Research into non-planar 3D printing has yielded interesting advancements, particularly with the unveiling of the Archer five-axis printer. Unlike typical prototypes that serve primarily for development, this printer boasts features such as automatic tool changes using four hotends and a CoreXY motion system, which yield high-quality print outcomes comparable to renowned models like Voron.
The print bed’s setup involves three ball joints, enabling it to be tilted on two axes. Each joint operates independently on its rail, thereby allowing for flexibility in print angles, albeit with some limitations based on the extruder dimensions and motion range.
A significant challenge in non-planar printing lies in creating an effective slicer. The design of the MaxiSlicer is currently underway by the developer, who has made considerable progress. Notable achievements include refining purge settings for when tool changes occur, addressing temperature fluctuations in the melt chamber that can lead to unwanted stringing during extended periods of inactivity for hotends. This optimization results in a remarkable three-color double helix print, which involved 830 tool changes and generated just six grams of purge waste.
As three-axis 3D printers become more mainstream, innovators continue to explore enhancements in functionality and precision. Notably, there has been a surge of recent projects focusing on varying degrees of non-planar printing, including several five-axis machines that create exciting opportunities in this rapidly evolving field.