Specifying the platform settings for a 3D Printing Platform item

Use the Platform Settings panel to control the automatic positioning, nesting, and alignment of the parts you add to a 3D Printing Platform item.

To specify the platform settings for a 3D Printing Platform item:

  1. In the 3D Printing Platform panel, click the Platform Settings button. The Platform Settings panel is displayed.
    Note: Alternatively, click the Platform settings icon of the 3D Printing Platform item in the Project Tree.
  2. To position imported parts above the platform:
    1. Select the Adjust height when importing check box.
    2. Enter a value in the Height box.
    3. If you want to apply the height adjustment to previously imported parts, click Readjust heights now.
  3. To automatically align the Z axes of imported parts with the Z axis of the platform, select Orient parts automatically.
  4. To automatically nest imported parts:
    1. Select Arrange parts automatically.
    2. Choose an option in the Select nesting type list. Select:

      Basic box to nest the parts as though a bounding box surrounds each one.

      Silhouette to base the nesting on the parts' outlines.

    3. In the Spacing box, enter the minimum separation between each part.
    4. In the Border box, enter the minimum separation between the platform edge and the parts.
    5. In the Resolution box, enter the maximum distance by which nesting can vary from the Spacing value. Lower values reduce the distance between parts, but increase the time required for calculating nesting.
    6. If you selected a nesting type of Silhouette, enter the minimum angle by which ArtCAM can rotate the parts while nesting. Smaller angles reduce the distance between parts and increase the calculation time.
    7. To apply the arrangement settings to previously imported parts, click Rearrange now.
  5. To automatically create more platforms when the parts do not fit the build space, select Overspill onto new platform.
    Note: Deselecting this option can restrict the number of copies created by Batch Assembly items.
  6. To use the current settings as the defaults when you create more 3D Printing Platform items, click Set as default.
Note: The availability of this feature is license dependent.

See also

Parent topic: Creating a 3D Printing Platform item