sequence gradient infill slicer

Overview

credit:

sequence

tools:

sidefx houdini

description

An end-to-end procedural pipeline built in SideFX Houdini that converts biomechanical motion data directly into toolpath G-code. Optimized for silicone-printed orthotic insoles, the process skips the typical intermediate CAD or slicer step in most additive pipelines.

A Custom pathfinding algorithm ensures print continuity across variable geometry, while a gradient compressibility framework modulates material density to tune proprioceptive feedback along the kinematic chain.

Scalar field-driven infill, fabrication constraints, and biomechanical inputs are unified in a single operator-facing interface designed for reliable use across diverse foot geometries. The insole is treated not as passive support, but as a calibrated sensory interface between body and ground.

project imagery courtesy of sequence

process architecture

The core problem space for this project exists as a translation layer between human motion data and 3D printer machine code (G-Code.) SideFX Houdini was chosen as a platform for this interface due to a variety of factors including proceduralism, automation capabilities, extensibility, and data handling.

human data

interface

machine code

translating scalar fields

It was necessary to ingest human biomechanics data as spatial scalar fields in order to manipulate the density of the hexagons while maintaining the overall structure of the pattern.

continuous toolpaths

Silicone printing requires high toolpath continuity for printing quality and speed due to the material being a liquid prior to extrusion. Standard slicing software does not provide optimization for these constraints so a custom solution is needed.

A custom solver was built using VEX to generate continuous toolpaths.

direct to g-code

This pipeline eliminates the need to generate 3D CAD geometry and utilize an off-the-shelf 3DP slicer. Traditional slicers do not optimize for silicone printing and do not offer the flexibility and control needed for data-driven gradient infill patterns. A custom python script is used to translate Houdini attributes to G-Code, communicating directly with the printer network.

print paths with visualized attributes

translation into g-code

tops & wedging for infinite variation

Utilizing Procedural Dependency Graphs (PDGs) along with wedging, the automated generation of a large number of geometries can be initiated from a single Houdini file, exploring and prototyping a wide parameter space.