Optimising printing fidelity of the single-nozzle based multimaterial direct ink writing for 3D food printing

Zhennan Tian, Qiubo Zhong, Haoxiang Zhang, Tianze Yin, Jingxi Zhao, Gongyu Liu, Yongjie Zhao, Hao Nan Li, Yinfeng He

Research output: Journal PublicationArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Single-nozzle based multimaterial direct ink writing enables voxel-based fabrication with superior printing efficiency than multi-nozzle protocol. This is attractive for food 3D printing process where efficiency matters for its application. However, for single-nozzle based process, the presence of residual material in the shared channel can affect its printing fidelity. In this study, we propose a path planning algorithm that can address this issue by incorporating (i) advance distance to compensate the extrusion delay when switching materials, and (ii) in-process printhead motion adjustments to stabilise the extrusion process. Our approach demonstrated a substantial improvement in printing fidelity, where the switching point offset was reduced to ±0.5 mm. Similarly, the unstable extrusion behaviours (bulging and necking) during switching materials were suppressed, where the printing fidelity was improved by 27 ± 5% (bulging) and 19 ± 3% (necking) respectively. Additionally, we provide an open-source slicing programme that empowers users to implement the above two algorithms.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere2352075
JournalVirtual and Physical Prototyping
Volume19
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024

Keywords

  • Printing optimisation
  • multimaterial direct ink writing
  • path planning

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Signal Processing
  • Modelling and Simulation
  • Computer Graphics and Computer-Aided Design
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

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