diff --git a/xs/src/libslic3r/SupportMaterial.cpp b/xs/src/libslic3r/SupportMaterial.cpp
index 556873297..19dd54edf 100644
--- a/xs/src/libslic3r/SupportMaterial.cpp
+++ b/xs/src/libslic3r/SupportMaterial.cpp
@@ -69,6 +69,10 @@ SupportMaterial::generate(PrintObject *object)
     map<coordf_t, Polygons> &contact = contact_overhang.first;
     map<coordf_t, Polygons> &overhang = contact_overhang.second;
 
+    //bugfix: do not try to generate overhang if there is no contact area 
+    if( contact.empty() )
+	return;
+	
     // Determine the top surfaces of the object. We need these to determine
     // the layer heights of support material and to clip support to the object
     // silhouette.