Optimizing printing fidelity of the single-nozzle based multimaterial direct ink writing for 3D food printing

Abstract

Direct Ink Writing (DIW) is an extrusion-based layer-by-layer printing technique that involves pressure-driven deposition of a viscoelastic ink through a fine nozzle, which is widely recognized as the most effective technique in 3D Food Printing (3DFP) research. This thesis explores the optimization of printing fidelity in pneumatic-driven single-nozzle based multimaterial DIW for 3D food printing applications. Specifically, this study addresses critical challenges inherent to single-nozzle configurations, i.e., the problem of residual material in the shared channel which adversely affects printing fidelity. We introduce an innovative path planning algorithm designed to mitigate these challenges by implementing an advanced distance compensation strategy and in-process printhead motion adjustments, thereby stabilizing the extrusion process during material switching.
The results demonstrate an improvement in printing fidelity. The optimization of advanced distance compensation reduced the offset at switching points to a precision of ±0.5 mm, and the optimization of printhead movements decreased unstable extrusion behaviors, specifically bulging and necking, by 27±5% and 19±3%, respectively.
This research paves the way for more sophisticated applications of DIW in food science, potentially transforming food design and manufacturing processes by improving the fidelity and efficiency of multimaterial printing.

Date of Award	Oct 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Nottingham
Supervisor	Haonan Li (Supervisor), Chung Ket Thein (Supervisor) & Kean How Cheah (Supervisor)