After having sent out designs to a 3D printing company, they give you the option to remove the support material in house or one can do it themselves. As an exploration of understanding both the 3D print and the support material it was decided that I myself would remove the support materials from these pieces.
Above is what the pieces look like with the support material, the support material is attached in layers and covers the entire piece. the support is there to help build up the base material in which the piece is manufactures as the base material cannot float in air the support material acts as a support to the base.
Below are the designs for a pair of earrings, the before and after the support material is removed. these earrings are then later added a hook in silver.
The cleaning process of the support material varies according to design. if a design has a larger or thicker frame work it is likely to go through a high pressure spray to remove the support material. however with finer details it is best to do by hand to reduce any chance of breaking.
The process by hand requires some luke warm water and a tool that has a small tip that can scrape out the support material. As seen above AA tweezers were used, one can also use a needle.
Above are the pieces with majority of the support material removed, at this point a baby toothbrush with some water is used to remove any finer support material, keeping in mind to still be cautious with the pieces as it is delicate.
