The
support module provides an interface for analyzing a part's support needs, generating, editing and applying the supports, as well as viewing the results. The
support module can be launched individually on parts both on the generic platform as well as on parts loaded into
machine workspaces. This includes those
workspaces that have their own support handling.
To launch the support module, select the part to support, then choose
Home > 
Generate Supports from the
main menu. Some
machine workspaces employ their own versions of the support module.
Support generation methods
You may define and create support, or support entities, through three main methods:
| Method | Features |
|---|---|
|
Fully automated: Support scripts |
Support scripts are the most powerful way to create supports. Support scripts are akin to macros in other software. They are lists of one or more individual support actions that are executed in order. Each support action is configured individually, and you can employ multiple copies of the same action, adjusted slightly, to create individually customized supports for different areas (clusters) on the same part. Support scripts may be created, saved and loaded, as well as imported and exported. |
|
Generate supports through context menu options |
Netfabb visualizes the results from the support module's cluster detection directly on the part. You may fill these clusters with support structures individually through their context menus. |
|
Manual: Place support entities individually. |
Select a type of supports and place individual anchors onto the part to have Netfabb generate supports following the placed anchors. |
About support actions
Support actions are the commands to generate the actual mesh structures that form the supports. These are what you actually use in the three support generation methods mentioned above. They appear in two types of places in Netfabb:
- as "instant-use" commands in the
main menu for placing support entities manually, and the
context menu of individual detected clusters to fill their areas with volumetric support.
The configurations used to generate the support entities through these commands is stored in sets which you select and manage in the Edit tab of the context view.
- as actions you can add to a
support script or macro which you can, in turn, save for later use
These individual actions are configured as you assemble them into the script.