Which of the following statements about AM part orientation is true?

The statement that vertically oriented parts take longer to build but require less support is accurate because of how additive manufacturing processes work. In many additive manufacturing techniques, such as Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) or Stereolithography (SLA), the orientation of a part can significantly influence the amount of time it takes to build the part and the required support structures.

When parts are oriented vertically, they may take longer to print than those that are horizontally oriented due to factors such as increased layer height and the way material is deposited. However, vertically oriented parts typically need less support material because the orientation allows for better structural integrity and minimizes overhangs that would otherwise require additional support structures. This is particularly beneficial since support materials, when used, can add to the total production time and material costs.

Understanding the implications of part orientation is crucial for optimizing the additive manufacturing process, balancing build time, material use, and mechanical properties of the final part. This makes the correct choice especially relevant for practitioners in additive manufacturing, as it encourages thoughtful planning of part position to achieve the best outcomes.