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Continuous Clay (2026-03)

Optimized Toolpaths for 3D-Printed Ceramic Structures Inspired by Weaving Patterns

10.4028/p-sbfd0z

Wagiri Felicia, Shih Shen,  Jauk Julian,  Stavric Milena
Contribution - Proceedings of the 11th Int. Conf. on Architecture, Materials and Construction (ICAMC) & 6th Int. Conf. on Building Science, Technology and Sustainability (ICBSTS), pp. 85-91

Abstract

This paper presents a toolpath optimization strategy for 3D-printed ceramic structures, inspired by the continuous flow of weaving patterns. By adapting algorithms based on the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP), the method generates uninterrupted extrusion paths that reduce retractions and minimize abrupt toolhead movements. This approach is validated through full-scale ceramic panel prints, examining the impact of pattern geometry, density, drying time, and shrinkage behavior. Results indicate that a panel with pattern density of 50–70%, combined with a 1.5 mm layer offset and a 2 mm fillet radius, produces the most stable and visually coherent prints. Additionally, the number of layers and toolpath sequence significantly affect drying rates and anisotropic shrinkage. This study highlights the potential of optimized toolpath design to improve both performance and aesthetic quality in clay-based additive manufacturing for architectural and industrial applications.

3 References

  1. Sahu Akshay, Panda Biranchi (2024-08)
    A TSP-Based Continuous Path-Planning for Additive Manufacturing of Concrete
  2. Westerlind Helena, Vargas José (2020-07)
    Knitting Concrete
  3. Wolf Alexander, Rosendahl Philipp, Knaack Ulrich (2021-10)
    Additive Manufacturing of Clay and Ceramic Building Components

0 Citations

BibTeX 
@inproceedings{wagi_shih_jauk_stav.2026.CC,
  author            = "Felicia Wagiri and Shen Guan Shih and Julian Jauk and Milena Stavric",
  title             = "Continuous Clay: Optimized Toolpaths for 3D-Printed Ceramic Structures Inspired by Weaving Patterns",
  doi               = "10.4028/p-sbfd0z",
  year              = "2026",
  pages             = "85--91",
  booktitle         = "Proceedings of the 11th Int. Conf. on Architecture, Materials and Construction (ICAMC) & 6th Int. Conf. on Building Science, Technology and Sustainability (ICBSTS)",
}
Formatted Citation

F. Wagiri, S. G. Shih, J. Jauk and M. Stavric, “Continuous Clay: Optimized Toolpaths for 3D-Printed Ceramic Structures Inspired by Weaving Patterns”, in Proceedings of the 11th Int. Conf. on Architecture, Materials and Construction (ICAMC) & 6th Int. Conf. on Building Science, Technology and Sustainability (ICBSTS), 2026, pp. 85–91. doi: 10.4028/p-sbfd0z.

Wagiri, Felicia, Shen Guan Shih, Julian Jauk, and Milena Stavric. “Continuous Clay: Optimized Toolpaths for 3D-Printed Ceramic Structures Inspired by Weaving Patterns”. In Proceedings of the 11th Int. Conf. On Architecture, Materials and Construction (ICAMC) & 6th Int. Conf. On Building Science, Technology and Sustainability (ICBSTS), 85–91, 2026. https://doi.org/10.4028/p-sbfd0z.