Work

Support-Free 3D Printing Based on Model Decomposition

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In traditional fixed-direction 3D printing, complex geometric models require support structures for large overhanging regions, leading to difficulties in removal, surface damage, and material waste. This study proposes a model decomposition algorithm for multi-axis 3D printing, aiming to divide the model into sub-regions requiring no or minimal support, which are printed sequentially via intermittent rotation of the print platform using a multi-DOF 3D printing device. Our algorithm employs a heuristic optimization method to minimize overhanging area and decomposition steps, leveraging Pareto multi-objective optimization to compute the Pareto front and adopting a beam search strategy to generate decomposition sequences. Decomposition and printing experiments on complex models demonstrate the method's effectiveness in significantly reducing computational time, support requirements, and material costs while improving printing efficiency, enabling effective support-free multi-axis 3D printing.

Source: Micromachines

DOI: 10.3390/mi16121316

Authors: Xingguo Han, Qijin Qin, Shizheng Chen, Xuan Liu, Lixiu Cui

Institutions: Guangxi University, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin University of Aerospace Technology

Language: English

Topic: Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Technologies

Subfield: Automotive Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,534

Funder: National Natural Science Foundation of China