Improvement of 3D printing and subsequent microwave freeze-drying solidification accuracy of pineapple gel-based inks: Infill percentage control and internal models design

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to improve the 3D printing accuracy of pineapple gel and its subsequent microwave freeze drying (MFD) solidification precision based on infill percentage control (30%, 50%, 70%, and 90%) and internal models design (Hilbert curve, honeycomb, and rectilinear). Through comparing the designed models with the physical dimensions of the printed and dehydrated products, the optimal regulation strategy was obtained. Results showed that the printing deviation of samples decreased initially and then increased with higher infill percentages, with the 70% infill percentage having the lowest deviation. Among all internal models, the rectilinear infill pattern showed the best printing accuracy. Porosity and the shape deformation rate of MFD solidification products initially decreased and then increased with higher infill percentages. The 70% infill percentage products had the lowest shape deformation rate. The honeycomb infill pattern performed best in reducing solidification sample shrinkage and deformation. Additionally, micro-CT scans revealed that the honeycomb infill pattern helped maintain the integrity of each layer's lines of MFD solidification products, closely matching the model's line distribution. In the 50% and 70% infill percentage, honeycomb and rectilinear samples exhibited better crispness. A 70% honeycomb infill pattern was recommended for optimal printing and post-solidification accuracy.