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Edit an automated support script to enhance and optimize the support structure for your part.
Type:
Tutorial
Length:
4 min.
Transcript
00:03
In Netfabb, you have the option to use support scripts,
00:07
which combine cluster detection, support types, and support actions to automatically generate supports.
00:15
When necessary, you can edit the script to include supplement actions to enhance the overall support structure.
00:22
In this example, a cluster detection was completed, and an SLM support script was applied to the part shown.
00:30
While most of the structure is supported,
00:33
notice that as the part is rotated, some areas do not have a support where one is strongly recommended—
00:39
—indicated by the red coloring.
00:42
You can edit the support script to address this.
00:45
In the context view, with the Support scripts tab selected, click More actions, and then select Duplicate script.
00:56
In the Duplicate Script dialog, add a New Name for the script—here, “SLM_Demoseries”—then click OK.
01:05
Back in the context view, in the support actions drop-down,
01:10
select Edge with polyline support to place an edge directly under the red area on the edge of the part.
01:18
Click Add.
01:21
You can see the polyline support actions now included in the Support action list.
01:27
Here, you can edit the settings for the support—for example, click the Maximal edge angle to XY-plane field, and then adjust the value to 60.
01:37
You can also edit settings for the edge length, polyline curvature, block support, size of the hatching, and more.
01:46
When you have finished editing the script, click Execute.
01:51
A progress dialog displays as the supports are generated, and you can see that the feet are now supported with polyline supports.
01:59
The supports shown here, however, have a very high aspect ratio, with the potential to undergo distortion during the build process.
02:08
To address this, you can thicken the supports so that they are more stable, more rigid, and do not bend under process circumstances.
02:17
Expand Support properties, then Structure properties.
02:24
Next to Structure Pattern, click Wired wall.
02:29
Notice that once the supports regenerate that they are thicker and more stable.
02:34
The thickened structure may still not be strong enough to support the part through the entire build.
02:39
You can adjust the support to add cone-shaped, bar supports made of full material to further enhance the support structure.
02:47
In the context view, expand the support actions drop-down and select Area with bar support.
02:56
Here, you can review some of the parameters associated with these supports.
03:01
Click Execute.
03:04
Right now, the supports are still cross-shaped.
03:08
To make them cylindrical or cone-shaped, expand Support properties > Bar contour.
03:15
Click in the Bar contour field to expand the drop-down, and then select Solid bar.
03:22
Click Execute.
03:25
As you can see, the combination of the supports
03:29
—the SLM support script, enhanced by the addition of edge polyline actions,
03:34
then thickened and enhanced with cone-shaped volume supports—
03:38
creates a stable support system for the part.
03:41
Now you know how to edit an automated Support script to enhance and optimize the support structure for your part.
Video transcript
00:03
In Netfabb, you have the option to use support scripts,
00:07
which combine cluster detection, support types, and support actions to automatically generate supports.
00:15
When necessary, you can edit the script to include supplement actions to enhance the overall support structure.
00:22
In this example, a cluster detection was completed, and an SLM support script was applied to the part shown.
00:30
While most of the structure is supported,
00:33
notice that as the part is rotated, some areas do not have a support where one is strongly recommended—
00:39
—indicated by the red coloring.
00:42
You can edit the support script to address this.
00:45
In the context view, with the Support scripts tab selected, click More actions, and then select Duplicate script.
00:56
In the Duplicate Script dialog, add a New Name for the script—here, “SLM_Demoseries”—then click OK.
01:05
Back in the context view, in the support actions drop-down,
01:10
select Edge with polyline support to place an edge directly under the red area on the edge of the part.
01:18
Click Add.
01:21
You can see the polyline support actions now included in the Support action list.
01:27
Here, you can edit the settings for the support—for example, click the Maximal edge angle to XY-plane field, and then adjust the value to 60.
01:37
You can also edit settings for the edge length, polyline curvature, block support, size of the hatching, and more.
01:46
When you have finished editing the script, click Execute.
01:51
A progress dialog displays as the supports are generated, and you can see that the feet are now supported with polyline supports.
01:59
The supports shown here, however, have a very high aspect ratio, with the potential to undergo distortion during the build process.
02:08
To address this, you can thicken the supports so that they are more stable, more rigid, and do not bend under process circumstances.
02:17
Expand Support properties, then Structure properties.
02:24
Next to Structure Pattern, click Wired wall.
02:29
Notice that once the supports regenerate that they are thicker and more stable.
02:34
The thickened structure may still not be strong enough to support the part through the entire build.
02:39
You can adjust the support to add cone-shaped, bar supports made of full material to further enhance the support structure.
02:47
In the context view, expand the support actions drop-down and select Area with bar support.
02:56
Here, you can review some of the parameters associated with these supports.
03:01
Click Execute.
03:04
Right now, the supports are still cross-shaped.
03:08
To make them cylindrical or cone-shaped, expand Support properties > Bar contour.
03:15
Click in the Bar contour field to expand the drop-down, and then select Solid bar.
03:22
Click Execute.
03:25
As you can see, the combination of the supports
03:29
—the SLM support script, enhanced by the addition of edge polyline actions,
03:34
then thickened and enhanced with cone-shaped volume supports—
03:38
creates a stable support system for the part.
03:41
Now you know how to edit an automated Support script to enhance and optimize the support structure for your part.
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