A programmed material consolidation apparatus includes a support with a surface that receives at least one substrate and prevents unconsolidated material from contacting undesired regions, such as the bottom surface, of the at least one substrate. When a programmed material consolidation process is used to form one or more objects on or adjacent to a substrate, the substrate may be secured to a support surface. Additionally, unconsolidated material may be prevented from contacting one or more undesired areas of the substrate.