This page is tuned for the FlashForge AD5X using PLA for both the model and the supports. The goal is reliable support during printing without welding the support structure to the part. Start with the Easy Removal profile, then move toward Balanced or Best Underside Quality only when the model needs it.
Main reference profile. These values assume a properly calibrated AD5X and dry PLA.
Best for figures, decorative parts, curved geometry, and most prints where clean removal matters more than a perfectly smooth hidden underside.
Use this when the Easy Removal profile leaves visible sagging or a rough underside.
A flatter underside comes with a price: denser interfaces and a smaller Z gap make supports harder to peel away.
| Model geometry | Recommended support | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Characters, statues, organic shapes | Tree Organic | Fewer contact points and easier access during removal. |
| Large flat ledges or shelves | Normal Snug | More even support under broad horizontal surfaces. |
| Mixed organic + large flat overhang | Tree Hybrid | Tree structure with stronger support beneath broad areas. |
| Support would land on visible model faces | Build plate only, if possible | Avoids extra contact scars, but only use it when all required areas can still be reached. |
| Short bridges the AD5X handles cleanly | Don't support bridges: On | Avoids creating unnecessary support under printable bridges. |
Increase Top Z by 0.02 to 0.04 mm. If needed, reduce interface layers or increase interface spacing slightly.
Decrease Top Z by 0.02 mm, or tighten interface spacing before adding lots of support density.
Increase XY distance from 0.30 toward 0.35 to 0.40 mm.
Raise branch density modestly or use Tree Strong / Hybrid. Also verify bed adhesion and avoid excessive support speed.
Enable Ignore small overhangs, consider manual support painting, or rotate the part to eliminate hidden support pockets.
Move from Easy Removal toward Balanced. The best first changes are 0.20 mm Top Z and 0.45 mm interface spacing.
The current OrcaSlicer AD5X 0.25 mm machine profile uses a 0.12 mm Standard process as its default. Smaller nozzles create finer support contacts, so do not simply copy every 0.4 mm value.
The current Orca FlashForge common process uses Normal (Auto), 0.18 mm Top and Bottom Z distance, 0.30 mm XY distance, 2.5 mm rectilinear base spacing, a 30° support threshold, and 150 mm/s support speed as factory starting values. The Easy Removal profile above intentionally moves away from that baseline where doing so reduces PLA-to-PLA support adhesion.
Sources: OrcaSlicer Support Advanced · OrcaSlicer Tree Support · FlashForge support-removal guidance · FlashForge AD5X Support
*If your filament profile exposes Support Interface Fan Speed, high interface cooling can weaken the bond at the interface and help separation. Orca documents this behavior. Keep the regular PLA cooling profile appropriate for your filament.