A new research paper explores the workflow used in 3DCP.
3DCP, or concrete 3D printing, is a growing practice. However, the optimal workflows for doing 3DCP are still evolving, just as the technology has been.
The paper identifies a “digital chain” of steps required to complete a 3DCP project:
- Design and preparation
- Slicing
- Simulation
- Post-processing
- Quality control
While these steps are typically used in 3DCP projects, the paper suggests more optimal methods of achieving them.
For example, they believe that many projects still use traditional CAD tools that were designed for use with conventional manufacturing tools such as milling and casting. They recommend switching to proper DfAM tools that are parametric and offer features like topology optimization.
Similarly, they say that traditional sketch-based CAD modeling offers limited control over toolpaths, leading to inefficiencies, while parametric equations and generative designs enhance control, ensuring efficient material distribution.
For slicing strategies, they point out that planar approaches currently dominate the market, yet these can cause layer discontinuities, over-extrusion, and surface defects. Instead, they propose the use of helical slicing that can reduce start/stop points, minimize extrusion inconsistencies, and improve structural stability.
Simulation can introduce toolpath optimization, reduce the possibility of collisions, and improve layer alignment and consistency.
They say that material behaviour modelling is often neglected, which can increase the risk of failure. Instead, they believe that numerical simulations can help predict issues before printing occurs.
Finally, they say that the tools most frequently used are not integrated, leading to disconnected data, errors, and other slowdowns.
The paper is a good look at the state of 3DCP workflows, and in fact, many of the points could be applied to other types of 3D printing.
Via ArXiv
