Exclusion zones are identified areas on the build tray that the user wants to avoid when printing any parts. There can be a variety of part quality related reasons to have exclusion zones. The exclusion zones can be virtually defined during the Build Layout activity. User can choose to draw a 2D sketch on the build tray to identify the zone and the capability will automatically convert 2D sketch into 3D displaying the zone geometry. This zone geometry gives a reference for manual and auto-part placement on the build tray. 2D and 3D Nesting rules will automatically avoid placement of parts in this exclusion zones. This helps in optimal layout of parts on the build tray. DELMIA 2021 Powder Bed Programmer offers sketching tool bar to define these zones. The columns seen in the image below are exclusion zones. The geometry can be 3D or a 2D line drawn to define the barrier.