How to Fix Cura Support Not Touching Build Plate

For 3D models to print correctly, supports can be crucial. That’s why it can be such a problem when Cura supports are not touching the build plate. I decided to write this article to show you ways to fix this issue, so keep reading for more information.

How to Fix Cura Support Not Touching Build Plate

Here’s how to fix Cura supports not touching the build plate:

1. Update Cura
2. Add Custom Support
3. Use a Brim or Raft
4. Level Your Bed

1. Update Cura

One popular fix you can try when Cura supports are not touching the build plate is installing the latest version of Cura and seeing if it solves the problem.

If you install a new Cura version and the issue persists, you can always go back to an older version. One user said that downgrading to Cura 4.2.1 fixed the issue for them.

However, be aware that uninstalling an outdated Cura version can interfere with your support settings, as mentioned by another user. He also stated that it’s crucial to maintain your support settings configurations if you install a new Cura version.

Check out the video below for more information on how to update Cura and keep your custom settings.

2. Add Custom Support

Another option you can try to fix Cura supports not touching the build plate is going into Cura’s Marketplace and installing the “Custom Support” plugin.

Doing so adds an option to your left sidebar that enables you to add more support settings functionality, specifically, it allows you to select only specific areas where you want to add support.

Sometimes the current Cura support settings may need to be revised to your support standards. Adding custom support helps you achieve your ideal support settings.

Check out the video below to see how to add custom support in Cura correctly.

3. Use a Brim or Raft

Using a brim or a Raft is another possible fix. Most times, a Raft or a brim provides an effective way you can use to solve common problems you encounter in 3D printing.

A Raft is a grid-like support structure that delivers more adhesion to your print bed. Specifically, it’s an entire mesh that’s printed below your model’s first layer.

Usually, it extends beyond the dimensions of the model’s base layer and can be several layers thick. That means, if you use a Raft, there will be a need to separate it from the finished model after you’re done printing.

But while a Raft can offer a reliable fix for support not touching the build plate, it will consume more filament.

One user said that Rafts compensate for imperfect height adjustments and are really helpful for people who own a poor-quality bed.

A Brim is like a wide skirt that touches the model and extends out to cover a bigger surface area on the build plate. It provides a great solution if your print object has a small surface area.

The Brim width naturally depends on the print object, but 3 – 5mm is usually enough, with the default being around 8mm. Unlike a Raft, it doesn’t use much filament.

One user mentioned that Brims provide stability for support. He also stated that Brims are useful for small prints or tall prints because they offer a more connected surface area to grip the bed, which helps to increase bed stickiness.

Large prints or prints with sharp corners benefit greatly from a Brim’s ability to resist warping.

That’s why using a Brim or Raft in Cura helps to improve the surface area and reliability of support structures. Both can help add extra material around the perimeter of your print so that there’s more to adhere to the build plate.

To make a Raft or Brim visible in your workspace and to use it in Cura, you might need to change your settings visibility in Cura to at least “Advanced” as shown below to show Brim Width, or “Expert” to show more Raft settings.

Check out the video below to learn more about rafts and brims.

4. Level Your Bed

Another possible fix for when the supports are not touching the build plate is leveling your bed.

When your bed isn’t properly leveled, it can negatively affect your 3D print, even with your supports and the build plate. You always want to have a bed that is leveled correctly for the best results.

If you haven’t leveled your bed for a while, this could be a potential fix for your supports not touching the build plate properly.

Many users recommend properly re-leveling your bed and checking if it is not warped. Sometimes you may need to compensate for a warped area when leveling the bed.

Re-leveling the build plate helped many users to fix different issues they were having with Cura supports.

I like to recommend the HICTOP Flexible Steel Platform with PEI Surface from Amazon. It provides great adhesion for your 3D prints and supports, and models are easier to remove since you can remove the bed and flex it to pop prints off.

One user said that compared to a glass bed, this one wins hands down.

Another thing you can do to improve bed adhesion is to clean your bed surface, since dirt and grime can easily build up and decrease the bed adhesion.

Check out the video below for an easy way to level your bed.