Converting the desired part geometries, contained in geometry files, for creation in an additive manufacturing system. The part or parts for a given build must be oriented in the build volume, packed or nested, support structures added (if needed), and compensation applied for expected distortion during the build (if needed). The parts are then sliced, and the tool path, mask, or deposition pattern calculated for each layer. Pre-processing often also includes determining the build parameters to be used. In many cases, it also involves repairing the geometry files to be robust enough for slicing. Many other tasks such as creating special holes for material drainage, splitting parts to fit, and adding special features needed for post-processing are done.
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