How to Use Tree Supports in PrusaSlicer: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Use Tree Supports in Prusaslicer

3D printing is a great way to create complex objects, but it can be difficult to get good results without supports. Supports are structures that help to hold up parts of your print that are printed in the air, and they can prevent your print from failing.

Tree supports are a type of support that is designed to be easy to remove. They are created by a process called “slicing,” which divides your 3D model into layers. As the layers are sliced, the tree support structure is created around the model.

Tree supports are very effective at holding up your print, and they are also relatively easy to remove. However, they can sometimes be difficult to get a good finish on the surface of your print.

In this article, we will show you how to use tree supports in Prusaslicer. We will cover the basics of tree supports, and we will give you some tips on how to get the best results.

We will also provide a step-by-step guide on how to use tree supports in Prusaslicer. So, if you’re ready to learn how to use tree supports, read on!

Step	Instructions	Image
1	Enable Tree Supports in Prusaslicer
2	Configure Tree Support Settings
3	Slice Your Model
4	Print Your Model

What are Tree Supports?

Tree supports are a type of support structure that is used in 3D printing to help print overhangs and bridges. They are designed to be easily removed from the printed part after the print is complete.

Tree supports are created by extruding a thin filament from the printer nozzle in a spiral pattern. This creates a structure that resembles a tree, hence the name.

Tree supports are typically stronger than other types of supports, such as scaffolding or rafts, and they can be removed more easily without damaging the printed part. However, they can also be more time-consuming to print than other types of supports.

Definition of Tree Supports

Tree supports are a type of support structure that is used in 3D printing to help print overhangs and bridges. They are designed to be easily removed from the printed part after the print is complete.

Tree supports are created by extruding a thin filament from the printer nozzle in a spiral pattern. This creates a structure that resembles a tree, hence the name.

Tree supports are typically stronger than other types of supports, such as scaffolding or rafts, and they can be removed more easily without damaging the printed part. However, they can also be more time-consuming to print than other types of supports.

Benefits of Tree Supports

There are several benefits to using tree supports in 3D printing. These include:

• Strength: Tree supports are typically stronger than other types of supports, such as scaffolding or rafts. This is because they are made of a solid material that is not easily broken.
• Easy removal: Tree supports are designed to be easily removed from the printed part after the print is complete. This can be done by simply breaking them off or by using a sharp tool to carefully cut them away.
• Reduced print time: Tree supports can help to reduce the overall print time of a 3D print. This is because they are typically thinner and lighter than other types of supports.
• Improved print quality: Tree supports can help to improve the print quality of a 3D print by preventing the printed part from warping or delaminating.

Drawbacks of Tree Supports

There are also some drawbacks to using tree supports in 3D printing. These include:

• Increased print time: Tree supports can increase the overall print time of a 3D print. This is because they are typically thicker and lighter than other types of supports.
• Increased material usage: Tree supports can increase the amount of material used in a 3D print. This is because they are typically thicker and lighter than other types of supports.
• Potential damage to the printed part: Tree supports can potentially damage the printed part if they are not removed properly. This can happen if the supports are not removed carefully or if they are not removed completely.

How to Enable Tree Supports in Prusaslicer?

Enabling tree supports in Prusaslicer is a simple process. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open the Prusaslicer software.
2. Click on the “Settings” tab.
3. Select the “Supports” section.
4. Under the “Support Type” heading, select the “Tree” option.
5. (Optional) Configure the tree support parameters as desired.
6. Click on the “OK” button.

Enabling Tree Supports in the Prusaslicer Settings

To enable tree supports in the Prusaslicer settings, follow these steps:

1. Open the Prusaslicer software.
2. Click on the “Settings” tab.
3. Select the “Printer” section.
4. Under the “Supports” heading, select the “Tree” option.
5. (Optional) Configure the tree support parameters as desired.
6. Click on the “OK” button.

Configuring Tree Support Parameters

There are a number of tree support parameters that can be configured in Prusaslicer. These parameters include:

• Support Density: This parameter controls the density of the tree supports. A higher density will result in stronger supports, but it will also increase the print time.
• Support Angle: This parameter controls the angle at which the tree supports are generated. A lower angle will result in more supports, but it will also make them easier to remove.
• Support Z Distance: This parameter controls the distance between

Using Tree Supports in Your Prints

Tree supports are a type of support structure that is designed to help your prints adhere to the build plate and prevent them from warping or delaminating. They are made up of thin, tree-like structures that are generated by the slicer software and are printed on top of your model.

Tree supports are a good option for prints that have overhangs or other features that would be difficult to print without supports. They are also relatively easy to remove after printing, which can save you time and effort.

Placing Tree Supports in Your Models

To place tree supports in your models, you will need to first import your model into the PrusaSlicer software. Once your model is imported, you can select the “Supports” tab and enable the “Tree Supports” option.

You can then adjust the settings for your tree supports, such as the density, the branch diameter, and the interface layer thickness. You can also choose whether to print the tree supports with the same material as your model or with a different material.

