So I got my 3D printer (Anet A8) a few years ago and put it together. I couldn't figure out how to use it. Then about a month ago I decided to try again now that I am older and got it to work. I know more than I did by far. I have printed about 15-20 different times now, but then this problem occurred just now that I have never seen before. I tried looking up what it could be and google results in nothing and this exchange leads to one thread that is close to what I am having difficulty with but doesn't really help. I got the stl file from the internet on thingverse, so I am fairly certain they must have clicked the center and arrange when in the cad software to make the item, which is a phone stand. So my print all of a sudden starting printing in air. Here is a picture and thanks for the help.
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The problem is, you didn't slice the g-code using support. It won't print right without it.
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$\begingroup$ I see what I did wrong now. Thank you as I will now add support for all my prints that have overhang. I see where the support is in cura, its plain as day. $\endgroup$ – john Mar 22 '19 at 0:02
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1$\begingroup$ Not all prints need or want support material - Print in place regularily will fail or fuse fast with it, @john for optimal strength, I would print this on its side with support enabled and the everywhere choice. $\endgroup$ – Trish Mar 22 '19 at 15:21
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$\begingroup$ I agree with @Trish . Print on its side to get greatly increased strength where it matters. $\endgroup$ – Carl Witthoft Mar 22 '19 at 17:57
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$\begingroup$ If printed on its side, I think the finish would be tremendously better as well, since the support material would only be used on the thin side and not throughout the entire flat side of the print. $\endgroup$ – Pᴀᴜʟsᴛᴇʀ2 Mar 22 '19 at 18:53
print all of a sudden starting printing in air
, you mean that the filament stops extruding but continuous printing, or does it raise the head and prints filament in the air. Looking at the image I assume you mean the first option, but please make that clear in your question. If so, what you then are looking for is a defect called clogging. $\endgroup$ – 0scar♦ Mar 21 '19 at 7:38