Packing is used to arrange multiple parts in the build space in as little space as possible, while avoiding collisions and interlocking problems. 2D packers are used for processes that require supports.
Jump to:
- 3D packing - Bounding box
- 2D packing
- 3D packing - Scanline
- 3D packing - Monte Carlo
- 3D packing - Gravity
- 3D packing - Size sorting
- Packing settings
3D packing - Bounding box
Packing by bounding is generally the fastest as there is no consideration for potentially intricate part shapes but it compromises on packing density.
2D packing
This method is optimized for furnishing a single dense layer of parts without stacking.
Top3D packing - Scanline
This method works well for parts with a wide range of shapes and sizes. It is optimized to preferring packing density rather than lowest total packing height.
Can produce arrangements that are inseparable in practice even without collision. An optional prevention mechanism for such interlockings is available, although its computational cost can be excessive.
Top3D packing - Monte Carlo
This method is ideally used to fill gaps between few large and important, manually placed and locked parts with numerous smaller and less expensive ones. Its function is somewhat comparable to random shaking of the build room, letting parts settle into gaps as they find them and trying to minimize packing height preferrably. It is also suitable for follow-up packing after an initial packing with a different method such as 3D Scanline.
Its method of operation also makes it immune to causing arrangements with interlocking of geometry.
Top3D packing - Gravity
This is an experimental method that simulates the settling of parts under simulated gravity.
Top3D packing - Size sorting
This is a combination of Monte Carlo and Scanline focused on packing large parts first and arranging them towards the platform center and then following up with medium and small parts, in that order, to fill gaps and achieve a high overall packing density.
TopPacking settings
To change the packing settings for parts, right-click the part, then choose . Some apply to individual parts, some apply to individual packers:
- Per-part packing priority: Parts are packed in the order of their individual priority, from highest to lowest. Parts with the highest priority are attempted to be packed first and lowest in the build room.
- Permissible part rotation: Some packers can apply rotation to find a better fit. Allowing or disallowing certain degrees of rotation such as Z only allows finer control over the packing while maintain printability.
|
Per-part packing priority |
Permitted part rotation (MC) |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Bounding box |
Observed |
Ignored Bounding box packing does not rotate parts to attempt a better fit. A bounding box always has its sides aligned to the cardinal planes. Use Minimize bounding box to prepare parts, this may improve the packing results. |
|
2D |
Observed |
Ignored 2D packing provides its own setting of permissible Z rotation granularity for all involved parts. |
|
Scanline |
Observed |
Ignored Scanline packing provides its own settings for Z as well as X and Y apply. |
|
Monte Carlo |
Observed |
Observed Additionally, individual settings per part can override Monte Carlo's own global setting. |
|
Gravity |
Ignored |
Ignored Gravity packing provides its own settings for Z as well as X and Y apply. |
|
Size sorting |
Ignored |
Partly observed The Monte Carlo component can have individual settings per part override its own global setting. |