LEC 2 - Questions

• Software that Cuts the 3D geometry into thin 2D horizontal layers (same height)

• Generates the exact toolpaths (contours, infill patterns, beam offsets, support structures) for each layer

• Creates machine-readable code (e.g., G-code) controlling movements, speeds, and laser/heat settings layer by layer

• rough “surface” look on curved surfaces, caused by stacking 2d-layers on top of each other

• directly driven by layer height

• Decreasing layer height, increases build time(costs) but also increases part quality

Measures to Reduce:

• decrease layer height

• functional surfaces parallel to the building plate

• adaptive slicing with variable layer height

Use of supports:

• enable printing of overhang structures

• heat dissipation, to avoid heat accumulation/ overheating

AM technologies that use support:

• Material Extrusion (MEX)

• Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-M)

• necessity and characteristics of support structure

• geometric and dimensional accuracy

• Surace Quality (stair-stepping process)

• mechanical properties (direction of Anisotropy)

  • Parts are weaker between stacked layers than within a single layer

• build height

  • AM builds layer-by-layer, so every additional layer adds fixed time overhead for recoating/recoater movement and the printing phase.