5axes / customsupportcylinder

Cura plugin which enables you to add 6 types of custom supports. It was originaly based on the Support Eraser plugin code of Ultimaker BV. But instead of creating a cube "anti_overhang_mesh", this plugin offer you the possibility to define custom sized "support_mesh" elements.

Custom Supports Plugin for Cura

Cura plugin which enables you to add custom different support types. It was originaly based on the Support Eraser plugin code of Ultimaker BV. But instead of creating only a fixed sized cube "anti_overhang_mesh", this plugin offer you the possibility to define a custom sized shape "support_mesh" element.

Source code on Github : https://github.com/Ultimaker/Cura/tree/master/plugins/SupportEraser

This plugin offer now much more possibilities :

• Possibility to define cylindrical / squarred / custom by 2 points / tube / abutment support style / Freeform Support
• Possibility to define the support size
• Visualisation of the support on the total height
• Possibility to add an angle to obtain a conical support
• Possibility to limit the size of the bottom of the support in case of tapered support

New 2.4.0

• Possibility to define a max size for the base of the support

New 2.5.X

• Possibility to define freeform support via STL File

New 2.6.X

Updated for Cura 5.0

The initial version was tested on Cura 4.5 but last release tested from 4.5 to 5.0

Installation

Manual Installation

Download the latest release from this repository

Drop the curapackage according to your Cura release in the 3d viewport in Cura as if you were opening a 3d model. You will then be prompted to restart Cura.

Automatic installation for Cura 4.X and Cura 5.X

First, make sure your Cura version is 4.5 or newer. This plugin is now avalaible in the Cura marketplace. So you can install it automaticaly from this place:

Cylindric Custom Support on Ultimaker Market place

How to use

• Load a model in Cura and select it

• Click on the "Custom Supports Cylinder" button on the left toolbar

• With the 6 buttons in the plugin windows, it's possible to switch the geometry between a cylinder, a tube, a cubic, an abutment, a freeform or a custom support.

• Change the value for the support Size in numeric input field in the tool panel if necessary

• Change the value for the support Angle in numeric input field in the tool panel if necessary (Version 1.0.03)

• You can limit the size of the tappered support by fixing a Max Size Value if necessary (Version 2.4.0)

• Change the value for the support Interior size in numeric input field in the tool panel if necessary (Version 2.2.0 for Tube support)

Select the type of support to create with the buttons in the support plugin interface :

• Click anywhere on the model to place support cylinder there

• The length of the support is automaticaly set from the pick point to the construction plate.

• Clicking existing support deletes it

• Clicking existing support + Ctrl switch automaticaly to the Translate Tool to modify the position of the support.

• Clicking existing support + Alt this shorcut allow to add a support on a existing support.

• Before to slice your model, uncheck the "Generate Support" checkbox in the right panel (if you want to use ONLY custom supports)

Note: it's easier to add/remove supports when you are in "Solid View" mode

Modifications

• Version 1.03 : Possibility to define conical support

• Version 2.0.0 : Possibility to define custom support

To create custom support you need to clic 2 points on the model.

• Version 2.1.0 : Possibility to define Abutment support

• Version 2.2.0 : Possibility to define a Tube as support

• Version 2.3.0 : For Abutment support possibility to create directly the Support on the Y direction and possibility to unify the supports heights

• Version 2.4.0 : Add Max Size Option in oder to limite the base size.

• Version 2.4.1 : By default Support Mesh are not define as Drop Down Support Mesh. This option will offer the possibility to define new shape for the mesh. But this modification must be validated by the users before going further in the development.

• Version 2.5.X : New option for Freeform Support : Can add a support with a form freely defined by an STL file ( Model must have the size 1x1x1 bo be modified according to the Size value and the height ) :

• Version 2.6.X : Update for Cura 5.0

• Version 2.7.0 : Add possibility to translate the plugin. Add French translation

• Version 2.7.1 add auto-orientation on freeform support.

• Version 2.8.0 Add Define As Model For Cylindrical Model.

• Version 2.8.1 Change Code for automatic orientation.

Youtube Video

Version 2.5.2

Version 2.5.5

Version 2.6.4

Version 2.7.1

customsupportcylinder's Issues

Custom support moves model up in Z axis

Add support, scale, model moves on it's own

https://i.imgur.com/LNFcdwn.png

Object duplication

Hi! I was working with an object that needed 6 supports, so I placed 6 cilinders and then made 6 duplications of the object. This produced a BIG performance loss, at the point that I had to wait a solid minute when tried to rotate one of the duplicated objects.
Already checked that wasn´t the objects fault. Ended up duplicating the objects I needed and putting the supports one by one object.
In this second approach every time a cylindical support was placed, Cura freezed some seconds until the support appeared.
This didn´t happened in Cura 4.X.X. Wish I could propose more info about it
Thanks!

