Nonplanar 3D Printing of Bifurcating Forms.

Area of Science:

• Robotics
• Additive Manufacturing
• Computational Design

Background:

• Robotic arms in additive manufacturing allow for scaled-up 3D printing and nonplanar path geometries.
• This enables novel design potential, particularly for architectural applications, but faces challenges in creating feasible nonplanar paths for large objects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present methods for flexible and intuitive design of nonplanar layered paths for robotic printing.
• To address challenges in realizing single-shell bifurcating structures, focusing on path behavior at bifurcation points.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing design techniques from implicit shape representation.
• Employing distance functions for detecting critical points on surfaces.
• Focusing on the behavior of paths at bifurcating moments in single-shell structures.

Main Results:

• Development of methods for flexible and intuitive design of nonplanar layered paths.
• Successful fabrication of prototypes demonstrating the capabilities of the presented methods.
• Showcasing the potential for complex architectural applications through robotic printing.

Conclusions:

• The presented methods facilitate the design and realization of complex nonplanar paths for robotic additive manufacturing.
• These advancements unlock new possibilities for architectural design and large-scale 3D printing.
• The work highlights the potential of implicit shape representation and critical point detection for future innovations.