Stress-oriented 3D printing path optimization based on image processing algorithms for reinforced load-bearing parts

Fibre reinforced filament fabrication is a potential additive manufacturing method for certain load-bearing parts in aerospace and automotive products. In current practice, printing paths are planned from part geometry without considering loading conditions. This paper presents new optimizing to align with the principal stress field of use. Because powerful processing capabilities, first time grayscale image was adopted represent irregular vector field, which can be robustly processed into sub-regions generating regular paths. Preliminary bending test achieved promising increase tensile strength compared conventional methods.