Cylindric Custom Supports

I have noticed that while using the cylindric custom support plugin, after I place a few support shapes, my print time goes CRAZY high and after checking my Z height # between layers, it has gone from the .2 I normally slice at to a .12 O_)o. Grant it the prints look AMAZING BUT.. A print that should normally be 4hrs is 15! I am using the custom shapes as "blockers" for fuzzy skin so I only have fuzzy skin where I want it and not where parts get connected together.

[Enhancement] Button Remove All

Things to get from Qidi. The Custom Support Button with the Remove All option

CustomSupport.mp4

.

Support generated inside model

Supports go through the walls. This is an issue if the area you are supporting is thin.

UM Cura report: Unable to download from the Marketplace (Custom Support Cylinders)

This is the report HERE that the OP can't download the plugin. There is some discussion about an "access token".

Not slicing anymore on CURA 4.10

Hi @5axes,

First of all, thanks for this great plugin.

Since I've updated my Cura to versio 4.10, I'm not able to slice when I put some
custom supports. It says that is slicing but never get finished.

Saving causes the supports to move

When I save and open the file, the supports have moved and ive tried this a few times now

Adding a wider base for narrow support cylinders?

If you look at my example, I require narrow cylinder supports.

These can be fragile when printing, so would like the first two layers to be wide like micky mouse ears, circular tabs. To give a strong base.

Example

Can't install plugin

I see another one similar to this but it looks like the post it references is closed.
Running Cura 5.3.1 and can't get this plugin to install. Was just able to install Custom Supports Eraser Plus so not sure what the problem may be or where to start.

Issue with cura and CustomSupportCylinder

when using custom support cylinder half of cura blanks out. including a screen shot for reference.

Resizing the custom support moves the object it is attached to

Cura version:
Any

OS:
Windows 10 (likely any)

Reproduction steps:

1. Add a custom support (e.g. cylinder)
2. Resize the cylinder using uniform scaling

Expected result:
The cylinder is resized based on its center (similar to the support blocker cube) and the model remains in its initial position.

Actual results:
The cylinder is resized but it is also moving the model it is attached to.

Additional Info:
This only happens when resizing the custom support. Moving or rotating the custom support does not affect the position or orientation of the model it is attached it.

Supports down to workspace, this is problem. + some bugs.

We have a situation, where I need support on 2 flour, but not on 1.
But supports down to the work surface.

Cylinders have some parameters, like "Size" (diameter), "Max Size" (work with angle)

So how can I stop down supports to work surface?
Or, as the idea is, you can add a parameter height (10 mm down for example). This will solve problems like mine.

And some bugs!

PS. Remove last delete all supports

PPS.
`Clicking existing support deletes it

Clicking existing support + Ctrl switch automaticaly to the Translate Tool to modify the position of the support.

Clicking existing support + Alt this shorcut allow to add a support on a existing support.
`
any of this points doesn't work. Or I don't understand how I must "Click" on supports to delete it :\

Cura 5.1.1
If you need something, tell me

Thank you for attention

Possible to have clearance from model?

To begin with... Thanks for this. This makes a big difference to my workflow. The only problem I have is that it attaches to the print making cleanup pretty hard. Is there a way to have it an adjustable distance away from the print so that it doesn't attach to the print so strongly?

Question/Issue with the bridge supports!?!?!?!

Discussed in https://github.com/5axes/CustomSupportCylinder/discussions/14

^{Originally posted by Cordero808 December 27, 2021}
I am getting an issue when using the bridge support. I have tried to place the support but each time I slice it the support looks lts not going to print the supports where I put them. I haven't tried to print it as I don't want to waste the filament. Is this normal and when I print it will print the support bridge???

Most support types are going through model interfering with the print/infill

Firstly, thank you for this plugin as it actually makes supports usable in Cura! I finally just updated to Cura 5.1 from 4.13 and reinstalled/updated all of my plugins and noticed I'm having issues with all of the support shapes except Cylinder. All of the other shapes protrude up into or through the model which adds extra material through the top of the part. As you can see in this screenshot, the Tube support goes into the part and the other supports go right through the top of the model (which actually shows will get printed).

Cura 5.7.0 Update?

Just wondering if this will get updated for Cura 5.7.0? I was able to install it through GitHub, but it is no longer available on the marketplace

[Feature Request]

Is it possible to do something like custom tree supports, or paint on supports? I envy the paint on and tree supports of Prusa. Cura often does not auto generate tree supports where I need them, and the normal supports are lacking and encase my print. Cura produces better prints overall. Prusa gives me isses while printing constantly. Hoping for some type of custom tree or paint on supports for Cura in the future. Thank you!

Supports only generating one layer

I've added a custom support, just simply by setting the size and clicking the underside of the model. When previewing the slicing, I can see there is only one layer being generated on the build plate. What's happening here?

Using Cura 4.7.1