An automated method for the generation of curved layer toolpaths is demonstrated to produce 3D printed components with improved aesthetic and structural properties using fused filament fabrication printing. Three case studies are shown, which demonstrate the ability of the G-code generating algorithm to resolve concave and convex structures. The combination of conventionally printed layers and curved layers within a single print is also demonstrated by producing double skin curved layer sandwich structures with static z printed cores. Clear improvements in the surface finish of printed components using curved layer fused filament fabrication are shown visually.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
LevyGN, SchindelR, KruthJP. Rapid manufacturing and rapid tooling with layer manufacturing (LM) technologies, state of the art and future perspectives. CIRP Ann Manuf Tech, 2003; 52:589–609.
2.
WangY, JamesE, GhitaOR. Glass bead filled Polyetherketone (PEK) composite by High Temperature Laser Sintering (HT-LS). Mater Design, 2015; 83:545–551.
3.
YanC, HaoL, XuL, et al.Preparation, characterisation and processing of carbon fibre/polyamide-12 composites for selective laser sintering. Compos Sci Technol, 2011; 71:1834–1841.
4.
MatsuzakiR, UedaM, NamikiM, et al.Three-dimensional printing of continuous-fiber composites by in-nozzle impregnation. Sci Rep, 2016; 6:23058.
5.
DimasLS, BratzelGH, EylonI, et al.Tough composites inspired by mineralized natural materials: Computation, 3D printing, and testing. Adv Funct Mater, 2013; 23:4629–4638.
6.
BelliniA, GüçeriS. Mechanical characterization of parts fabricated using fused deposition modeling. Rapid Prototyping J, 2003; 9:252–264.
7.
BellehumeurC, LiL, SunQ, et al.Modeling of bond formation between polymer filaments in the fused deposition modeling process. JMP, 2004; 6:170–178.
AllenRJA, TraskRS. An experimental demonstration of effective Curved Layer Fused Filament Fabrication utilising a parallel deposition robot. Additive Manuf, 2015; 8:78–87.
10.
ChakrabortyD, Aneesh ReddyB, Roy ChoudhuryA. Extruder path generation for Curved Layer Fused Deposition Modeling. CAD, 2008; 40:235–243.
11.
HuangB. Alternate Slicing and Deposition Strategies for Fused Deposition Modelling [PhD Thesis]. Auckland (New Zealand): Auckland University of Technology, 2014.
LeighSJ, BradleyRJ, PurssellCP, et al.A simple, low-cost conductive composite material for 3D printing of electronic sensors. PLoS One, 2012; 7:e49365.
28.
MurphySV, AtalaA. 3D bioprinting of tissues and organs. Nat Biotechnol, 2014; 32:773–785.
29.
TraskRS, WilliamsHR, BondIP, et al.Self-healing polymer composites: mimicking nature to enhance performance. Bioinspir Biomim, 2007; 2:P1–P9.
