Patent ID: 8046097
Filing Date: 2011-10-25
Classification: B29C,B33Y

Abstract:
1. A method for determining one or more geometries for one or more supports for a part produced by solid freeform fabrication, the method comprising: determining a general surface of the part to which the one or more supports join to the part; dividing the surface into a plurality of regions that require at least one support; calculating a cross-sectional area of the at least one support for the region that contacts the part based upon a ratio of a size of the region to a size of the cross-sectional area; wherein calculating a cross-sectional area of the at least one support comprises: identifying one or more local maxima of the part; identifying at least one island associated with the local maxima; identifying a largest cross-section for the island and a corresponding number of pixels for the largest cross-section for the island; and defining a total number of support pixels required to support the island.