Working with SNAP TRAYs

This page contains several useful tips and techniques for working with your SNAP TRAY.  Follow some of the useful tips and videos below and you will be a SNAP TRAY Pro in no time!

Terms

• SNAP TRAY - The main product that contains the models. The models and supports 'grow' from the bottom support raft.  The top of the tray (or highest point) is the last feature to be printed.  All objects should be below the corner standoffs.
• Corner Standoffs - The standoffs protect the models in the box and during shipping.  They are also quite often some sort of useful terrain feature like I-Beams, Wood Poles or Defensive Barriers.
• Model - The primary object of our interest. You will want to remove the model from the tray and the associated supports.
• Supports - The fine column like structures that attach to the model and help the model form the final shape.

Other Important Information

• All SNAP TRAYs are fully cured prior to ship.
• All models and components are solid. No hollow cavities exist on the models that are part of the SNAP TRAY.

Useful Tips and Tools for working with SNAP TRAYs

• Safety Glasses. When breaking parts off the trays, it's good practice to wear eye protection.
• Dust Mask. If you plan to sand or drill the material, you should wear respiratory protection.
• Super Glue.   Superglue (Cyanoacrylate or CA) is the best choice for gluing 3D printed parts together. Adhesion is almost instant so dry fit first!
• Hobby Knife.  You can use the Hobby Knife to separate the supports from any cantilevered parts.  This will prevent the part from breaking during the support removal. The material has some ductility and you might 'shave' away any protrusions left by the supports or if you are interested in modifying the model or part.
• Hobby Snips or Clippers.  You can use the snips to trim away some of the supports if you aren't sure you can remove the model easily. 
• Hair Dryer.  A hair dryer is useful for briefly heating the support material to ease the removal of the model. A 'Using Heat to Assist Model Removal' video below explains how to use the hair dryer to assist support removal.

Useful Techniques

• Any extended parts such as rifle barrels or swords that have a support attached are best removed prior to the major part removal.
• Press the supports with your finger to remove them from the model prior to the final snap from the tray.  This technique will reduce the tension on the model during removal.
• You can use snips to remove the supports that are near the base of the model. By removing these supports you can reduce the tension on the model when snapping it from the tray.
• Dry Fit - If in doubt about how something goes together, DRY FIT first!  Then apply superglue.
• Apply heat to the supports to ease model removal. A 15 second blast of hot air will soften the supports for easy model removal. See the Heat video below.

Your First Snap Tray

Using a Heat to Assist Model Removal

Finnish Winter War Example

 

Questions or comments should be directed at customerservice@trenchworx.com.