Apply supports onto multiple parts

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In Netfabb, you can apply an already-created support structure to multiple parts of the same type,

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allowing for efficient and accurate support generation.

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In this example, multiple similar parts are included in the machine workspace,

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with supports already generated for the part labeled SN1, from a previously executed support script.

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Parts SN2 and SN3 are identical to SN1, while the remaining parts differ slightly in geometry or size.

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Typically, to duplicate a support structure for an identical part, from the main menu, select Home > Prepare > Run Script > Run support script.

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In the Choose support script dialog, select the script used to generate the supports for the matching part—

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—here, the custom script SLM_Demoseries—and then click Execute.

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However, if you performed manual optimization steps,

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such as angling supports or removing supports, these do not translate when you run the same script on a new part.

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In this example, manual optimizations were employed after the support script was executed on SN1,

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so you need to select an alternate method to duplicate multiple supports.

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From the main menu, select Home > Supports > Manage Supports to view alternate options.

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From here, you can split a support into a new part, refresh a support, merge a support with a part to create a single component, and more.

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In this example, with parts SN2 through SN6 selected, select Attach cloned Support.

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In the Select part for cloning dialog,

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expand the Attached Support Alignment drop-down and select Automatic Alignment to automatically align the support to each part.

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Select the part with the supports to be cloned, and then click OK.

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Notice that each part now has the same supports, with the manual adjustments applied, such as the angled support shown.

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However, some of the supports do not fit perfectly, as you can see on the scaled-up parts, SN5 and SN6.

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To address this, select the two parts.

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Then, click Manage Supports again and select Refresh attached Support.

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The progress of the refresh displays in the Joblist.

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Once complete, the supports refresh and are resized appropriately.

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Now you can apply the same supports to multiple parts for an efficient and accurate support generation process.