Volume Support structure

The Volume Support tool creates a type of support structure for holding additive parts, and dissipating heat, during the build process. Volume supports are the most used type of support structure for metal additive parts.

Volume supports use a significant amount of material and, as a result, are typically strong. However, because so much material is used, it can be time-consuming to remove all the supports after the build process is complete.

Using volume supports is ideal for fewer, more expensive parts, where it is critical that the supports do not fail. For mass production parts or for cheaper, prototype parts, an alternative type of support, such as a bar support or a polyline support, might be better.

Volume supports typically fill the space between the underside of a part and the build platform using a Filling Type. You can choose between Closed Volume or Structured. Closed Volume uses hollow, square columns, while Structured uses a patterned style of support, such as Diamond that look like scaffolding.