🔧 Why are there marks where supports were removed?
Support marks are normal surface imperfections where support structures contacted your part during printing. They're an expected characteristic of 3D printing, not a defect.
1. Why Supports Leave Marks
Supports attach to your part to hold up overhanging geometry
When removed, they leave small contact points or scars
The material may be slightly rougher or have small divots where supports touched
2. Where Supports Are Needed
Overhangs steeper than 45°
Horizontal surfaces with nothing underneath
Bridges longer than ~10mm
Complex geometries with undercuts
3. Minimizing Support Marks
1. Design for Minimal Supports — Avoid overhangs where possible, use self-supporting angles (<45°), add chamfers instead of sharp overhangs, and design parts to be oriented optimally during printing.
2. Strategic Part Orientation — Our team orients parts to place supports on less-visible surfaces. Critical surfaces (mating faces, cosmetic sides) are positioned away from supports. Mention in your order notes if specific surfaces must be pristine.
3. Post-Processing — Sanding smooths support contact points, while filling and painting completely hides support marks. Available as an add-on service.
4. Choose SLA for Critical Parts — SLA supports are finer and easier to remove cleanly. Industrial SLA minimizes support scarring on large parts.
4. When to Be Concerned
Support marks should be minor surface texture changes. If supports cause gouges, tears, or significant damage, that's a quality issue worth reporting.
👉 For parts where cosmetic finish is critical, mention this in your order and request post-processing.