Region-based supports for parts produced by solid freeform fabrication

Methods for generating supports for parts produced by solid freeform fabrication ("SFF") are disclosed. The method includes defining a plurality of layers (L) that make up the part, and for each layer, determining those regions (R) that require support. The method also includes merging the regions for the different layers (L) into one or more common regions that require support, and providing at least one support for each of the one or more common regions. The result is that fewer supports are used as compared to conventional SFF fabrication methods.