Support filaments are used as support material during 3D printing complex models with overhangs, cavities or moving parts. It will be taken off mechanically or desolved in water after printing is complete. Types of support filaments 🔹 PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) ✅ Water-soluble filament - easy removal support ✅ Ideal for prints with PLA and other low temperature materials ⚠️ Hygroscopic - requires dry storage 🔹 BVOH (Butenediol Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer) ✅ Better solubillity in water than PVA, faster decay ✅ Excellent adhesion to varios materials (PLA, PETG, ABS) ⚠️ Hygroscopic - correct storage is needed 🔹 HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene) ✅ Soluble in limonene - suitable for ABS and ASA ✅ Stronger than PVA/BVOH, resistante whitle printing ⚠️ Require limonene for dissolution - additional costs and handling 🔹 Breakaway (breakaway support) ✅ Easily breakable without the need of solvent ✅ Good adhesion to wide range of materials ⚠️ May leave a rougher surface on contact surface Recommended uses ✅ PVA/BVOH – Ideal for water-soluble supports at PLA, PETG ✅ HIPS – Best for ABS and ASA, where chemical removal is needed ✅ Breakaway – Fast removal without the need of chemicals, suitable for mechanical parts Support filaments make easier printig more complex models and allows to create constructions, which would otherwise be not possible to print. Choosing the right support depends on material of the main print and required way of support removal. ​