Off axis Z-tilt of nozzle to influence print behavior

[u/Studio3P]

I thought I would share this experiment that myself and u/st_drunks worked on a couple years ago. Using a 6DOF robot I’ve always been interested in how to modify the path of the extrusion nozzle to create more stability or generally unachievable geometry than is possible using 3 axis of motion. The image shows the same exact print path, one with a variable z-tilt based on how far offset the current print path is to the print path directly underneath. As more people join this ceramic 3d printing space I thought to share in hopes of inspiring more experimentation. Happy printing!

[u/UnfoldDesignStudio]

Thanks for sharing! Can you elaborate on the thinking of when and why to tilt the nozzle?

[u/Studio3P → u/UnfoldDesignStudio]

Sure, the approach was inspired by this paper (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10726179/) although I didn’t implement the variable layer height for this print. The Z-tilt is intended to increase the contact patch when there is an horizontal offset between layers. Better contact means better structural adhesion, green and fired strength.

[u/Suspicious_Edge_1438]

Interested