A system for manufacturing a three-dimensional (3D) article includes a controller. The controller is configured to (A) receive a solid model defining the 3D article having an unsupported (downward facing) surface and (B) define a support structure for the unsupported surface. The support structure includes (1 ) a lower support beam, (2) a node body, and (3) at least three branches. The node body is defined at an upper end of the lower support beam. The node body has an upper surface that is generally in facing relation with the unsupported surface. The at least three branches extend with a diverging geometry away from the upper surface of the node body and to the unsupported surface. The branches are individually defined by a vertical sequence of contour scan patterns.