A Novel Slicing Strategy to Print Overhangs without Support Material

Applied Sciences

Maurus Gubser¹  Christian Jaeger¹  Wilfried J. Elspass²  Michael Wüthrich² 

[1] Institute of Applied Mathematics and Physics, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, 8400 Winterthur, Switzerland;Institute of Mechatronic Systems, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, 8400 Winterthur, Switzerland;

关键词: FDM printing;    slicing strategy;    conic slicing;    non-planar slicing;    non-planar printing;    overhang;   

DOI  :  10.3390/app11188760

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printers commonly need support material to print overhangs. A previously developed 4-axis printing process based on an orthogonal kinematic, an additional rotational axis around the z-axis and a 45° tilted nozzle can print overhangs up to 100° without support material. With this approach, the layers are in a conical shape and no longer parallel to the printing plane; therefore, a new slicer strategy is necessary to generate the paths. This paper describes a slicing algorithm compatible with this 4-axis printing kinematics. The presented slicing strategy is a combination of a geometrical transformation with a conventional slicing software and has three basic steps: Transformation of the geometry in the .STL file, path generation with a conventional slicer and back transformation of the G-code. A comparison of conventionally manufactured parts and parts produced with the new process shows the feasibility and initial results in terms of surface quality and dimensional accuracy.

【 授权许可】

Unknown