> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.ntop.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to create and export slices

## Objective:

Learn how to slice your geometry and export the slices. The slices can be exported in many formats. Check out [this article](/help-articles/knowledge-base/interop/what-file-types-can-ntop-import-and-export)to see what is supported for export

## Applies to:

* Slicing
* Additive Manufacturing

## Procedure:

**1. Slice the Object**

* Add a **Slice Body** block
  * **Body**: Drag in the Implicit Body you want to slice
  * \*\*Layer Height:\*\*Space between slice layers
  * **Feature Size:** Minimum feature size to accurately capture details
  * \*\*Include negative Z:\*\*If you want to include layers with negative Z with respect to frame you need to check this box
  * **Frame**: Using the Frame block, add a reference point to generate the slice stack.
    * Ensure that your **Frame** is located at the bottom of your part. In this example, the **Min Point** located within the Properties of the geometry was used to designate the **Origin** of the Frame

*If you wish to use the Marching Square algorithm of the slicing function, you should use the new **Slice Body by Marching Squares** block enables users who need to slice an Implicit Body using a large feature size for performance reasons but cannot tolerate occasional artifacts introduced by sharpening.*

![A periodic lattice that has been sliced using the Slice Body block.](https://files.learn.ntop.com/help-articles/additive-manufacturing-preparation/49826466669587.png)**2. Hatch the Slices**

* If you wish to add hatches to your slice stack, you can do it with the **Hatch** block
  * Drag your slice stack into the first input of your **Hatch** block and input values for the **Spacing** and **Angle Step**

**![Adding hatches to the sliced lattice using the Hatch block.](https://files.learn.ntop.com/help-articles/additive-manufacturing-prepartion/360101346914.png)**

**3. Merge It All Together**

* Merge your slices and hatches using the **Merge Slice Stacks** block
  * Select the **+** sign within the **Slice Stack List** to add another input
  * Drag your **Slice** block and **Hatch** block into the list of inputs

![Combining the sliced lattice with the hatches using the Merge Slice Stacks block.](https://files.learn.ntop.com/help-articles/additive-manufacturing-prepartion/1500002508261.png)

#### **4. Export as your preferred file format**

* You can export the Slice Stack using one of the **Export Slices** block

And that's it! You've successfully sliced and exported your part.

Are you still having issues? Contact the [support team](https://support.ntopology.com/hc/en-us/requests/new), and we'll be happy to help!

## Download the Example file:

* [Example File](https://files.learn.ntop.com/Support%20Article%20Example%20Files/Knowledge%20Base/Additive%20Manufacturing%20Preparation/Slicing%20and%20Export.ntop)

## Keywords:

*tutorial export slice hatch slice stacks slicing merge slices exporting*