Open5x: Accessible 5-axis 3D printing and conformal slicing
This work addresses the inaccessibility of multi-axis 3D printing for makers and researchers by providing a low-cost solution, though it is incremental as it builds on existing multi-axis concepts.
The authors tackled the problem of high cost and complexity in multi-axis 3D printing by developing an affordable upgrade for regular 3D printers to 5 axes and a GUI-based conformal slicer, resulting in an accessible workflow for designing and printing conformal 3D models.
The common layer-by-layer deposition of regular, 3-axis 3D printing simplifies both the fabrication process and the 3D printer's mechanical design. However, the resulting 3D printed objects have some unfavourable characteristics including visible layers, uneven structural strength and support material. To overcome these, researchers have employed robotic arms and multi-axis CNCs to deposit materials in conformal layers. Conformal deposition improves the quality of the 3D printed parts through support-less printing and curved layer deposition. However, such multi-axis 3D printing is inaccessible to many individuals due to high costs and technical complexities. Furthermore, the limited GUI support for conformal slicers creates an additional barrier for users. To open multi-axis 3D printing up to more makers and researchers, we present a cheap and accessible way to upgrade a regular 3D printer to 5 axes. We have also developed a GUI-based conformal slicer, integrated within a popular CAD package. Together, these deliver an accessible workflow for designing, simulating and creating conformally-printed 3D models.