Throughput scaling and thermomechanical behaviour in multiplexed fused filament fabrication

Abstract

Multiplexed Fused Filament Fabrication (MF3) combines a dynamic extrusion-based toolpath with a multi-extruder-single-gantry machine tool architecture to increase printing speed without sacrificing geometric capabilities or increasing hardware complexity. This work establishes a novel capability for geometrically generalizable synthesis of MF3 toolpaths and creates a new thermal model that incorporates the unique nature of material deposition. It is shown that MF3 can increase throughput by an order of magnitude or more via the atypical and nonlinear effects of part size, infill density and extruder spacing. Further, the unusual temperature history in MF3 is found to enhance the part's mechanical properties.