Part orientation is often underestimated in additive manufacturing, yet it can dramatically influence build success, cost, and post-processing time. One of the primary considerations in AM setup is support generation, especially for overhangs exceeding ~45°. Every support added increases material usage, thermal complexity, and finishing work after the print.
By intelligently rotating the model to minimize overhangs, engineers can eliminate unnecessary support structures, leading to smoother surfaces and less manual labor. But that’s not the only benefit. Better orientation reduces warping, improves thermal equilibrium, and often shortens the total print time by reducing Z-height.
In metal AM, especially with complex geometries like brackets or lattice structures, orientation planning becomes an art. It balances build direction, mechanical loading conditions, heat dissipation, and printability. Simulation tools and build prep software can aid this process, but experience and material knowledge are equally important.
The takeaway? Orientation isn’t just about saving supports, it’s about optimizing every stage of the AM workflow, from energy input and mechanical performance to post-processing and cost-per-part. If you want cleaner prints, faster builds, and fewer headaches, rotate smarter.