Experimentation system for path planning applied to 3D printing

Abstract

This paper is focused on finding the efficient path generating algorithms. These algorithms can take part in the path planning process, which is the last stage in model processing for 3D printing. The paper provides the comparative analysis of the five implemented path generating algorithms, which are based on four strategies: ZigZag strategy, Contour strategy, Spiral Strategy, and Fractal strategy. The analysis is based on the results of experiments made with the designed and implemented experimentation system. The system allows carrying out two types of experiments: simulation experiments and physical one. The simulation experiment is performed with the programming application written in C#. The physical experiments utilized FDM technology for 3D printing. Basing on the obtained results, we can conclude that the algorithm based on the ZigZag strategy seems to be better than the algorithms based on other approaches.