Toolpath optimization in solid freeform modeling and fabrication of 3D porous structures

This paper presents a toolpath optimization approach in computer-Aided solid freeform modeling and fabrication of complex tissue scaffolds. Tissue scaffolds are bio-mimetically designed with varying porosity over their complex freeform geometries. Regional porosity variation proposed in our earlier work is enhanced by incorporating connectivity and continuity issues to meet certain tissue engineering requirements. An optimized toolpath design is proposed to generate continuous internal channels for porous structures. Enhanced control of interconnected channel network and continues filament deposition provide optimal integration of regions with different porosity levels. The presented methods are implemented and illustrative examples are presented in this paper.