About this Abstract | 
  
   
    | Meeting | 
    2024 Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium (SFF Symp 2024)
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    | Symposium 
       | 
    2024 Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium (SFF Symp 2024)
       | 
  
   
    | Presentation Title | 
    Fundamental Path Optimization Strategies for Extrusion-Based Additive Manufacturing | 
  
   
    | Author(s) | 
    Alex  Roschli, Liam  White, Michael  Borish, Cameron  Adkins, Ashley  Gannon, Adam  Stevens, Thomas A Feldhausen, Brian K Post, Eric  MacDonald | 
  
   
    | On-Site Speaker (Planned) | 
    Liam  White | 
  
   
    | Abstract Scope | 
    
Extrusion-based additive manufacturing processes begin with a software program, called a slicer, that generates layer geometry and fits toolpaths to each layer to define where material is to be extruded or deposited. Before the toolpaths are output as g-code for the additive manufacturing system to execute, the toolpaths should be optimized. Many complex optimization approaches using graph theory, Chinese postman problem, and other complex mathematical models exist, but these approaches are rarely used in daily printing operations and are not available through common slicing programs such as Cura and PrusaSlicer. Instead, path planning and optimization typically revolves around simpler, fully automated approaches such as inside out and next closest. This paper will explore the fundamental optimization strategies for toolpath planning and document a new implementation, available via open-source slicing software, that allows for greater control of the path planning process. | 
  
   
    | Proceedings Inclusion? | 
    Definite: Post-meeting proceedings |