Layout
The Layout tab contains tools to duplicate your supported part and optimize the build layout for printing and post-processing.
Click on the name of a feature below for more information.
- Gen2 is the default auto layout tool. It analyzes many permutations, looking at all parts across the build. This approach takes a little more time, up to 60 seconds, to find a good layout.
- Gen1 looks at grouping several parts together and then applies that strategy of groups across the build. This approach creates a very quick auto layout and works well when the same part is repeated across the build.
For most applications, Gen2 layout is recommended and will provide the best overall packing density and speed.
Gen1 may be desired if you want to prohibit overlapping bounding boxes or provide a more regular layout.
Optimize Starting Rotation
Gen2 Auto Layout offers an optimize starting rotation option. Enabling this function adjusts each part’s starting rotation to minimize its bounding box (XY) before running the layout operation.
This capability can enhance overall build density, especially for dental models. However, it may not be suitable when intentional initial rotations of parts are needed (e.g. for printability or post-processing concerns)
Limit Part Rotations
By default, Gen2 Auto Layout tries four rotations of all parts (based on each model’s starting orientation). If you do not want Gen2 Auto Layout to rotate parts, you can disallow rotation, or allow only a single 180° rotation. This behavior may be desired if you have oriented parts specifically for cleanability.
Note that in both cases, the original orientation of the part matters, as both approaches look at 90 degree rotations* of each part (rather than a full 360 degree rotation).
*L1 Printers also looks at 45 degree rotations in Gen1 Auto Layout
Gen1 Auto Layout
Gen2 Auto Layout
