Abstract: Provided are a system, method and computer program product for generating three dimensional models for use by an additive manufacturing or 3D printing system, in which object model data defining one or more objects to be built by a three-dimensional printing apparatus is input and used to generate a three dimensional model for a protective structure to surround the one or more objects. A user is provided with selectable configuration options for the protective structure. The method includes presenting, via a user interface, selectable configuration options for a protective structure to be built around the one or more objects by the three-dimensional printing apparatus. In response to user selection of one or more configuration options via the user interface, a three dimensional model for the protective structure is automatically generated.

Abstract: A method is disclosed in which print instructions for a 3D print job are received which including a plurality of layers to be printed on a layer-by-layer basis to form a 3D object. The print instructions are executed using at least one nozzle whilst performing a nozzle test in a plurality of layers of the 3D print job. The nozzle test results for each layer of the plurality of layers is compared to stored nozzle data. A current nozzle health status is determined based upon the comparison. A corrective action is triggered if the health status is non-compliant with a pre-determined threshold. An apparatus and a machine-readable storage medium comprising instructions executable by a processor are also disclosed.

Abstract: In an example, a method includes receiving, by at least one processor, object model data describing a geometry of at least part of at least one object to be generated using additive manufacturing. The object model data defines a first geometrical transformation to be applied to the object model data. It may be determined if a second geometrical transformation is to be applied to the object model data. If a second geometrical transformation is to be applied, the first and second geometrical transformations may be applied to the object model data to determine modified object model data. Otherwise, the first geometrical transformation may be applied to the object geometry to determine modified object model data.

Abstract: A method of printing an envelope for encapsulating at least one 3D printed object, the envelope allowing for removal of the at least one 3D printed object from an additive manufacturing system, the method comprising: monitoring a printing queue for one or more print jobs; determining a size of at least one dimension of the envelope based on the size of the one or more queued print jobs; commencing printing of the one or more queued print jobs and the envelope; and varying the size of the at least one dimension in response to changes in one or more print jobs in the printing queue.