Layers of Fun - Democratising voxel based multi-material Polyjet 3D printing through procedural systems

Recent advancements in 3D printing have ushered in a new era of voxel-based printing, enabling precise control over material deposition and the creation of complex three-dimensional forms with volumetric properties. However, the rapid progress in voxel printing technology has outpaced the development of CAD modelling techniques, leading to a disjointed work-flow where voxel-printed objects are initially modelled using traditional 3D modelling methods and filled with volumetric information afterwards. Such discrepancy limits the full potential of voxel printing. This research proposes a solution by reintroducing meta-ball-based modelling, utilising the generated weight fields to drive various parameters. Although this approach currently requires an esoteric work-flow due to the absence of a dedicated volumetric modelling program, the research also explores procedural modelling techniques to democratise volumetric 3D modelling, making it further accessible to a wider audience. Overall, this study aims to bridge the gap between voxel printing and CAD modelling, paving the way for more seamless and efficient work-flows in additive manufacturing.