DIRECT METAL LASER SINTERING & LPBF ADDITIVE

DMLS / SLM Metal 3D Printing Support Structure Calculator

Calculate critical overhang self-supporting angles (θ_crit), breakaway support tooth diameters, thermal heat sink anchor volume, and residual stress warping risk for DMLS, SLM, and LPBF metal 3D printers.

1. Input Parameters

Surface Overhang Angle (θ) [degrees from horizontal]

Angle of downskin face relative to build plate (0° = horizontal ceiling).

Additive Metal Alloy

Downskin Overhang Surface Area [cm²]

Powder Slicing Layer Thickness [µm]

2. Calculation Results

Support Requirement

REQUIRED

Support Contact Tooth (D_t)

0.45 mm

Hatch Cross-Section Area

0.0 cm²

Thermal Curl Risk

MODERATE

3. Geometric Visualizer

Tooling & Vector Prepress Engineering Notes

1. Critical Self-Supporting Angle: For laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), downskin overhangs below $\theta_{\text{crit}} \approx 40^\circ - 45^\circ$ require sacrificial anchors to prevent powder sink and recoater blade crashes.

2. Support Tooth Break-Off Geometry: Support teeth taper to $D_t = 0.35 - 0.55\text{ mm}$ with a $20^\circ - 30^\circ$ notch angle to facilitate easy manual or CNC post-build breakaway.

3. 2D Slicer DXF Cross-Section: Block and tree support anchor volumes must be exported with alternating $45^\circ / 135^\circ$ cross-hatch vector spacing ($1.5 - 2.5\text{ mm}$) to balance thermal heat sinking with minimal post-machining removal volume.