Print what seemed impossible. Water-soluble supports dissolve away, leaving complex parts with perfect finish.
PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol) is a water-soluble filament used as support material in dual-extrusion 3D printing. Unlike standard breakaway supports that leave marks and require manual removal, PVA supports simply dissolve in water -- leaving a clean, smooth surface.
This technology enables printing of complex geometry that would otherwise be impossible or impractical: internal channels, enclosed moving parts, intricate overhangs, and delicate features.
Traditional supports leave scars, require tedious removal, and can damage delicate features. Internal supports in enclosed spaces are impossible to remove.
Print with PVA supports, then submerge in water. The supports dissolve completely -- no picking, no digging, no damage. Just the part.
Fluid passages, cable routes, cooling channels -- printed solid and dissolved open.
Geometry that would require extensive supports in hard-to-reach areas.
Enclosed moving parts, captured bearings, hinges printed assembled.
Fine details that would be damaged by traditional support removal.
Print parts together, dissolve supports, components move freely.
When you need perfect undersides with no support marks whatsoever.
PVA printed alongside your main material (PLA or PETG) from two nozzles.
Slicer automatically places PVA under overhangs and inside cavities.
Part comes off printer with PVA supports still attached.
Submerge in warm water. PVA dissolves over 12-24 hours.
No scars, no digging -- just your part with perfect surfaces.
PVA works best with these base materials:
Best compatibility. Print temps align perfectly. Ideal for most applications.
Learn about PLA →Good compatibility with proper settings. For functional parts needing complex supports.
Learn about PETG →PVA support printing adds cost compared to standard printing. Here's why it's worth it for the right projects:
Typically 12-24 hours in warm water. Agitation (stirring or ultrasonic bath) speeds up the process. Thicker supports take longer.
PVA is water-soluble and biodegradable. Small amounts are generally safe for drain disposal. For larger volumes, we dispose of responsibly.
Yes, the part is submerged. PLA and PETG are not affected by water exposure. Parts are dried after dissolution.
Most complex designs benefit from PVA. We'll advise if your specific geometry requires it or if standard supports would work.
Typically 30-50% more than standard printing due to material cost, slower print speed, and post-processing. Worth it for the right applications.
Send us your file and we'll advise on whether PVA supports are the right solution.
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