Support generation is a key technology for some rapid prototype manufacturing processes. A novel support structure with sloping walls, as well as its generation algorithm, based on the STL model, was designed and tested for fused deposition modeling process in this paper. Three different types of support structure are generated according to different overhang geometrical features. Compared to the generally adopted straight wall structure, this support structure significantly reduces the volume of support structure, hence optimizes the fabrication process. Experiments show that it assists the fabrication of parts well and reduces the support material consumption and processing (or fabrication) time by about 30%.
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