unsupported surface in the center clumping and turning out rough with out support - bridging surface
1st print, with the unsupported  inset surface in the center clumping and turning out rough with out support. This is a PickleBall paddle name tag, file to be published soon.

From my experience with nanodax I learned that clear packing tape would produce the shiny surface finish my client desired on the outer edge. I then realized that I can use any other item covered in packing tape, placed inside the print, to support the large bridge and give me a smooth inset surface!

I scrounged around and found a bubble wrap envelope that was about the thickness needed.

I marked on the build plate where I wanted the support to be based on the failed print. I taped a section of bubble wrap inside the area I wanted to support.

Using a scrap bubble mailer to create a raised surface to support the bridging surface of the print
Using a scrap bubble mailer to create a raised surface to support the bridging surface of the print. This was too thin to support the bridging.

My second print went better, but I realized as the print started bridging that the support was too thin. I had popped all the bubbles of the support, which had flattened it too much.

For the 3d attempt I actually bothered to measure the depth of the piece I was printing, and found some old flyers that I cut to fit the support I wanted.I started the print, and then paused when the outer perimeter was finished. I taped the paper support in the space to bridge, and resume printing.

Using a pick to hold down the taped support while the print is bridging. - bridging surface
Using a pick to hold down the taped support while the print is bridging.

The result was better than the others, though the tape bubbled up a bit, producing an uneven finish.

4th attempt, smoothest yet with both surfaces coming out relatively smooth. - bridging surface
4th attempt, smoothest yet with both surfaces coming out relatively smooth. The black mark is from marker that transferred from the packing tape.

It took a couple attempts, but I did finish with a badge that had the desired results. Both the primary surface and inset surface of the badge came out with a shiny finish. While this method needs refinement, it may be something that 3D printers on 3DHubs may consider if they have a large bulk order of parts to print. It can also be useful when you have large prints with massive overhangs or bridges.


In the future I plan to experiment with other build plate support methods. Stay tuned for more experiments!


1st print (left) and 4th print (right) that show the difference in the finish of the bridging surface.
1st print (left) and 4th print (right) that show the difference in the finish of the bridging surface.

If you would like 3D-PT to review your filament or 3D printer, please contact him @3dfidets on twitter, email [email protected], or contact through this page.

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