Support structure packaging

1. A method of building and using a support structure, the method comprising:

receiving a digital representation of a three-dimensional model;

generating a first digital representation of the support structure based on at least one overhanging region of the digital representation of the at least one three-dimensional model; and

generating a second digital representation of the support structure based at least in part on dimensions of the digital representation of the at least one three-dimensional model;

building the three-dimensional model using a layer-based additive technique;

building the support structure using the layer-based additive technique such that the built support structure at least partially encases the at least one three-dimensional model; and

shipping the at least one built three-dimensional model while at least partially encased in the built support structure.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the support structure is built such that the built support structure fully encases the at least one built three-dimensional model.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second digital representation of the support structure is generated based at least in part on a predetermined offset distance from at least one exterior surface of the digital representation of the at least one three-dimensional model.

4. The method of claim 1 , and further comprising building a shipping label on an exterior surface of the support structure using the layer-based additive technique.

5. The method of claim 1 , and further comprising removing the support structure from the at least one three-dimensional model after the shipping.

6. A method of building and using a support structure, the method comprising:

generating a first digital representation of the support structure based on at least one overhanging region of a digital representation of a three-dimensional model;

generating a second digital representation of the support structure based on dimensions of the digital representation of the three-dimensional model;

generating build data based at least in part on the digital representation of the three-dimensional model, the first digital representation of the support structure, and the second digital representation of the support structure;

building the three-dimensional model and the support structure with a digital manufacturing system using a layer-based additive technique based on the build data such that the built support structure at least partially encases the three-dimensional model; and

shipping the built three-dimensional model while at least partially encased in the built support structure.

7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the support structure is built such that the built support structure fully encases the built three-dimensional model.

8. The method of claim 6 , and further comprising receiving the digital representation of the three-dimensional model.

9. The method of claim 6 , and further comprising:

receiving shipping information from the customer;

generating a digital representation of a shipping label, wherein the generated build data is further based on the digital representation of the shipping label; and

building the shipping label on the support structure with the digital manufacturing system based on the build data.

10. The method of claim 6 , wherein the digital manufacturing system comprises a deposition-based digital manufacturing system selected from the group consisting on an extrusion-based system, an ink jetting system, and combinations thereof.

11. The method of claim 6 , wherein the support structure is built from a support material selected from the group consisting of a water-soluble support material, a break-away support material, and combinations thereof.