What types of supports can be used in FDM printing?

In Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) printing, the use of supports is essential for successful printing of complex geometries, particularly when overhangs or intricate designs are involved. The correct answer highlights that both automatically generated supports and manually created supports can be employed during the printing process.

Automatically generated supports are created by slicing software, which analyzes the 3D model and determines where additional material is needed to ensure that overhanging features can be printed without collapsing. This feature saves time and effort, as the user does not have to manually assess and place supports.

Manually created supports, on the other hand, allow users more control over where supports are applied. This approach is beneficial when certain areas require specialized support structures. Some users may prefer this option to optimize the print job based on their knowledge of the specific model and its printing requirements.

The option that states only manually created supports is too limiting, as it overlooks the advantages of modern slicing software. The option mentioning only soluble supports is also not fully encompassing, since not all printers support soluble materials, yet they can still utilize non-soluble supports effectively. Lastly, claiming that supports are unnecessary disregards the many instances where they are critical for achieving successful prints, particularly in designs featuring significant