To run a support script with variable parameters

Applies to 2023.0 Update and later

Use a part and a support script as a template, generating part clones with individual parameter value sets each

This functionality is aimed at finding the best values for the various parameters used during support generation. The values can come from manual input or from import of a file containing the values.

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Preparation

  1. Arrange and orient the single part.
  2. Select the part and open the support editor.
  3. Create a new support script with actions, or select the existing script to apply.

This is the same as using any other support script in the support editor, except that you do not execute it yet.

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Setting up the list of variable parameters

Script parametrization uses a separate dialog.

Opening the parametrization dialog

  1. Select the script to run with a parameter list.
  2. Choose More options > Execute parametrized script in the context view.
  3. Click Generate parameter template.
  4. Select the parameters to vary and click OK.
  5. For each part copy with its own parameter values, click New entry and specify the values for the individual copy. Click OK to accept the set of values.
  6. Click Save to close the dialog, saving the rows and values, or click Execute to start generating the part clones and their support variations.

As an alternative to steps 4-6 click Import CSV and load the parameters and values from a CSV file.

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Parametrization dialog reference

The parametrization dialog is mainly divided into two tabsheets.

Parameter table

  1. (Table view): Lists the various values in columns defined for use with this script

    By default, the column Copy names is always predefined, even when there is no parameter yet selected, or no name explicitly defined. This means that any part copy created from the parametrization receives the original part's name.

  2. Buttons:
    1. Generate parameter template: Opens a new selection dialog that compiles all modifiable parameters from all support actions present in the current script.
      • Select here which parameters to make variable, and unselect which parameters you do not need after all.
      • You can amend your selection at any time by reopening this dialog.
        Caution: Unselecting parameters and confirming with OK clears any custom values you may have set for that parameter already without confirmation.
      • The inclusion of the parameter Copy names is automatic, you cannot un-select it.
    2. New entry: Creates a new row of parameters.

      Leaving Copy names empty causes the part copy to be named like the original. Anything added in this field, however, becomes the new name for the respective copy.

      Tip: Include the parameter Description to annotate the respective row of parameters with a comment. It does not affect the list or even the outcome in any other way.
    3. Edit entry: Opens a dialog to edit the currently selected row of parameters.
    4. Delete entry: Removes the currently selected row of parameters.
      Important: This is immediate, irreversible, and without confirmation prompt.
    5. Export as CSV: Writes the parameters as semicolon-separated, plain-text values to a CSV file.
      Note: Angles are stored in radians, but displayed in degrees.
    6. Import CSV: Prompts to load a file CSV file with the field name selection and the field values. This automatically selects the applicable parameters and generates a list from the values stored in the file.
      Note: This discards and replaces any current selection and parameter values.

Copy positioning

  1. Manage settings: Store and recall values for the parameters further down on the tabsheet.
  2. Gap X, Gap Y: Specify the spacing between part clones.
    Note: This does not include any additional footprint generated by supports, such as from stand angles, baseplate offsets, pads-on-platform, space used by adaptive-lattice bars.
  3. Distance to platform in X: Leaves at least this much space from the far X end of the platform
  4. Positioning: Sets the arrangement method for the part copies on the buildroom's platform. Choose from Fill platform, Fill in X direction, Fill in Y direction.
    Note: Neither method stops "filling" the platform if there are still rows in the parameter table when the buildroom size is reached or exceeded.
  5. Maximum copies in X, … Y: Enabled only when Fill in X direction or Fill in Y direction is selected. Generates all duplicates from the parameter list in at most this many rows or columns, even when more rows or columns would fit in the buildroom.
Note: Automatic placement of the copies ignores any existing parts, including the original. Make sure to rectify any overlaps so created.
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Parent topic: Scripted supporting