Toolpath Strategies for 5DOF and 6DOF Extrusion-Based Additive Manufacturing

Abstract

This paper introduces two new deposition-strategies for five degrees of freedom (5DOF) and 6DOF extrusion-based additive manufacturing (AM), called the tool path projection- and parent-child-approach, respectively. The tool path projection method can be automated, and allows for the generation of concentric shells layers, which remedy geometrical deviations (known as the stair-case effect) that are typically seen in 3DOF AM processes that potentially require secondary post treatment by machining or grinding of the final part. In the parent-child approach, the designer specifies the manufacturing direction for each distinct feature, thereby helping to remove the need for support material, as well as enabling new features to be dynamically added to the part.