In Additive Manufacturing (AM), Design for Manufacturability (DFM) is the difference between a successful print and a wasted batch. Two of the most common hurdles are wall thickness and overhangs.
This guide focuses on identifying problematic overhangs and utilizing the Generate Supports feature to ensure structural integrity before you hit the "print" button.
Understanding the Overhang Challenge
An overhang is any section of a 3D model that extends outward without underlying support. Without a foundation, deposited material is prone to warping, sagging, or incomplete fusion.
Step 1: Initiating Support Generation
The Generate Supports functionality only appears when an AM technology (like SLS, FDM, or SLM) is applied in Product Parameters. If CNC is selected, the button remains hidden.
Click the Generate Supports button in the 3d viewer to analyse the part. The system will immediately highlight problematic overhangs directly on the 3D model in red colour.
A configuration window will appear. You can still rotate and inspect the 3D model while this pop-up is open.
Note: If the part is not "repaired", the system will notify you that support generation is blocked until repairs are made.
Step 2: Configuring Support Parameters
The system populates fields with recommended values to balance stability with ease of removal.
Parameter | Function |
Support Radius | Determines the thickness of the support pins. These feature a conical tip for a stable base but easy "snap-off" removal. |
Support Spacing X/Y | Controls the density of the support grid. Closer spacing offers more stability for heavy sections but uses more material. |
Step 3: Generating the New Version
Once you click Generate, the system processes the request and creates a new STL file.
Confirmation: A "Supports generated" message will appear for 20 seconds with an option to "Undo" the change.
Version Control: The new file is saved in the Version History as a "Support" version, tagged with the specific Radius and Spacing values used.
The system calculates the volume of the supports separately. In the Analysis & Repair widget, "Part Volume" refers strictly to your original geometry, excluding these supports. A “Geometric Support Volume” value is saved and usable by your pricing workers.
Step 4: Restoring Previous Versions
If the generated supports aren't quite right, or you need to pivot back to the original geometry, AMFG makes it easy to backtrack.
Open the Version History panel.
Locate your desired previous version (e.g., the original upload).
Click Restore.
The restored file will now be marked with a "Current" badge, indicating it is the active model for quoting and production.