Multi‑Material Interface Calibration & Test Tool

Overview

This 3D model helps you dial in your support interface settings. It allows you to test and refine how easily supports break away, leaving a smooth, clean finish on your final print.

The model can be used to tune the settings while using the Bambu Lab Support for PLA or Support for PA/PET materials.

Here’s a neat trick: you can actually use PETG as support interface material for PLA prints!

While PLA and PETG share similar printing temperatures, their bond between layers is weak. This weakness becomes an advantage for supports; it allows easy removal without damaging the final PLA print, leaving a clean and smooth surface.

Multi‑Material Interface Calibration & Test Tool

Note: I’m conducting multiple tests to use PLA as an interface material for PETG objects. I need to address some adhesion issues.

Print parameters to use the PETG as interface support for PLA objects

According to my test here are the best settings when using the PLA as the main material and PETG as the support interface:

Support

Type: normal (auto)
Style: Snug, this allows for a clean final contact surface

Filament

Support/raft base: PLA, for fewer filament changes, simply use the same filament for both the object and the supports
Support/raft interface: PETG, this is the most important parameter; it allows you to choose the material of the layers of the interface between the object and the supports

Advanced

Support wall loops: 0, no walls around the supports
Top Z distance: 0.1 mm, don’t overlook this setting! Setting it to 0 will make the nozzle smear the contact layer onto the interface, leading to a rough surface and difficult interface material removal. Instead, use a value like 0.1mm for a smooth contact surface and easy material removal.
Bottom Z distance: 0 mm, unlike the top, you can set this to 0.
Base pattern: Rectilinear, this allows for easy removal of the support
Base pattern spacing: 2 mm, this allows for easy removal of the support
Pattern angle: 0°, this is not important, you can use the value you prefer
Top interface layers: 2, this setting offers a sweet spot between easy removal and minimizing filament changes. A value of 1 creates an interface layer that’s too thin and difficult to remove. Conversely, values of 3 or higher make removal easier but require more filament swaps
Bottom interface layers: 2, the same as the Top interface layers
Interface pattern: Grid, the grid pattern shines for easy removal! It breaks away cleanly, leaving a smooth surface on your printed object
Top interface spacing: 0 mm, this creates a dense grid leaving a smooth surface on your printed object
Normal Support expansion: 0.8 mm, a higher value here increases the distance the interface material stands off from the object, making it easier to remove
Support/object xy distance: 0.3 mm, this value allows for a clear gap between the object and the support material
Support/object first layer gap: 0.3 mm, you can lower this value to 0.1 mm and use the first layer of the supports as a brim if you have first-layer adhesion issues