Photon Workshop: Comparison of Contact Points in 3D Printing Supports
If we've already explained how to add supports in Photon Workshop, today we're going to go deeper into something more specific: the support tip settings and how they affect the success of your prints and post-processing. We didn't just run comparative tests — we're also sharing what we've learned so your prints can be even more precise and easier to handle. 🔧
Types of Support Contact: Default Contact vs. Ball Contact
The Photon Workshop slicer gives you two options for how supports contact the model: Default Contact and Ball Contact. Since Anycubic's software doesn't have full English localization, we'll use the original English terms Default Contact and Ball Contact.
Here's a breakdown of their differences:
Default Contact
The Default Contact is the standard setting and, while efficient, it does have its drawbacks. When removing supports, small holes may be left on the model's surface. The larger the 'Top Width' or 'Distance in Model' value, the bigger the mark will be. If this happens, you'll need to use filler to smooth out the finish, which can take time and patience. 😓
Ball Contact
On the other hand, Ball Contact leaves visible bumps, but these are much easier to sand down. Although you may see small marks or craters, adjusting the 'Top Width' or 'Ball Diameter' can help you minimise these imperfections. It's a great option if you don't want to deal with too much post-processing.
Tip: If your supports aren't making good contact with the model, try reducing the 'Top Width' or increasing the 'Ball Diameter'. ⚙️
Break Points: Making Separation Easier
Photon Workshop 3.0 introduces the Break Point feature. What does this mean? Essentially, it lets you control exactly where the support separates from the model, making support removal much easier. Say goodbye to supports that feel welded to your print! 🙌
Break Point Settings
Here you can configure:
- Break Point Height: The distance from the top contact.
- Break Point Width: The thickness of the break area.
- Initial and Final Height: The length from the break point toward the lower or upper support.
These settings allow you to make support removal almost effortless, avoiding damage to your print.
Comparison of Light, Medium and Heavy Support with Different Contact Shapes
The most noticeable difference between the three support types - Light, Medium and Heavy - is that stronger supports can hold the model better, which improves print success. However, these supports tend to leave more noticeable holes or bumps on the surface after removal, making post-processing more difficult.
Test Results for Default Contact
- Ease of support removal: Light > Medium > Heavy
- Sanding difficulty: Heavy > Medium > Light
- Surface quality after sanding: Light > Medium > Heavy
- Print success rate: Heavy > Medium > Light
Test Results for Ball Contact
- Ease of support removal: Light > Medium > Heavy
- Sanding difficulty: Light > Medium > Heavy
- Surface quality after sanding: Light > Medium > Heavy
- Print success rate: Heavy > Medium > Light
Break Point Comparison with Different Contact Types
We will use a spherical model as an example, configuring different contact types and Break Point settings. We will then run printing tests, remove the supports, and sand the results.
1. Default Contact, without Break Point
2. Default Contact, with Break Point
3. Ball Contact, without Break Point
4. Ball Contact, with Break Point
Test results:
- Ease of support removal: Break Point enabled
- Ease of sanding: Ball Contact + Break Point or Default Contact + Break Point
- Surface quality after sanding: Ball Contact + Break Point or Default Contact + Break Point
- Highest print success rate: Break Point disabled or Default Contact + Break Point or Ball Contact + Break Point
Note:
- If the model is large and heavy, enabling Break Point may cause the print to fail.
- If you do not need a high surface quality, reduce the Top Width and Distance in Model.
- If you are looking for a fine finish, use Ball Contact, adjust the Ball Diameter, and enable Break Point to make post-processing easier.
Remember, if you want smoother prints with a clean finish, the trick is in the details of your settings!
Conclusion: Which One to Choose?
If your priority is easy post-processing, go for the Ball Contact with the correct 'Top Width' and 'Ball Diameter' settings. If what you're looking for is precision and you don't mind sanding a bit more, the Standard Contact is also a valid option.
Save this article to your favourites and don't forget to join our Telegram group for more tips and updates on Photon Workshop. See you in the community! 👾
Credits to the original Anycubic article