5 Axis Slicer
App for a 5 axis 3D printer
During my design internship at aroma:id I developed the interface for a slicer created specifically for a five axis 3D printer and designed from the ground up for the iPad. The project focused on translating a traditionally complex desktop environment into a touch based workflow that remains precise while feeling approachable. Existing slicers were analyzed in detail to understand their functional structures and to identify where complexity stems from. The goal was never to remove capabilities but to reorganize them in a way that makes the process more direct and intuitive.
The interface is built around a clear spatial hierarchy. The print bed and model take visual priority while tools are arranged in a restrained vertical and horizontal system that adapts to each stage of preparation. Motion planning and slicing are presented as distinct but connected steps using consistent visual cues and color accents to guide the user without demanding attention. This restraint allows complex geometry and five axis movement paths to be set up without the interface becoming dominant over the object itself.
Every function of a traditional desktop slicer remains present but condensed into modular panels optimized for touch interaction. Neutral surfaces with precise highlights create a calm working environment where feedback is immediate yet unobtrusive. The visual language was deliberately reduced to make the software accessible to users who are not deeply technical while maintaining the depth required for advanced control. The result is a tool that makes a five axis printing workflow understandable and manageable in a mobile context while retaining the performance and flexibility of professional systems.
This project was also shared as part of a research initiative supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy within the ZIM program. The focus of the work is to develop a five axis FDM printing process that eliminates the need for support structures, making additive manufacturing both more material efficient and sustainable. The interface was designed to complement this goal by providing a clear and accessible workflow that translates advanced technology into a form usable beyond an expert audience.
