<p>You could try <a href="http://www.meshmixer.com" rel="noreferrer">Meshmixer</a> its free and the supports generated with it are embedded into the 3D model.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Meshmixer-Generate-Supports/" rel="noreferrer">Here</a> you can find a reference on Meshmixer supports. Meshmixer is well known for making custom supports for complex 3D models.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-05-25T07:46:02.370Z
2018-05-25T07:46:02.370Z
Petar Petrov
<p>I want to render a visual of an mesh I created with a real support structure that a 3d printer would print. I haven't had any luck in finding a way to do this. Is there a program (ideally free) that can generate the proper support structure and export it into a mesh format, like .stl or .obj ?</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-05-25T03:48:46.757Z
Why do you need export as object or STL? if the gcode has all data to be printed and previewed before printing if desired.
Fernando Baltazar
CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-05-25T14:57:07.863Z
@FernandoBaltazar I want to render the original object and the support structure in my 3D program. I'm trying to create a graphic that shows a real support structure for an object, and I want to have full control over how I compose the scene.
joegnarly
<3d-models><support-structures>
How can I generate and export the support structure for an object as a mesh?
joegnarly
# How can I generate and export the support structure for an object as a mesh?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2018-05-25)

I want to render a visual of an mesh I created with a real support structure that a 3d printer would print. I haven't had any luck in finding a way to do this. Is there a program (ideally free) that can generate the proper support structure and export it into a mesh format, like .stl or .obj ?

**Tags:** 3d-models, support-structures

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Why do you need export as object or STL? if the gcode has all data to be printed and previewed before printing if desired.  
> **username_0**: @username_1 I want to render the original object and the support structure in my 3D program. I'm trying to create a graphic that shows a real support structure for an object, and I want to have full control over how I compose the scene.  

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2018-05-25. Score: 7 | Accepted answer

You could try [Meshmixer](http://www.meshmixer.com) its free and the supports generated with it are embedded into the 3D model.

[Here](http://www.instructables.com/id/Meshmixer-Generate-Supports/) you can find a reference on Meshmixer supports. Meshmixer is well known for making custom supports for complex 3D models.


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