Path planning for the infill of 3D printed parts utilizing Hilbert curves

Abstract

In an attempt to make Additive Manufacturing more eco-friendly, one comes across the idea of simultaneously minimizing the energy consumption and build time. In line with this concept, this paper suggests a method for generating an infill geometry and a path plan strategy for parts constructed with Additive Manufacturing, in a way that idle times are minimized. Hilbert curves are utilized to this end, and a generalization model is provided for parts of any shape. The idea behind this is to enable the creation of the infill pattern with a single continuous motion of the head, so that rapid feed movements are eliminated (per layer), reducing both time and energy consumption. The proposed method for the design of the infill offers the possibility to adjust the filling percentage and it is capable of providing a structure with isotropic properties. Finally, through simulations, the comparison with traditional linear hatching is shown, and benefits arising discussed.