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While multi-axis additive manufacturing is found to be a good solution to the inherent limitations of conventional 2.5D additive manufacturing, it is a much more sophisticated process. Among different existing multi-axis process planning algorithms, we are interested in those based on a scalar field, in which print slices are the iso-surfaces of a scalar field embedded in the 3D model. In this paper, we propose a partitioned-based print sequence planning algorithm and an adaptive slicing algorithm, which together determine a complete multi-axis printing process for an arbitrary solid model. The first algorithm iteratively subdivides the model into a set of components such that a collision-free print sequence can be established among the components. The second algorithm then extracts print slices from each component such that all these slices satisfy the self-support condition. Since an arbitrary model may not satisfy both the self-support and collision-free requirements, we also define certain critical printability rules at the beginning to check whether a given input model with its associated scalar field is printable. The generated print slices and print sequence by the proposed two algorithms are guaranteed to be printable. Furthermore, a shorter total fabrication time and a better surface quality are achieved. Physical experiments of four test models are performed on a homebuilt multi-axis FDM printer, whose results verify the capabilities of the proposed algorithms. • A new print sequence planning algorithm based on partitioning for a 3D model associated with a scalar field is proposed. • An adaptive slicing paradigm for scalar field-based multi-axis printing is proposed to reduce the print time. • The developed algorithms guarantee printability, i.e., self-support and collision-free. • Computer simulations and physical experiments are performed on four models to validate the correctness of our algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The newly emerged hybrid manufacturing platform that incorporates both additive manufacturing (AM) and five-axis machining modules makes it possible to manufacture parts of complex shapes with high finish-surface quality that are impossible to be produced solely by either machining or additive manufacturing. In general, a hybrid manufacturing process is signified by an alternating sequence of AM operations and machining operations that alternatingly build and machine an in-process workpiece into the final design shape. Aside from other considerations, collision avoidance between the in-process workpiece and both the cutting tool and the material-dispensing nozzle is one of the most critical constraints that affect the determination of the alternating sequence. Due to the newness of hybrid manufacturing technology, currently there has been few systematic studies of this collision avoidance problem in which the obstacles are in a constant state of growing, especially on nozzle collision avoidance which – though never an issue in the traditional 2.5-axis AM because the in-process workpiece is always below the printing nozzle – now becomes a real concern in hybrid manufacturing as the in-process workpiece now dynamically grows and is not constrained by the current build layer. The nozzle collision problem is particularly pronounced in metallic hybrid manufacturing where the nozzle compartment typically is large and has a complex shape. In this paper, we conduct a thorough study of this collision avoidance problem in hybrid manufacturing and present a deterministic algorithm for automatically generating a collision-free sequence of hybrid manufacturing with the least alternations for a solid part. Specifically, as long as the part can be represented in the so-called columnar form, and the build layers are either planar or on concentric conic surfaces, for any given tool and nozzle, our algorithm will automatically generate an alternating sequence of minimum length whose corresponding hybrid manufacturing process is guaranteed to be free of collision with either the tool or nozzle The columnar representation actually embodies a large class of industrial parts such as aero-engine blisks and gears while concentric conic build layers are the most common type of slicing strategy adopted in multi-axis 3D printing. Ample computer simulation tests of the proposed algorithm are performed and the results confirm the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. • The definition and its calculation of a new metric of manufacturability are given. • A deterministic search method is given to solve the hybrid process planning problem. • Proof that the method is able to produce the fewest hybrid alternations is provided. • Simulation is conducted and the results show that collision is strictly avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous 3+2-axis additive manufacturing (AM) is an emerging AM technology that overcomes the signature problems of the need of support structures and the staircase effect of the traditional 3-axis AM. This paper presents a novel process planning framework for automatically generating a multi-axis support-free printing path for continuous 3+2-axis AM of an arbitrary freeform part. The framework is based on the geometric processing of skeletonization and decomposition and is particularly suitable for a part with distinct multiple trunk-branch structures. The physical printing experimental results carried out by the authors indicate that the proposed framework has performed well and fabricated some challenging models with large overhangs and twisty spatial topologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The original published article contained a mistake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]