PROBLEM:
PrusaSlicer does not have the capability to do continuous carbon fiber slicing (nor any open-source slicer for that matter). This is hindering development in this field.
SOLUTION:
A simple add-on to the slicer capable of adding continuous fiber to specific layers, specific perimeters and ultimately a user interface for allowing orientation of fibers similar to infill (linear infill, direction/orientation). We would need to be able to input the fiber width and also control the fiber extrusion temperature and flow rate/speed. The slicer must also consider the maximum bending radius of the fiber and inject g-code for cutting the fiber. Careful consideration must be taken to ensure that existing patents are circumvented for cutting and ironing of the fiber.
HOW:
The simplest method would be to replace 2nd outermost perimeter plus additional inner perimeters with continuous fiber during slicing. The more advanced method would be to develop something that allows rectilinear fiber orientation (similar to Automated fiber placement, AFP, machines do) so you can choose how to orient your fiber. Fiber reinforcement should also be able to be added by selecting faces or geometry similar to paint-on support structures and modifiers.
Alternative Solutions:
Markforged's slicer and Anisoprint's slicer's are proprietary and only work on their own systems. I've considered creating geometries within the print model volume to represent the fiber volume. This can work on a case-by-case basis, but an automated solution is required.
Additional context
I have a research project that can cover a significant part of the budget for the development costs for this. If you have the capability, interest and availability for implementing this starting 01 April 2023, please DM me or reply directly in this thread.
PROBLEM: PrusaSlicer does not have the capability to do continuous carbon fiber slicing (nor any open-source slicer for that matter). This is hindering development in this field.
SOLUTION: A simple add-on to the slicer capable of adding continuous fiber to specific layers, specific perimeters and ultimately a user interface for allowing orientation of fibers similar to infill (linear infill, direction/orientation). We would need to be able to input the fiber width and also control the fiber extrusion temperature and flow rate/speed. The slicer must also consider the maximum bending radius of the fiber and inject g-code for cutting the fiber. Careful consideration must be taken to ensure that existing patents are circumvented for cutting and ironing of the fiber.
HOW: The simplest method would be to replace 2nd outermost perimeter plus additional inner perimeters with continuous fiber during slicing. The more advanced method would be to develop something that allows rectilinear fiber orientation (similar to Automated fiber placement, AFP, machines do) so you can choose how to orient your fiber. Fiber reinforcement should also be able to be added by selecting faces or geometry similar to paint-on support structures and modifiers.
Alternative Solutions: Markforged's slicer and Anisoprint's slicer's are proprietary and only work on their own systems. I've considered creating geometries within the print model volume to represent the fiber volume. This can work on a case-by-case basis, but an automated solution is required.
Additional context I have a research project that can cover a significant part of the budget for the development costs for this. If you have the capability, interest and availability for implementing this starting 01 April 2023, please DM me or reply directly in this thread.