When 3D printing a model with overhangs or hollow spaces, use these filaments to prevent the model from losing its shape. They support the structure during the printing and cooling process, then dissolve or snap away once the part is hardened. Use them in dual-extrusion fused filament fabrication (FFF) printers alongside your primary filament. Unlike parts with supports printed from a single filament, there’s no cutting, sanding, or polishing required.

Choose a filament that has similar printing requirements as your primary filament. You will want to choose a support filament that prints at a similar temperature as your primary filament and has the same requirements for a heated build chamber, so they cool at the same rate and won’t warp. Aquasys 120 filaments are compatible with the widest variety of filament materials, but they require a heated build chamber. Aquasys GP filaments are good at supporting heat-sensitive materials, such as PLA and PET, because they print well at lower temperatures and don’t need a heated build chamber. Aquasys 180 filaments work with high-temperature plastic, such as PEEK, PEI, and PPS. They require a heated build chamber. HIPS filaments are commonly used to support ABS and ASA parts and don’t need a heated build chamber. PSU blend filaments work with high-temperature plastic, such as PEEK and PEI, and require a heated build chamber.

You should also consider how you will remove the structural support filament from your finished part. Soluble filaments are well suited to print parts with complex or fragile designs as they gently dissolve off your primary part, leaving a smooth finish. Water-soluble filaments dissolve in a heated bath. Limonene-solvent-soluble filaments do not require heating, but the solvent will need to be properly disposed of after use. Break-away filaments are designed to cleanly snap off of your primary parts with your hands while the print is still warm, taking only minutes to fully remove.