Vase Mode Printing Weavy Pattern

Grasshopper
1

Hi everyone,

I’m trying to reproduce a surface effect similar to the one shown in the attached image, where the printed bead follows a continuous wavy pattern, creating a woven or rippled texture across successive layers.

I’d like to understand the recommended workflow for generating this effect when I already have a 3D model in Rhino that I intend to print in vase mode.

Ideally, I’d like to use Grasshopper to generate or modify the toolpath geometry before slicing, rather than simply applying a texture to the CAD model.

My main questions are:

  • Toolpath generation: Should I generate the wavy toolpaths directly in Grasshopper, or is there a slicer that allows this type of custom pattern to be applied to vase-mode toolpaths?

  • Layer height and bead geometry: How can I incorporate the actual printing parameters into the workflow, such as layer height, bead width and cross-sectional geometry? These parameters will depend on whether I’m using a robotic LFAM system or a conventional large-format printer, such as a Modix.

  • Wave generation and alignment: How can I generate a wave along one toolpath and then reproduce the same wave on the next layer, rotated by a defined angle (e.g. θ°), so that the successive layers align and create the continuous woven/rippled effect shown in the reference image?

  • Vase-mode constraints: How can this be achieved while maintaining a continuous toolpath, consistent extrusion and proper bonding between layers?

  • Export and slicing: Once the geometry is generated in Grasshopper, what is the recommended way to export it and preserve the intended toolpath and extrusion behaviour in the printer?

I’m particularly interested in a practical, reproducible workflow, preferably with an existing Grasshopper definition (.gh file), a step-by-step tutorial or a video demonstrating the complete process.

If anyone has worked on custom toolpath generation for robotic LFAM or large-format FDM printing, I’d really appreciate any advice or resources.

2

image
image1024×1024 135 KB

Hello! I would really like to know how can i control the lines of my 3d model to be printable and change or transform them to draw a weavyline forwards and backwards, changing generating this texture on the surface.

3

I would like to know how can i slice a basic model taht will be printed using vase mode but defining the weavy, rippled or “X” texture effect on the g-code… I am totally lost after weeks looking for good tutorials to learn how to do it myself witouth using third partly apps or webs… Can you please help me find the workflow?

image
image1082×441 77 KB

image
image1400×1400 249 KB

4

Hi,

I build a plugin that can be used to create the effect you are showing:

image
image708×764 158 KB
image
image574×895 115 KB

Here is the post discussing the beta release and the github docs:
TOOLPATHS: 3D printing plugin beta release
github docs and tutorial

The repo now also includes Design Examples that show how the plugin can be used in practical design applications. design-examples

→ have a look at bench.gh and seamless-cup.gh

There are a few subtleties to consider. For example, if you apply a zigzag pattern to a helical toolpath on a shape whose diameter changes with height, it is not possible to maintain both consistent pattern spacing and alignment between adjacent layers.
Therefore TOOLPATHS has two sampling modes:

Angle-based: Points are sampled at equal angular intervals around the center. This keeps the pattern aligned between adjacent layers, but the distance between points changes with the diameter.

Length-based: Points are sampled at equal distances along the toolpath. This keeps the pattern spacing consistent, but the pattern shifts between adjacent layers as the diameter changes.

5

There’s different ways to achieve this. You can do it with the right print settings with a very thin walled model I think. It looks like your model’s wall thickness is too thick.

What printer and Slicer software are you using?