3D Printing FoundationsSelf-Supporting Shapes
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3D Printing Foundations

Course progress0/14
1Understanding 3D Printing
  • Introduction to 3D Printing
  • Understanding Scale
  • Your First Print-Sized Model
  • Checking Print Dimensions
2Build Plate & Wall Thickness
  • The Build Plate
  • Positioning Objects
  • Wall Thickness
  • Creating Thick-Walled Objects
3Overhangs & Supports
  • Understanding Overhangs
  • Self-Supporting Shapes
  • When to Use Supports
  • Optimizing for Minimal Supports
4Your First Print
  • Print Readiness Checklist
  • Project: Simple Keychain
3D · Lesson 10 of 14Create a Self-Supporting Shape

Self-Supporting Shapes

Some shapes print without supports!

Task

  1. 1Add a Cone to the scene
  2. 2Position it with the pointed tip UP
  3. 3This orientation is self-supporting (< 45° overhang)

Why This Works

  • Cones have gradual slopes
  • Each layer is supported by the one below
  • No overhangs exceed 45°

Self-Supporting Shapes

  • Cones (tip up)
  • Domes
  • Pyramids
  • ❌ Spheres (bottom half needs support)

    • Hints