Inclined layer printing for fused deposition modeling without assisted supporting structure

Assisted supporting structures (ASs) are very important and are commonly used for the three-dimensional (3D) printing of overhanging structures to avoid collapse. However, this technique is not always effective, and many challenges remains in printing with ASs, such as low printing efficiency, a complicated process, material-wasting and high cost. Here, we propose a novel and simple printing strategy, inclined layer printing (ILP), which allows printing without ASs. The printed structures are sliced in an incline and overhanging structures are supported by adjacent layers under a suitable slicing angle. We demonstrate that ILP can be easily integrated into the current 3D printing process. To verify this method, we test a new model of filament section, which allows evaluation of the fabrication of the slice's boundary.