What are the latest trends and innovations in tool path generation for additive manufacturing?

1 Adaptive tool paths

One of the challenges of AM is to deal with the geometric and thermal variations that occur during the fabrication process. These variations can affect the accuracy, surface finish, and mechanical properties of the printed parts. To overcome this challenge, adaptive tool paths can adjust the speed, direction, and spacing of the material deposition based on real-time feedback from sensors or simulations. Adaptive tool paths can also optimize the material usage, reduce the printing time, and avoid collisions and defects.

2 Hybrid tool paths

Another trend in tool path generation for AM is to combine additive and subtractive methods in a single process. This can enable you to create parts that have both intricate and smooth features, and to correct any errors or imperfections that may arise from the additive process. Hybrid tool paths can also reduce the post-processing steps and costs, and increase the design flexibility and functionality of the parts. However, hybrid tool paths require careful coordination and synchronization between the additive and subtractive tools, and a high level of integration between the CAD/CAM software and the hardware.

3 Intelligent tool paths

A third innovation in tool path generation for AM is to use artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) techniques to automate and optimize the tool path design and execution. AI and ML can help you to analyze the geometry, material, and physics of the AM process, and to generate tool paths that meet your specific requirements and constraints. AI and ML can also learn from the previous data and results, and adapt the tool paths to improve the performance and quality of the printed parts. Moreover, AI and ML can enable you to explore new and creative possibilities for AM design and fabrication.

4 Multi-scale tool paths

A fourth trend in tool path generation for AM is to consider the multi-scale nature of the AM process, and to generate tool paths that can control the material deposition at different levels of resolution and detail. Multi-scale tool paths can help you to achieve a balance between the global and local features of the printed parts, and to enhance the structural and functional properties of the material. Multi-scale tool paths can also reduce the computational complexity and time of the tool path generation, and enable you to print parts with varying levels of complexity and fidelity.

5 Parametric tool paths

A fifth innovation in tool path generation for AM is to use parametric modeling and scripting to create tool paths that are based on mathematical equations and variables. Parametric tool paths can allow you to define and manipulate the tool path parameters, such as the speed, direction, angle, and spacing of the material deposition, using graphical or textual interfaces. Parametric tool paths can also enable you to create dynamic and responsive tool paths that can change according to the input data or conditions. Furthermore, parametric tool paths can facilitate the customization and variation of the printed parts, and support the generative and iterative design process.

6 Collaborative tool paths

A sixth trend in tool path generation for AM is to involve multiple users and stakeholders in the tool path design and fabrication process. Collaborative tool paths can enable you to share and exchange data, feedback, and ideas with other users, and to co-create and co-fabricate parts using online or offline platforms. Collaborative tool paths can also foster the innovation and creativity of the AM community, and promote the social and environmental aspects of the AM technology.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?