A method used in additive manufacturing assesses a 3D printer’s ability to produce features that extend outward horizontally from a supporting structure. During this evaluation, a test model with progressively increasing angles of these unsupported extensions is printed. The success or failure of each extension indicates the printer’s capability to handle geometries that deviate from a purely vertical build.
This assessment is crucial for evaluating and optimizing printer settings, ensuring dimensional accuracy, and minimizing the need for support structures. Reducing the amount of support material not only saves time and material but also improves the surface finish of the printed object. Historically, this capability has been a limiting factor in the complexity of designs achievable with additive manufacturing, thus driving the development of advanced printing techniques and materials.
