Survey on Slicing Computing in 3D Printing

3D printing technology has brought some changes in product design and manufacturing methodologies, but also brings new challenges for layering process planning. To improve manufacturing quality, the optimization problem of layering computation is first reviewed, and various planning methods are briefly described, especially emphasizing the advantages of multi-degree-of-freedom additive manufacturing systems in high-quality layered manufacturing. Subsequently, surrounded with notable achievements in layering computations achieved by 3D printing in recent years, we analyzed their goal, algorithmic ideas, and research results from two perspectives: planar layering strategies and non-planar layering strategies. Afterward, the progress of layering computation in advanced 3D printing technology is discussed, particularly with the developments in layering strategies from the perspectives of closed-loop printing and novel additive manufacturing control. Finally, these research achievements are summarized. With the current technological development, unresolved issues and future trends are proposed for the research and application perspectives to promote the continuous development of 3D printing optimization research. © 2024 Chinese Mechanical Engineering Society. All rights reserved.