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Applies to 2023.0 Update and later

 
 

PBF context view reference

Info fields, commands, and parameters appearing in the context view of powderbed-fusion-type machine workspaces (both metal and polymer powder)

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Build statistics

Field, command, or parameter Explanation Notes
Volume

The solid volume of all parts in the buildroom

MPBF, Farsoon SLS

Build height

Highest point until which the buildroom is filled with part volume

Support

An estimate of volume occupied by support. For open supports, meaning supports whose walls are non-watertight structures, volume estimation is calculated using the Spot size parameter in the chosen configuration. (See Machine configuration)

Build time

An estimate of the time needed for the complete build. The estimate may be improved by generating a toolpath.

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Machine configuration

Field, command, or parameter Explanation Notes
Configuration

A collection of toolpath-generating rules, grouped into strategies, and of other machine-specific settings

MPBF, Farsoon SLS

Distance between part and platform

Enforces a distance between the platform surface and the lowest point of the part

Buildplate thickness

The maximum total buildroom height is reduced by this value to reflect the actually available space for the job that is being prepared. As the buildplate is worn down with every use, more of that height becomes available.

This parameter does not affect any coordinates in the build file export. It is only used to adjust the buildroom size and enable checks and calculations like packing density to be closer to reality.

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Current part

Field, command, or parameter Explanation Notes
Part name

Displays the name of the selected part, or the number of parts if multiple are selected

MPBF, Farsoon SLS

Build strategy

Different parts may have different strategies each, or can have the same strategy set at once.

Laser index

If supported by machine model and configuration, specify which part to render with which laser

Orient part

Shortcut to automatic orientation

Create supports

Shortcut to loading and entering the support editor on the selected part

(Support editor can be loaded only on one selected part at a time.)

Import supports

Opens a file browsing dialog for loading a dedicated STL part as support.

Note: Deactivate Distance between part and platform first, especially if the part to load the support on has some supports already.
Remove supports

Shortcut to removing any supports from the selected part

Monte Carlo packer

Shortcut to Monte Carlo packer

Farsoon SLS

Scanline packer

Shortcut to Scanline packer

Farsoon SLS

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Current build

Field, command, or parameter Explanation Notes
Start build simulation

Prepares the thermomechanical simulation for Local Simulation without generating a toolpath preview

MPBF

Toolpath visualization

Generates the toolpaths for the whole buildroom and displays a visualization

MPBF, Farsoon SLS

Load simulation results

Imports simulation results for display and analysis in Netfabb

MPBF

Export build data

Generates the buildfile from the toolpaths

MPBF, Farsoon SLS

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Build statistics (Toolpath visualization)

These additional items in the Build statistics section in the context view are available while a toolpath is being visualized.

Field, command, or parameter Explanation Notes
Layer count

Total layers occupied by toolpath regardless how many are generated for display

MPBF

Efficiency

For multilaser systems, shows the relation between time of the "busiest" laser and the total build time. The closer to unity, the more equal the work is distributed. Applies to the whole build.

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Current layer statistics

Shown during toolpath visualization

Field, command, or parameter Explanation Notes
Layer time

Total build time up to the current and also generated layer

MPBF

Layer efficiency

For multilaser systems, shows the relation between time of the "busiest" laser and the total build time. The closer to unity, the more equal the work is distributed. Applies to the current layer.

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Preview animation

Shown during toolpath visualization

Field, command, or parameter Explanation Notes
Current layer

Number of currently selected layer, starting at layer 0 (Netfabb projects layers upwards, not downwards.)

MPBF

Current Z

Z height of currently selected layer, starting at zero height

(Replay controls)

Controls to jump to the previous layer down, or next layer up, to play or pause the visualisation, and to control the playback speed

Jump to next layer after animation

When unchecked, replays the same layer in a loop

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Preview mode

Shown during toolpath visualization

Field, command, or parameter Explanation Notes
Mode

Switch between combinations of different ways of how to the display the whole part an to highlight the current layer.

  • Fully colored model: Preview the entire part in color
  • Gray model, colored layer: Preview the entire part, with only the active layer shown in color
  • Cut at current layer (colored): Preview the part using a cut plane with the active layer on top and in color
  • Cut at current layer (gray): Preview the part using a cut plane with the active layer on top and in gray
  • Display current layer only: Preview only the active layer
  • Current layer color: Switches the source of colorization between the type of toolpath (hatches, contours, etc.) and the laser index
Note: Switching this mode reuses calculated of preview data.

MPBF

Layers

Select from increments between layers to calculate and to display persistently. More layers increase display complexity.

Note: Switching this mode causes a recalculation of preview data.
Calculate

Force recalculation of toolpath visualization with the current preview settings

Start build simulation

Prepares the thermomechanical simulation for Local Simulation without leaving the toolpath preview

Back

Leaves toolpath preview

Export build data

Generates the buildfile without leaving the toolpath preview

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