During the FDM process, how is the layer geometry determined?

The layer geometry in the Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) process is determined by the designs created in CAD software. This is because CAD software allows engineers and designers to create detailed 3D models of the object to be printed. These 3D models can then be sliced into layers using slicing software, which translates the design into instructions that the FDM printer can follow.

The slicing software takes into account various factors, including the geometry of the model, to generate the toolpaths that the print head will follow, including layer height, infill patterns, and support structures if needed. The outcome is a precise representation of the original design, layer by layer, ensuring that the final printed object matches the intended specifications outlined in the CAD file.

While other factors may influence the printing process, such as deposition speed, filament size, and environmental conditions, they do not determine the overall layer geometry; they are more related to aspects like the quality of the print or the efficiency of the printing process. Ultimately, the design created in CAD software is paramount in defining how each layer of the printed object is structured.