Stress flow guided non-planar print trajectory optimization for additive manufacturing of anisotropic polymers

When manufacturing parts using material extrusion additive and anisotropic polymers, the mechanical properties of a manufactured component are strongly dependent on print trajectory orientation. We conduct non-planar slicing optimize trajectories to maximize alignment between deposition direction stress flow induced by predefined load case. The optimization framework considers manufacturability constraints in form uniform layer height line spacing. demonstrate method bearing bracket 5-axis 3D printer liquid crystal polymer material. failure strength stiffness optimized improved factor 44 6 respectively when compared with conventional printing.