Support filament

Support filament

What is a soluble support filament?

Soluble support filament is an essential material in 3D printing, especially for complex parts that require temporary support structures. This type of filament, often referred to as soluble or support filament, is designed to dissolve easily after printing, making it easier to create complex geometries without damaging the final part.

Soluble filaments are compatible with most FDM 3D printers, but they are mainly used with dual extrusion printers. Indeed, support generation is often necessary in 3D printing, and the use of soluble materials generally provides the best quality and finish.

Manually removable support filaments are designed to be easily detached after printing, without the need for solvents or dissolving baths. They offer a convenient and fast solution for simple prints or prototypes, while reducing post-processing time. Less expensive than soluble filaments, they are ideal for standard materials like PLA, provided the support settings are correctly configured for clean removal.

The different families of soluble filaments

There are two main types of soluble filaments: water-soluble (like PVA and BVOH) and those soluble in other solvents (like HIPS, soluble in limonene). Water-soluble filaments are the most popular due to their ease of use and broad compatibility with different materials.

How to choose your support filament?

The choice of support filament depends on the main material used for printing:

• Standard PVA: compatible with PLA and Nylon.
• HIPS: used with ABS, soluble in limonene. This is an older solution, but still effective and economical.
• PolySupport or Breakaway: easily removable by hand, without chemicals or water.

The advantages of soluble filaments

Using soluble support filaments allows for a precise and even deposition of support, significantly improving the quality of contact areas. Whether used entirely or only for the interface, it enhances printing performance for complex or overhanging zones.

Storage and usage precautions

Water-soluble filaments, such as PVA or BVOH, are very sensitive to moisture. They must be stored in a dry, airtight environment, and may need to be dried before use if exposed for several days. A moist filament becomes soft, sticky, and may swell, leading to extrusion defects or complete print failures.

Recommended accessories for printing with soluble filaments

To ensure successful prints with soluble filaments, we recommend using:

• A dual extrusion 3D printer to print both the main material and support simultaneously.
• Airtight storage or heated dry boxes to keep spools dry.
• Advanced slicing software to configure interface supports for clean removal and smooth finishes.

Conclusion: which soluble support filament to choose?

The choice of soluble support filament depends on the material to be supported. It is crucial to select a compatible and high-quality filament. For reliable results, opt for trusted brands like Polymaker, Forshape, or Nanovia, known for their consistency and performance with technical filaments.