Abstract: A removal apparatus for aiding in the removal of an additive manufacturing build plate from a support structure is provided. The removal apparatus may include a plurality of printed geometries disposed proximate one or more fasteners securing or anchoring the build plate to the support structure. The printed geometries may be printed concurrently with the additive manufacturing article. The apparatus may further include one or more expansion bolts sized for installation between a pair of printed geometries positioned apart from one another. The expansion bolts may include a small lead screw, a large lead screw and a coupling nut. In operation, rotation of the coupling nut in a first direction lengthens the expansion bolt to push the printed geometry outward thereby reducing the distortion in the build plate so that the fastener between the build plate and the support structure may be removed.