Pausing and resuming a three-dimensional printjob

Abstract

A computer program product includes computer readable program code embodied on a computer readable storage medium. The computer program product comprises computer readable program code for beginning a print job on a three-dimensional printer to manufacture an object, computer readable program code for pausing the print job while the object is incomplete, computer readable program code for determining the state of the print job when the print job was paused, and computer readable program code for printing information onto the incomplete object, wherein the information includes an identification of the print job. The information preferably takes the form of a matrix barcode printed on a surface of the incomplete object that will later be overwritten.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to methods of three-dimensional printing.[0003]2. Background of the Related Art[0004]Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a process of making a three-dimensional object from a digital model using an additive process, where successive layers of material are laid down over previous layers. The material may be a thermoplastic polymer filament that is heated and extruded through a narrow nozzle. Either the nozzle is moved or a table supporting the material is moved to control where the material is deposited.[0005]3D printing is becoming a big industry with a growing number of printer manufacturers and web sites that provide construction plans for downloading to a computer. Unfortunately, 3D printing is much more complex than 2D printing are requires much more time to product an object. Objects that are printed at a fine level of detail and are not tiny can take many hours to complete. Ideally, a 3D print job is n...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a computer program that allows a user to start a print job on a three-dimensional printer to make an object. The program can pause the print job if the object is not complete. When the print job is paused, the program can determine the state of the object and print information onto it, such as an identification of the print job and the state of the print job. The technical effect is that this program makes it easier for users to start and pause print jobs on three-dimensional printers, and ensures that the printed information is always up-to-date and accurate.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, 3D printing is much more complex than 2D printing are requires much more time to product an object.

Objects that are printed at a fine level of detail and are not tiny can take many hours to complete.

However, work schedules, power outages, material shortages and the like may prevent a 3D print job from proceeding straight through from start to finish.

Accidentally moving the incomplete object relative to the table will cause the rest of the print job to be misaligned with the initial part of the object.

However, a 3D print job may need to be paused in order to change or replace a plastic filament that is used to make the object or to simply stop and complete the job at a later time.

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