System and method for automatic support device generation

A method for automated fixture manufacture, comprising:

• receiving a virtual part from a user account;
• identifying a plurality of potential retention sides on the virtual part, each potential retention side comprising a set of features extending from the potential retention side;
• for each potential retention side of the plurality of potential retention sides, generating a plurality of potential retention rotations in a plane parallel the potential retention side;
• generating a plurality of potential virtual fixtures, comprising:
• for each potential retention rotation of the plurality generating a potential virtual fixture based on:
• the set of features extending from the respective potential retention side and the respective potential retention rotation;
• for each potential virtual fixture of the plurality of potential virtual fixtures,
• determining a workholding confidence score;
• selecting a virtual fixture from the plurality of potential virtual fixtures based on the respective workholding confidence score;
• controlling manufacture of a physical fixture corresponding to the virtual fixture;
• and
• controlling manufacture of a physical part using the physical fixture, the physical part corresponding to the virtual part.