Methods and apparatus for optimally positioning objects for automated machining

A method comprising:

• identifying a first toolpath area associated with a first object based on a first toolpath of a first post-manufacturing process to be performed on the first object;
• identifying a second toolpath area associated with a second object based on a second toolpath of a second post-manufacturing process to be performed on the second object;
• generating, based on the first toolpath area and the second toolpath area, a build file including an arrangement of the first object and the second object to be formed by an additive manufacturing (AM) machine, the arrangement indicating the first object is at least partially disposed in the second toolpath area of the second object;
• building, via the AM machine, the first object and the second object on a substrate according to the arrangement in the build file;
• performing the first post-manufacturing process on the first object while both the first and second objects are fixed on the substrate;
• removing the first object from the substrate;
• and
• after removing the first object from the substrate, performing the second post-manufacturing process on the second object while the second object remains fixed on the substrate.