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Supports When Printing on a Resin Printer

Supports When Printing on a Resin Printer

A practical guide for miniatures and models

Main rule

Place the model at a 30–45 degree angle.
This reduces suction force, fewer problems, and better print quality.

Arms and fingers

  • Orient arms with fingers pointing up (free).
  • We do not want to remove supports from fingers → so fingers always point up.
  • For small details (fingers, claws), place supports only on the finger pads. Never on the claw or nail itself.
  • If an arm is pressed against the body — place a support from the inner (hidden) side.

Tip: Hollow the inside of the hand and add holes at the joints to reduce weight and avoid air pockets. 1.5 mm walls are usually enough.

Reinforcing supports

  • For heavy models and dark resins — reinforce supports (make them thicker).
  • Light and clear resins can often print with 1–2 regular supports.
  • Create a “hedgehog” of thick supports in critical spots, and use thin ones everywhere else.

Important: Do not place thick supports on visible areas. Try to hide them at the back or underneath.

Weapons and thin details

  • If the model author made a katana or sword thinner than 10 mm — that is a reason to think carefully.

  • Thin cylinders (barrels, swords) almost always warp.
    Solutions:

    • Drill a hole down the center and insert a metal rod (brass, copper, wire).
    • Or cut the barrel out entirely and make it separately from metal/plastic.

  • Bullets, small details — always orient upward so you do not struggle removing supports.

  • Optimal angle: 32–45 degrees.
  • Layer height 0.03 mm, without heavy smoothing (4–14k screens).
  • The head is a relatively safe area. Supports can go almost everywhere (hair + face).

Legs and feet

  • Not every printer will do this well, but on most printers from $400+ — it is doable.
  • Try to place the model so the legs are stable.

General recommendations

  • Always place models at 30–45 degrees.
  • Calibrate your printer regularly.
  • After matrix tests, learn the minimum layer height your printer can actually handle.
    On an 8K screen, do not print at 0.025 or 0.02 — you can damage the screen. Optimal is 0.028–0.03 mm.
  • Service the printer mechanics regularly:
    • Tighten screws
    • Lubricate
    • Replace the film
    • Clean dust

Dust is the main enemy.

Tags: #supports #model_orientation #miniatures #SLA #DLP #practice

Last updated: June 18, 2026