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Rapid Prototyping & Manufacturing TechnologiesFurthermore, staircase effect will be appeared on the near flat curve surface.Hence proper orientation can produce a smooth external curve surface of theprototype. In addition the minimum wall thickness of the part can only be built insome particular orientation.3.1.3 Support Generation & EditingThe rapid prototyping systems usually bundled with software which allows theautomatic creation and editing of the supports. The software will initiallygenerate the supports for all overhang regions based on the default supportparameters; figure 3.5 shows the problem of missing support for overhanggeometry. After the creation, the support structure can be individually modify,edit, delete or add based on the part geometry. The region by region editing orcustomization for supports generation has strengthened the essential supportand also minimizing the building of unnecessary supports.Desired part or modelgeometryWithout supports, overhanging areas ofpart may peel away and damage thewhole modelFig. 3.5 Result of missing supports for overhanging areasProjectionDown-facing RegionStandUp-facing RegionFig. 3.6 SLA Fine-point supportSupport can reinforce delicate part while building and in the post processingstage. However over support for delicate part will increase the difficulties ofsupport removal and even destroy the fine details on the down face. Figure 3.7shows an example of over support.Page 22IC Professional Training