Question on support and top faces

[T. Burns @mr-burns]

Dear all,

since I am a newbee in 3D printing I have one question.
Lets assume I created a hollow cube using any 3D CAD software, (TinkerCAD, Blender, or whatever). The result is a STL file.
The cube has a size of 20mm x 20mm x 20mm. The wall thickness should be 2mm.
Since the Robox cannot print in the air for the top face support is needed to give the top layer a base to print on.
Do I have to create the support for the top face using the CAD-Software or ist it done by Automaker automatically?

Thanks for any explanation!

[amuse @amuse]

Without support it will try to bridge top layers from wall to wall. First layers to bridge will sag a little, but it will get better and better as layers build up on top of each other. 16mm (20-2-2) should not be any problem at all, but you could add few extra layers on top to ensure the best possible finish and strength.

[T. Burns @mr-burns]

Hi amuse,

thanks for reply!

[Roberto @robcha]

@mr-burns: The software also has the option to turn on support. This should then create support structures inside the cube, so it will not be fully hollow.
I have not tried this on the Robox, but I see no reason why Slic3r would not work like that.

 

[Clicky @clicky]

Stupid question - but why hollow cube? Why you need to have all 6 sides up?

Can you make it with hollow ball inside of cube? That might help a bit with structure and bridging.

[Neil @nile]

I think it was a hypothetical cube, to demonstrate the need for support.

[Clicky @clicky]

I see.. Issue there is that you won’t be able to see inside and how much it sagged on first layers over the gap.

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