Methods and apparatuses for distributing slice area of objects more uniformly to optimize the build process of additive manufacturing techniques are disclosed. For example, a slice area distribution of a 3D design is calculated. Further, it is determined if the calculated slice area distribution and/or other aspects of the 3D design meets a criteria based on one or more quality metrics. If the calculated slice area distribution and/or other aspects of the 3D design do not meet the criteria, the 3D design is adjusted. The determination and adjustment may be performed iteratively until the calculated slice area distribution and/or other aspects of the 3D meet the criteria.