Once you have adjusted the settings for your tree supports, you can click on the “Generate Supports” button to generate the tree supports. The tree supports will be added to your model and you can preview them in the 3D view.

Removing Tree Supports from Your Prints

Removing tree supports from your prints can be a bit tricky, but it is usually not too difficult. The best way to remove tree supports is to use a sharp knife or pair of scissors.

Start by cutting the tree supports away from the model. Be careful not to damage the model itself. You may need to use a small file or sandpaper to clean up any rough edges that are left behind.

Once you have removed all of the tree supports, you can clean your print with a damp cloth or paper towel.

Troubleshooting Tree Supports

There are a few common problems that can occur with tree supports. These problems include:

• Tree supports not adhering to the model. This can happen if the tree supports are not dense enough or if the interface layer is too thin. To fix this problem, try increasing the density of the tree supports or decreasing the thickness of the interface layer.
• Tree supports breaking off during printing. This can happen if the tree supports are too thin or if they are not printed with the correct material. To fix this problem, try using a thicker material for the tree supports or printing them at a slower speed.
• Tree supports leaving behind a residue on the model. This can happen if the tree supports are not removed properly. To fix this problem, try using a sharp knife or pair of scissors to remove the tree supports carefully. You may also need to use a small file or sandpaper to clean up any rough edges that are left behind.

If you are having problems with tree supports, you can try the following solutions:

• Check the settings for your tree supports. Make sure that the density, branch diameter, and interface layer thickness are all set correctly.
• Print the tree supports with a different material. If you are using a flexible material for your model, try printing the tree supports with a stiffer material.
• Remove the tree supports carefully. Use a sharp knife or pair of scissors to remove the tree supports carefully. You may also need to use a small file or sandpaper to clean up any rough edges that are left behind.

Tree supports are a valuable tool for 3D printing. They can help you to print models that would be difficult or impossible to print without supports. By following the tips in this guide, you can successfully use tree supports in your prints and avoid common problems.

How do I enable Tree Supports in PrusaSlicer?

To enable Tree Supports in PrusaSlicer, follow these steps:

1. Open the PrusaSlicer settings.
2. Go to the “Supports” tab.
3. Under the “Support Type” section, select “Tree”.
4. Adjust the settings as desired.
5. Click “Save”.

What are the benefits of using Tree Supports?

Tree supports are a type of support structure that is designed to be more efficient and less disruptive to the print than traditional supports. They are made up of a series of interconnected branches that grow out from the model, providing support where it is needed. This can help to reduce the amount of material used and the amount of time it takes to print a model. Tree supports are also less likely to cause damage to the model during removal.

What are the drawbacks of using Tree Supports?

The main drawback of Tree Supports is that they can be more difficult to remove than traditional supports. This is because they are more flexible and can be more difficult to break away from the model. However, with a little care, Tree Supports can be removed without damaging the model.

How do I remove Tree Supports?

There are a few different ways to remove Tree Supports. The best method will vary depending on the type of model and the type of support material used.

• For PLA models: The easiest way to remove PLA Tree Supports is to let them cool completely and then snap them off. You can also use a sharp knife or pair of scissors to carefully cut away the supports.
• For ABS models: ABS Tree Supports can be removed by heating them up with a heat gun or hair dryer and then carefully peeling them away. You can also use a sharp knife or pair of scissors to carefully cut away the supports.
• For PETG models: PETG Tree Supports can be removed by heating them up with a heat gun or hair dryer and then carefully peeling them away. You can also use a sharp knife or pair of scissors to carefully cut away the supports.

Can I use Tree Supports with all models?

Tree Supports are not suitable for all models. They are best used for models that have a lot of overhangs or features that are difficult to support with traditional supports. If you are not sure whether Tree Supports are suitable for your model, it is best to test them out on a small print first.

Where can I learn more about Tree Supports?

There are a number of resources available online that can help you learn more about Tree Supports. Here are a few links to get you started:

• [PrusaSlicer documentation on Tree Supports](https://www.prusa3d.com/prusaslicer/docs/support/tree_supports/)
• [All3DP article on Tree Supports](https://all3dp.com/2/tree-supports-in-prusaslicer/)
• [3DPrintingPro article on Tree Supports](https://3dprintingpro.com/tree-supports-in-prusaslicer/)

  Tree supports are a valuable tool for 3D printing, especially when printing complex models with overhangs or bridges. They can help to reduce print time, improve print quality, and prevent failed prints. By following the steps in this guide, you can learn how to use Tree supports in PrusaSlicer to get the best results with your 3D prints.

Here are some key takeaways:

• Tree supports are generated automatically by PrusaSlicer based on the model geometry.
• Tree supports are made of a thin, tree-like structure that is designed to provide support without adding too much weight or material to the print.
• Tree supports can be used to print overhangs and bridges without the need for scaffolding or rafts.
• Tree supports can help to reduce print time and improve print quality.
• Tree supports can prevent failed prints by providing support to weak areas of the model.

By using Tree supports, you can print more complex models with confidence, knowing that your prints will be successful.