How to generate bar supports under a part

Objective:

Learn how to use the Supports - Bar - Straight Tips - Part to BPlate (External) custom 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. The Supports - Bar - Straight Tips - Part to BPlate (External) custom block

Applies to:

Additive manufacturing

Procedure:

1. Import the Custom Block: Import the Supports - Bar - Straight Tips - Part to BPlate (External) custom block. 2. Fill out the inputs: Input 1: Part The input body is the part we want to support. We use this example’s bracket below The example body to apply supports to.

Input 2: Build Plane

Define the build plane that your supports should be placed on

Inputs 3-10: These inputs define the bar support geometry and its position on the part. A diagram showing how each input affects the output support bars.

A diagram showing how each input affects the output support bars.

Input 3: Point Spacing

Defines the space between the tip points on the part

**Input 4:**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 5: Tip Offset

Defines the ‘length’ of the tip

Input 6/7: Tip Thickness (Part > Bar)

Controls the taper of the tip from the Part to the Bar

Input 8/9: BarThickness (Tip > Base)

Controls the taper of the bar from the Tip to the Base

Input 10: Blend Radius

Controls the radius of the support beams connecting to the build plate

Note: When visualizing supports, it’s common for them to appear irregular or disjointed due to their very small features. To see the correct geometry, we recommend using Precise Render to visualize the supports. The example below shows the same part and supports with and without Precise Render enabled. Visualized support bars without precise render.