Abstract: Method(s) include projecting a support toolpath into a current layer of a model, removing any pieces within an expanded version of a current boundary of the model, generating a support toolpath for the current layer, adding a height increase to portion(s) of model toolpath(s) for the higher layer of the model that overlie the support toolpath generated for the current layer, connecting the support toolpath and the projected support toolpath to form a connected support toolpath, overlaying the connected support toolpath with a next boundary of the model in a lower layer of the model, adding a height increase to portion(s) of the connected support toolpath that fall within the next boundary of the model in the lower layer of the model, and repeating the process through layers of the model to form support toolpaths for support walls for the object to be manufactured by the extrusion printer.

Abstract: A fused filament fabrication three dimensional printing system includes a build platform, an extruder for one or more deposition materials, the extruder including at least one nozzle movable relative to the build platform, and a controller configured to control the relative movement between the build platform and the nozzle, and to cause material to be extruded out of the nozzle to form a 3D object on the build platform. The build platform includes a first plate on which the 3D object is formed, a second plate that is positioned vertically below the first plate and defines at least one gap between the first and second plates, and a heating element that is configured to heat the second plate. The first plate defines at least one opening that is configured to allow passage of material extruded from the nozzle into the at least one gap between the first and second plates.

Abstract: Method(s) include projecting a support toolpath into a current layer of a model, removing any pieces within an expanded version of a current boundary of the model, generating a support toolpath for the current layer, adding a height increase to portion(s) of model toolpath(s) for the higher layer of the model that overlie the support toolpath generated for the current layer, connecting the support toolpath and the projected support toolpath to form a connected support toolpath, overlaying the connected support toolpath with a next boundary of the model in a lower layer of the model, adding a height increase to portion(s) of the connected support toolpath that fall within the next boundary of the model in the lower layer of the model, and repeating the process through layers of the model to form support toolpaths for support walls for the object to be manufactured by the extrusion printer.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including medium-encoded computer program products, for creating toolpaths of support structures for 3D printing include, in one aspect, a method including: obtaining a perimeter of a first slice of a 3D model; identifying at least one portion of the perimeter of the first slice that extends a distance beyond a boundary of the 3D model for a second slice below the first slice, the distance being greater than a threshold amount defining an unsupported overhang; creating a support path that follows a shape of the at least one portion of the perimeter, the support path having a lateral offset from the at least one portion of the perimeter, the lateral offset being a fraction of the 3D print bead width, and the fraction being a positive number less than one; and adding the support path to toolpaths for the second slice.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including medium-encoded computer program products, for creating toolpaths of support structures for 3D printing include, in one aspect, a method including: obtaining a perimeter of a first slice of a 3D model; identifying at least one portion of the perimeter of the first slice that extends a distance beyond a boundary of the 3D model for a second slice below the first slice, the distance being greater than a threshold amount defining an unsupported overhang; creating a support path that follows a shape of the at least one portion of the perimeter, the support path having a lateral offset from the at least one portion of the perimeter, the lateral offset being a fraction of the 3D print bead width, and the fraction being a positive number less than one; and adding the support path to toolpaths for the second slice.

Abstract: A fused filament fabrication three dimensional printing system includes a build platform, an extruder for one or more deposition materials, the extruder including at least one nozzle movable relative to the build platform, and a controller configured to control the relative movement between the build platform and the nozzle, and to cause material to be extruded out of the nozzle to form a 3D object on the build platform. The build platform includes a first plate on which the 3D object is formed, a second plate that is positioned vertically below the first plate and defines at least one gap between the first and second plates, and a heating element that is configured to heat the second plate. The first plate defines at least one opening that is configured to allow passage of material extruded from the nozzle into the at least one gap between the first and second plates.

Abstract: In one embodiment, one or more processor-readable media storing code representing instructions that when executed by one or more processors cause the one or more processors to receive a set of parameter values defining a boundary within a data space associated with a dataset. The dataset can represent signaling related to a test substance. A first metric can be defined based on a first portion of the dataset associated with a first region defined by the boundary. A second metric can be defined based on a second portion of the dataset associated with a second region defined by the boundary after the boundary is modified. The second region can be different than the first region.