Interesting multi axis printer design

[Dan Dubeau]

This is a pretty neat design. I'll be interested to see where this goes. Not applicable for all geometries, but would be awesome for adjusting layer directions for stronger usable parts.

 

[Mike R]

The slicer is the real innovation here, the hardware is relatively trivial. The real trick would be a slicer that can do muti axis, and can handle different multi axis type machines (i.e fixed bed, fully articulated head, even something like a 6DOF robot)

 

[Dan Dubeau]

Yes, agree. Although it sounds like it's not a full slicer integration, but more of a postprocessing axis swap type workaround as of now. It will be interesting to follow and see if multiaxis slicing and printing ever takes off in the mainstream. From a strength and materials standpoint this would be a gamechanger. It would be pretty neat to see just what a robotic arm fitted with an extruder and rotary table could be capable of.

Now that more companies are moving on from the reprap mentality, and producing something more similar to actual machine tools (welded more rigid frames with machined not printed parts), I expect to see another rapid advancement again in 3d printing now that frames and hardware can actually utilize greater speeds and forces, with greater accuracy and surface finishes coming along as a byproduct. My printers now are so old and obsolete, but I'm hesitant to jump in again now as I want to wait and see what else is coming.

 

[Dan Dubeau]

Here's another interesting one

I like the extruder changer, vs purge poop idea. IMO it's a much better path forward, but obviously increases build cost.