Development and investigation of a new path-planning design for FLM-3D-printing to reduce anisotropy

Fused Layer Modeling (FLM) is one of the most popular additive manufacturing techniques. Its application is often limited caused by the procedurally anisotropy. This work addresses FLM’s weakness by examining a new path planning concept that replaces printing several adjacent parallel lines, for example in perimeters. The new technique was compared with conventionally manufactured reference samples in tensile tension and three-point-bending tests. The results show an improvement of the tensile strength in build direction of the samples by up to 40% and a reduction of anisotropy by 28%.