3D printing software developer AMIS has partnered with a researcher from Turkey-based Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) to integrate a variable slice height algorithm into its AMIS Pro build preparation software.
This development targets binder jetting processes and introduces adaptive slicing functionality within the software environment. Developed by Dr. Hasan Bas of OMU, the algorithm enables dynamic adjustment of layer thickness during slicing based on part geometry and local feature detail.
The method varies slice thickness based on geometric requirements, applying thicker layers in low-detail regions and thinner layers where higher precision is required. It also incorporates binder optimization into the slicing process, addressing surface artifacts such as the staircase effect and improving surface quality. As a result, the collaborators reported a reduction of up to 12% in total layer count without loss of dimensional accuracy.
“We are excited to collaborate with Dr. Bas, whose innovative approach aligns perfectly with our vision for smarter, faster additive workflows,” said Kris Binon, Managing Director of AMIS. “This integration will give AMIS Pro users unprecedented control and efficiency in slicing.”
For further information regarding the collaboration or the integration of the variable slice height algorithm into AMIS Pro, inquiries can be directed to AMIS or to Dr. Hasan Bas.
AMIS Pro expands binder jetting scope
By incorporating academic research directly into its software, AMIS Pro extends its development beyond core workflow tools into process-level optimization.
In 2024, the software developer introduced the first beta version of its AMIS Pro software, marking the company’s entry into dedicated build preparation and slicing software for binder jetting.
The cross-platform software supports the full post-CAD, pre-print workflow, allowing users to assemble and manage multi-part build batches, apply voxel-based nesting, control layer thickness, and generate printable jobs for different binders and materials. AMIS Pro also enables batches to be saved and reopened, and its 60-day limited public beta program informed a development roadmap outlining more than 30 planned feature additions.
A few months down the line, Belgian service provider 3iD adopted AMIS Pro to prepare build batches for its HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) 3D printers, becoming the first reported service bureau to use the software in production.
AMIS Pro was used to support batch visualization, part positioning and scaling, voxel-based nesting, slicing, and preparation of print files for multiple materials. The software enabled denser nesting to reduce cost per part, while subsequent updates introduced improved nesting performance and automated part transfer between successive build batches.
Improving binder jetting with adaptive slicing
Binder jetting is gaining adoption due to its cost and material flexibility but remains slower than conventional manufacturing.
Previous research from the Turkey-based university identified adaptive slicing as a potential solution, using variable layer thickness based on part complexity to reduce build time without sacrificing quality. Test parts produced with adaptive slicing required fewer layers and achieved measurable time savings, while a dedicated binder control algorithm was introduced to maintain part quality.
In a more detailed evaluation, the researchers combined adaptive slicing with a self-developed Variable Binder Amount Algorithm (VBAA) to address surface quality and green part strength challenges associated with non-uniform layers.
Statistical optimization was used to determine process parameters, identifying optimal layer thicknesses of 180–250 μm and a binder saturation level of 50%. Under these conditions, adaptive sliced parts achieved surface roughness comparable to thin-layer builds while reducing layer count by 12.31%, resulting in shorter build times without loss of quality.
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Featured image shows Part View interface on AMIS Pro. Image via AMIS.
