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Objective:

Learn how to use the “CB - Bar Supports - Parts to Build Plate (Implicit)” block to generate bar supports under a part. In this example, you will learn how to use a combination of blocks to generate supports necessary for additive manufacturing. If you would like a deeper look into the workflow or would like to follow along through the steps below, you can find the nTop files here: nTop File - How to use CB - Bar Support - Parts to Build Plate (Implicit) and Custom Block: CB - Bar Supports - Part to Build Plate (Implicit).

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Applies to:

  • Additive manufacturing

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Procedure:

In this example, we use a part that has been oriented using the Minimum Support Orientations block. This block is a Custom Block; they are a repeatable workflow that any user can create. 1. Import the Custom Block: To use a Custom Block (CB), we need to import it into nTop. Go to File > Import and then navigate to where the CB is located. The first time you do this step, the CB auto-populates in the Note Book. For each subsequent time you would like to use that same CB, search for it in the Notebook Search bar. 2. Fill out the inputs: Input 1: Select the body to support The input body is the part we want to support. We use this example’s bracket below, External Only - Final. Inputs 2-7 & 10: These inputs define the bar support geometry and its position on the part. mceclip7.png
  • Input 2: Point Spacing
    • Defines the space between the tip points on the part
  • Input 3: Tip Offset
    • Defines the ‘length’ of the tip
  • Input 4/5: Tip Thickness (Part > Bar)
    • Controls the tapper of the tip from the Part to the Bar
  • Input 6/7: BarThickness (Tip > Base)
    • Controls the tapper of the bar from the Tip to the Base
  • Input 8: Overhang Angle
    • We recommend entering a value slightly less than the required Overhang angle to capture the entire area. An example of 44.8 degrees for a required 45 degrees.
  • Input 9: Build Plane
    • Build the plane from which the bar supports originate.
  • Input 10: Blend radius
    • Defines the blend radius from the bar to the plate
This is a High-Res render of the bar supports. At times the visual render of an Implicit come is very blotchy (as seen below). This doesn’t mean the true representation is incorrect. With the Block select (the blue highlight around the block), simply press Ctrl-H to get the High-Res to render as seen above. Bent Tips.png

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Download the Example file:

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More on this topic:

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Keywords:

additive block implicit part support manufacturing custom prep plate printing build bar minimum 3d supports