Silicone 3D printing: a dataset to understand and print better

Silicone is a widely used material: for example, it is frequently used in the design of medical systems. It is also used today in robotics, for a new generation of robots, namely soft robots. While 3D printing is now commonplace for rigid plastic parts, printing with silicone remains complex. 3D printing silicone parts is a tricky process, due to the sensitivity of the process to printing conditions and part geometry for unsupported printing. A part can sag or even collapse, and the flow of silicone material during deposition has a very particular behavior.

The proposed data set comprises point clouds obtained by scanning with a laser profilometry sensor. It enables analysis of the physical phenomena at play during dispensing, and problems such as overflow during printing.

The dataset comprises 3D data reconstructed on a set of test parts. Each part has a simple geometry but allows us to bring into play the key factors in the success or failure of a print job: the impact of flow, part deformation under its own weight, and the interaction between the print nozzle and the part. Thanks to the 30 μm resolution of the sensor used, it is possible to visualize even the shape of the beads on the surface of the part, or the deformation of a part when the printer “pulls” on it by moving the deposited silicone bead.