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Advanced Strategies for Clay 3D Printing

Program hosted by Jan VĂ­tek

screenshots_ws

1. Clay printing methods:

  • Extrusion:
    • Compatible with normal, recyclable clay
    • Common issues: low resolution, constant softness… overhang limits, single perimeter
    • Open source, relatively easy to build and adopt
    • Extruder types:
      • Piston extruder
        • Simple, spiral mode only, limited control
      • Screw extruder
        • More advanced, controlled flow, less air bubbles
        • Similar to FDM printing (stepper motor, screw, clay container)
    • Clay container types:
      • Mechanical: push clay using another stepper motor
      • Compressor: push clay using compressed air, simpler
  • Powder-based: precise but expensive, high maintenance
  • Resin + ceramic: precise, requires support, shrinks during firing

2. Setup (extrusion printing)

setup

  • Clay container made from PVC tube and 3D printed parts
  • Compressor sends air to container to push clay (always on)
  • Modified 3D printer:
    • Delta printers preferred (stable bed)
    • Uses original extruder motor (Controlled as a normal extruder)
    • 3D printed screw attached to extrude clay
    • Nozzle: Typically 3mm, can be modified from standard FDM nozzles

memo

container

extruder

prusa

Note

  • Air bubbles become a problem when firing
  • Clay stiffness matters… soft: collapsing, hard: clogging
  • Apply silicone spray to reduce friction
  • Heat gun can dry prints but risks thermal shock (cracking)
  • Print on acrylic board (later assembled as box for easier transport)
  • Experiment: Mixing 2 clays in one extruder or piston
  • Experiment: Fabric-like paths, L-system-based designs

3. Slicing and Parameters (PrusaSlicer)

  • Import the .3mf file (attached at the bottom) as a slicing profile to PrusaSlicer

    ps_1

    ps_2

    ps_3

5. Products / inspirations

  1. WASP: high-end, not cheap
  2. 3D Potter: uses piston-based system, simpler design
  3. Jonathan Keep

  4. UNFOLD

6. Files

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