I'm developing a full finite element optimization software…
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I'm developing a full finite element optimization software for FFF 3D printing called Slicedog, and I used it to create this rod holder.
Hey everyone,
I wanted to share a project I’ve been working on and get some feedback from the community.
For the past months, I’ve been developing a pre-slicing optimization tool called **Slicedog**. The idea is to experiment with optimizing perimeters and infill based on a simple strength analysis, instead of using a uniform infill everywhere. You define forces and fixed points in Slicer, run the optimization and the tool adjusts the internal structure mainly by changing perimeters and infill locally.
As a test case, I tried it on a fairly typical CAD-like part – a rod holder. I defined the expected load and fixed points, ran the optimization, and after a few minutes I had a ready-to-print model back in the slicer. The resulting print uses denser infill only in areas that seem to be more stressed, while the rest of the part is kept lighter. Before finalizing the result, the model is checked again by the solver to see whether it meets the defined load case.
In my experience so far, this approach seems to work best for functional, CAD-style parts where the load paths are reasonably predictable. I’m still testing where it makes sense and where it doesn’t.
At the moment, Slicedog runs as an official plugin for Ultimaker Cura. For other slicers, I’m using Cura mainly as a launcher: after the optimization, the final 3MF project can be reopened in Orca Slicer, Bambu Studio, or PrusaSlicer without issues. Installation steps are described here:
https://slicedog.com/get-started/
The tool is currently at version 1.1 and is available via the Ultimaker Cura Marketplace. The Cura plugin itself is open source, while the optimization backend is a separate component. There’s a free trial available for hobby projects and testing.
I’m mainly curious how others here approach strength vs. material usage in functional prints, and whether this kind of workflow makes sense to you or feels unnecessary compared to existing slicer tools.
#technology
source
Hey everyone,
I wanted to share a project I’ve been working on and get some feedback from the community.
For the past months, I’ve been developing a pre-slicing optimization tool called **Slicedog**. The idea is to experiment with optimizing perimeters and infill based on a simple strength analysis, instead of using a uniform infill everywhere. You define forces and fixed points in Slicer, run the optimization and the tool adjusts the internal structure mainly by changing perimeters and infill locally.
As a test case, I tried it on a fairly typical CAD-like part – a rod holder. I defined the expected load and fixed points, ran the optimization, and after a few minutes I had a ready-to-print model back in the slicer. The resulting print uses denser infill only in areas that seem to be more stressed, while the rest of the part is kept lighter. Before finalizing the result, the model is checked again by the solver to see whether it meets the defined load case.
In my experience so far, this approach seems to work best for functional, CAD-style parts where the load paths are reasonably predictable. I’m still testing where it makes sense and where it doesn’t.
At the moment, Slicedog runs as an official plugin for Ultimaker Cura. For other slicers, I’m using Cura mainly as a launcher: after the optimization, the final 3MF project can be reopened in Orca Slicer, Bambu Studio, or PrusaSlicer without issues. Installation steps are described here:
https://slicedog.com/get-started/
The tool is currently at version 1.1 and is available via the Ultimaker Cura Marketplace. The Cura plugin itself is open source, while the optimization backend is a separate component. There’s a free trial available for hobby projects and testing.
I’m mainly curious how others here approach strength vs. material usage in functional prints, and whether this kind of workflow makes sense to you or feels unnecessary compared to existing slicer tools.
#technology
source
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