Inclined layer printing for fused deposition modeling without assisted supporting structure

• Published in: Robotics and computer-integrated manufacturing 2018-06, Vol.51, p.1-13
• Main Authors: Zhao, Hai-ming, He, Yong, Fu, Jian-zhong, Qiu, Jing-jiang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 3-D printers; 3D printing; Additive manufacturing; Assisted supporting structures; Experiments; Fused deposition modeling; Inclined layer printing; Model testing; Simulation; Slicing; Three dimensional printing
• ISSN: 0736-5845; 1879-2537
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rcim.2017.11.011

•A novel 3D printing method, inclined layer printing, is proposed which can directly print overhanging structures without printing assisted supporting structures.•A new printing model is developed according to experimental observation and theoretical simulation.•Inclined layer printing can be easily integrated into the current 3D printing process. Assisted supporting structures (ASs) are very important and are commonly used for the three-dimensional (3D) printing of overhanging structures to avoid collapse. However, this technique is not always effective, and many challenges remains in printing with ASs, such as low printing efficiency, a complicated process, material-wasting and high cost. Here, we propose a novel and simple printing strategy, inclined layer printing (ILP), which allows printing without ASs. The printed structures are sliced in an incline and overhanging structures are supported by adjacent layers under a suitable slicing angle. We demonstrate that ILP can be easily integrated into the current 3D printing process. To verify this method, we test a new model of filament section, which allows evaluation of the fabrication of the slice's boundary.