2D packing 200+ models by Z Height

[Anonymous]

We are setting up 200+ models each day on a series of Projet 3000's series machines. Z-Build height is a determining factor for build time and with so many models and resulting builds it is most efficient to have builds with shorter parts (under 20mm and over 20mm) to run during the day and then overnight.

Netfabb seems to be able to import the models, duplicate any required models and 2D Pack the models but does it randomly so you get a mix of tall and short models on the same tray.

We are looking to determine if Netfabb will create dense builds by Z-Height like this:

3 trays packed by height

Currently it looks like this:

Netfabb mixed Z height 2D packing

Is it possible to filter models in Netfabb by Z Height and just 2D pack those onto the trays first and then go back and 2D pack the remainder for the tall models?

If so, how do you select all models over 20mm and move them to another location or exclude them from the 2D packing then bring them back to be packed afterward?

[steffen_anders_adsk]

Hello, @Anonymous,

Welcome to the Netfabb Forum!

Configurable sorting by Z in Netfabb is only possible using Lua.

However, you can create additional buildrooms with the desired packing height large and wide enough to fit all possible parts, follow up with Simple Outbox Packing (using the setting 2D only), then transfer those that fit to the actual platform for printing and perform the 2D Packing run.

Best regards,

Steffen

[Anonymous]

Thank you for your reply. I guess the short answer is no Netfabb cannot perform a routine to sort parts and apply them to each build tray size by height. I believe Lua can only be used with the Ultimate version of Netfabb and based on your instruction it may take longer to process the parts onto builds than to just manually remove all parts above a certain height.

It is too bad as the 2 pack feature is quite good but just does not have enough filter/settings to make it functional for the printers that do not use Z in the nesting process.

[steffen_anders_adsk]

Hello,

Thank you for letting us know that the 2D packer is a useful feature to you. Here's an image what this packer is indeed capable of:216 letters, tightly packed using Netfabb's 2D PackerThat said, the Simple Outbox Packer is even faster and can easily be used with little overhead to perform sorting with auxiliary buildrooms as described.

Mind that you are preparing multiple build runs anyhow. According to your description, you pack, you take out any oversized parts, then print, and then you prepare and run the print on the larger ones.

In a FABBPROJECT file, you can have multiple generic buildrooms for sorting, and you can have multiple machine-specific buildrooms even for the same printer which in turn can have custom names ("Projet Day", "Projet Urgent", "Projet Fine", "Projet Overnight", …). All stored in the same project file, this can help greatly with planning and executing print runs. Buildrooms need to be defined only once (in My Machines) and can be set to load upon startup so that you don't even have to click through Netfabb's menu.

The sorting-by-packing results in readily packable sets of parts of effectively guaranteed adherence to size limitations, whereas manually removing all parts that stick out of a packed platform, with aiming the camera, dragging frames or selectively clicking the offending parts is tedious and error-prone. Short of switching to Ultimate, using the suggested workflow still reduces the amount of clicks as well as the complexity of interaction to basic drag&drop and use of packing dialogues, saving time and lowering the chance for errors.

At any rate, we're grateful for every feedback and insight. I will take yours to the team for consideration.

Best regards,

Steffen