The supports are necessary, as they are in most 3D printers that aren't using a powder substrate, to hold the part as it's printing in air. The specific distanc

The supports are necessary, as they are in most 3D printers that aren't using a powder substrate, to hold the part as it's printing in air. The specific distance from the build platform is determined in software, and is a consequence of a variety of factors, having to do with optimizing resin flow around the part, to ensuring adequate adhesion to the build platform.