3DPA: Structure Research Through Toolpath Optimization

Institution: IAAC

Faculty: Dr. Oriol Carrasco

Team: Samuel Belaisch, Mahaveer Bothra, Oswaldo Veliz

By integrating controlled extrusion and topological optimization into 3D printing processes, it is possible to significantly enhance structural efficiency, reduce material usage, and simplify toolpaths. By drawing insights from nature and leveraging data-driven design and analysis, this method enables the creation of structures that are lighter, stronger, and more resource-efficient. When applied to architecture, such as wall systems, this strategy has the potential to redefine construction practices. By using earth-based materials and optimizing deposition, we can conceptualize sustainable, self-evolving designs that are not only structurally sound but also aesthetically organic. Ultimately, this vision could yield a comprehensive toolkit that can control the amount of extrusion required at specific areas by increasing or decreasing speed which is a universal variable rather than just controlling the Extruding (Flow-Rate) Variable which is hardware dependent and non universal machine agnostic.