The researchers at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have taken a groundbreaking step in the realm of large-format 3D printing with their development of ORNL Slicer 2. This innovative slicing software application aims to enhance and streamline the process of converting digital models into precise 3D-printed objects, making it particularly impactful for large-scale manufacturing in industrial settings. The introduction of ORNL Slicer 2 is poised to revolutionize 3D printing technology by significantly speeding up and simplifying the digital conversion process of complex, large-format parts—including those made from metallic and composite materials. This unprecedented advancement opens the door to the application of 3D printing for larger objects, such as parts for land and aquatic vehicles, aerospace applications, and even structures as large as houses.
Key Features and Functionalities of ORNL Slicer 2
One of the standout characteristics of ORNL Slicer 2 is its capability to convert computer-aided design (CAD) models into a series of two-dimensional slices. Each slice comes with calculated print parameters, including the printhead path and print speed, facilitating a seamless interface with various types of 3D printers. Furthermore, the software incorporates feedback from sensors to ensure heightened accuracy and reliability in the printing process. This level of precision and adaptability makes ORNL Slicer 2 highly compatible with a wide range of materials and additive manufacturing systems, including pellet thermoplastics, filament thermoplastics, thermosets, concrete, laser wire welding, MIG welding, and blown-powder directed-energy deposition.
Additionally, ORNL Slicer 2 is designed with over 500 adjustable settings that control different facets of the printing process, such as internal structure, shape, and temperature. This extensive range of customization options allows manufacturers to optimize their printing processes to meet specific needs, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing costs. In conjunction with these features, the software integrates with simulation software to provide insights into complex heat and stress dynamics during the printing process. By refining machine commands through this extensive connectivity, ORNL Slicer 2 ensures increased reliability and repeatability, making it an invaluable tool for producing large, factory-grade parts more efficiently than traditional machining methods.
Broad Adoption and Open-Source Advantage
ORNL Slicer 2 is not just a proprietary tool limited to a few users; it has been made available as an open-source program on GitHub, broadening its accessibility and fostering a collaborative development environment. The software is already being utilized by over 50 equipment manufacturers, industrial end users, and universities, which indicates a strong consensus on its utility and effectiveness in advancing large-format 3D printing technology. The open-source nature of ORNL Slicer 2 allows for continuous improvements and adaptations, enabling users to tailor the software to their specific requirements and contribute to its ongoing development.
The widespread adoption of ORNL Slicer 2 highlights its potential to become a cornerstone in the field of additive manufacturing, offering a cost-effective and highly efficient solution for large-scale 3D printing. This collective endorsement from diverse sectors underscores the software’s robustness and versatility, positioning it as a pivotal tool in driving innovation and cost savings in industrial manufacturing. By bridging the gap between digital models and physical objects with unparalleled efficiency and precision, ORNL Slicer 2 sets a new standard for what is achievable in the realm of large-format 3D printing.
Conclusion
ORNL Slicer 2 is an open-source program on GitHub, making it accessible to a broad range of users and fostering a collaborative development environment. It’s currently used by over 50 equipment manufacturers, industrial end users, and universities, indicating its effectiveness and utility in advancing large-format 3D printing technology. The open-source nature of ORNL Slicer 2 allows for continuous enhancements and customizations, letting users adapt the software to their specific needs while also contributing to its development.
The wide adoption of ORNL Slicer 2 underscores its potential to become a key player in additive manufacturing, providing a cost-effective and efficient solution for large-scale 3D printing. The collective endorsement from various sectors highlights the software’s robustness and versatility, positioning it as an essential tool for driving innovation and cost savings in industrial manufacturing. By seamlessly connecting digital models to physical objects with high efficiency and precision, ORNL Slicer 2 sets a new benchmark for what is possible in the realm of large-format 3D printing.
