Reinforced FDM

Abstract

The anisotropy of mechanical strength on a 3D printed model can be controlled in a multi-axis 3D printing system as materials can be accumulated along dynamically varied directions. In this paper, we present a new computational framework to generate specially designed layers and toolpaths of multi-axis 3D printing for strengthening a model by aligning filaments along the directions with large stresses. The major challenge comes from how to effectively decompose a solid into a sequence of strength-aware and collision-free working surfaces. We formulate it as a problem to compute an optimized governing field together with a selected orientation of fabrication setup. Iso-surfaces of the governing field are extracted as working surface layers for filament alignment. Supporting structures in curved layers are constructed by extrapolating the governing field to enable the fabrication of overhangs. Compared with planar-layer based Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology, models fabricated by our method can withstand up to 6 . 35× loads in experimental tests.

3D Printing of Objects with Continuous Spatial Paths by a Multi-Axis Robotic FFF Platform

“…There is little difference in the flexural strength values between different slice types, but the plasticity of parts is still obviously affected by the slice type. Compared to the work of Fang et al [24], which aims to reinforce the strength of FFF, our method provides a similar result (maximum more 100% strength increase than traditional FFF) but with a higher surface resolution and a more feasible process.…”

“…Steuben et al [23] proposed an implicit toolpath calculation algorithm based on arbitrary heuristics or level sets in the physical domain, introducing external constraints such as stresses when generating planar toolpaths. Fang and Zhang et al [24] saved the finite element analysis results in a tetrahedral grid. They generated a spatial print toolpath aligned with the principal stress direction through stress field constraints and machining direction constraints.…”

A 3D weaving infill pattern for fused filament fabrication

“…They also proposed a new system of 5 degrees of freedom (DOF) 3D printing which is employed by robotic arms [16]; that method can manufacture solid models by few supporting structures, and the print process is collision-free. Guoxin et al [1] proposed a method to lay the tool-path along the direction of the stress eld of a solid model in a multi-axis printing system. This method can reinforce mechanical strength, and the whole printing process is guaranteed to be collision free.…”

“…The fused lament fabrication (FFF), also called Filament-based Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), is the main forming method in AM, which extrudes molten material from the nozzle to the printing platform by heating, and lays a layer along a certain path step by step to build the entire structure of the model. This layer-by-layer method can simplify the hardware and software design of the manufacturing system [1], improve the stability of the manufacturing process, and reduce cost. Hence, FFF has become the dominant AM method in the private and semi-professional sector.…”

3D Structural Electronics Via Multi‐Directional Robot 3D Printing

“…With the help of multi-axis control, mechanical strength of products can be improved. [12,13] A six-axis robot integrated with a dispenser has been reported for the deposition of conductive inks on vertical and curvilinear structures which enable the fabrication of structural electronics efficiently. [14] Although robot-assisted 3D printing particularly increases the freedom for electronics design, another challenge for built-in 3D structural electronics still exists because sensory electronics are usually formed by functional materials while the supporting materials of robots or humanoid hands are designed with rigid insulating materials.…”