TOOL PATH GENERATION FOR FREE FORM SURFACE SLICING IN ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING/FUSED FILAMENT FABRICATION

This study is dedicated to develop 3D printing slicing for more specialised applications. Creation of a physical model is a product of the slicing procedure which results in a stack of 2D planar images. Effects of planar slicing results in stair casing effect and is known to effect the mechanical integrity of the fabricated part. To mitigate such effects we present a preliminary study on free form surface slicing procedure. Surface slicing can compliment current 3D printing to develop more customized solutions in fabrication. Results presented show that the end product yielded is superior than its planar slicing counterpart in two aspects. Firstly, stair casing effect can be avoided and secondly visibly greater degree of visible aesthetics can be achieved. Surface slicing is performed on rectangular patch type geometry. Finally, outcomes of this study has been discussed for further development of surface slicing for more customised applications.