3D Printer and Method and Device Therefor, 3D Printing System, and Storage Medium

Abstract

A method and apparatus for a 3D printer, a 3D printer, a 3D printing system, a computer-readable storage medium, and a computer program product. The 3D printer includes a printing platform and a print head, and the printing platform and the print head are capable of moving relative to each other in a horizontal direction parallel to the upper surface of the printing platform and in a vertical direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction. The method includes: obtaining a three-dimensional model file that defines a plurality of sub-models to be printed, the plurality of sub-models including a first sub-model and a second sub-model; and generating control code based on the three-dimensional model file, the control code being executable by a processor of the 3D printer to execute a printing strategy for the plurality of sub-models.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and in particular, to methods and apparatuses for 3D printers, 3D printers, 3D printing systems, computer-readable storage media, and computer program products. Background Art

[0002] A 3D printer, also known as a three-dimensional printer or a stereolithography printer, is a rapid prototyping process device, usually implemented by digitally printing wire materials. 3D printers are often used in the fields of mold manufacturing, industrial design, etc. to manufacture models or components. In recent years, 3D printing technology has high application prospects in jewelry, footwear, industrial design, architecture, engineering and construction (AEC), automotive, aerospace, dental and medical industries, education, geographic information systems, civil engineering, and other fields.

[0003] The three-dimensional printing methods known in the art first establish a model through computer modeling software and import the model into slicing software. The slicing software layers (slices) according to certain thickness requirements according to different process requirements, that is, decomposes the model into a series of two-dimensional planes and the plane information corresponding to the two-dimensional planes. Combining the plane information decomposed from the model and the processing parameters of the 3D printer, code (G-CODE) recognizable by the 3D printer is generated. Finally, the 3D printer is driven by the code to plan the printing path, process each layer orderly, and stack multiple layers until a solid model is formed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for a 3D printer, a 3D printer, a 3D printing system, a computer-readable storage medium, and a computer program product.

[0005] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a method for a 3D printer is provided. The 3D printer includes a printing platform and a print head, and the printing platform and the print head are capable of moving relative to each other in a horizontal direction parallel to the upper surface of the printing platform and in a vertical direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction. The method includes: obtaining a three-dimensional model file that defines a plurality of sub-models to be printed, the plurality of sub-models including a first sub-model and a second sub-model; and generating control codes based on the three-dimensional model file, the control codes being executable by a processor of the 3D printer to execute a printing strategy for the plurality of sub-models, the printing strategy including: causing the print head to print N layer slices of the first sub-model, wherein after the N layer slices are printed, the size of the printed portion of the first sub-model in the vertical direction is the same as the size of the printed portion of the second sub-model in the vertical direction, N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1, and the first sub-model and the second sub-model are spaced apart from each other; immediately after printing the N layer slices of the first sub-model, causing the print head and the printing platform to move relative to each other in the horizontal direction such that the print head is located between the first sub-model and the second sub-model; and causing the print head and the printing platform to move relative to each other such that the vertical distance between the print head and the printing platform increases and the print head is located above the printed portion of the second sub-model to print slices of the second sub-model.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for a 3D printer is further provided. The 3D printer includes a printing platform and a print head, and the printing platform and the print head are capable of moving relative to each other in a horizontal direction parallel to the upper surface of the printing platform and in a vertical direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction. The apparatus includes: a first unit configured to obtain a three-dimensional model file that defines a plurality of sub-models to be printed, the plurality of sub-models including a first sub-model and a second sub-model; and a second unit configured to generate control codes based on the three-dimensional model file, the control codes being executable by a processor of the 3D printer to execute a printing strategy for the plurality of sub-models, the printing strategy including: causing the print head to print N layer slices of the first sub-model, wherein after the N layer slices are printed, the size of the printed portion of the first sub-model in the vertical direction is the same as the size of the printed portion of the second sub-model in the vertical direction, N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1, and the first sub-model and the second sub-model are spaced apart from each other; immediately after printing the N layer slices of the first sub-model, causing the print head and the printing platform to move relative to each other in the horizontal direction such that the print head is located between the first sub-model and the second sub-model; and causing the print head and the printing platform to move relative to each other such that the vertical distance between the print head and the printing platform increases and the print head is located above the printed portion of the second sub-model to print slices of the second sub-model.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is also provided a 3D printer, including: a printing platform and a print head capable of moving relative to each other in a horizontal direction parallel to the upper surface of the printing platform and a vertical direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction; a processor; and a memory storing control codes that can be executed by the processor to execute a printing strategy for a plurality of sub-models, the printing strategy including: causing the print head to print N layer slices of a first sub-model, wherein after the N layer slices are printed, the size of the printed part of the first sub-model in the vertical direction is the same as the size of the printed part of a second sub-model in the vertical direction, N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1, and the first sub-model and the second sub-model are spaced apart from each other; immediately following the printing of the N layer slices of the first sub-model, causing the print head and the printing platform to move relative to each other in the horizontal direction so that the print head is located between the first sub-model and the second sub-model; and causing the print head and the printing platform to move relative to each other so that the vertical distance between the print head and the printing platform increases and the print head is located above the printed part of the second sub-model to print slices of the second sub-model.

[0008] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is also provided a 3D printing system, including: a 3D printer; and 3D printing slicing software configured to execute the method as above.

[0009] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions, wherein the computer instructions, when executed by the processor of the 3D printer as above, implement the method as above.

[0010] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is also provided a computer program product including computer instructions, wherein the computer instructions, when executed by the processor of the 3D printer as above, implement the method as above.

[0011] It should be understood that the content described in this part is not intended to identify the key or important features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it used to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become readily understood through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] In the drawings, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals throughout the several views denote the same or similar components or elements. These drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. It should be understood that these drawings only depict some embodiments disclosed in accordance with the present disclosure and should not be regarded as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a 3D printer according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0014] Figure 2The flowchart of a method for a 3D printer according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0015] Figure 3 The schematic diagram of a printing strategy executed for multiple sub-models according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0016] Figure 4 The schematic diagram of a printing strategy executed for multiple sub-models according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0017] Figure 5 The schematic diagram of a printing strategy executed for multiple sub-models according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; and

[0018] Figure 6 The block diagram of a device for a 3D printer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed implementation manners

[0019] The following makes an explanation of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, including various details of the embodiments of the present disclosure to facilitate understanding, which should be considered merely exemplary. Therefore, those of ordinary skill in the art should recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, for the sake of clarity and conciseness, the description of well-known functions and structures is omitted below.

[0020] In the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, the terms "first", "second", etc. are used to describe various elements and are not intended to limit the positional relationship, timing relationship or importance relationship of these elements. Such terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. In some examples, the first element and the second element may refer to the same example of the element, and in certain cases, based on the description of the context, they may also refer to different examples.

[0021] In the description of various examples in the present disclosure, the terms used are only for the purpose of describing specific examples and are not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, if the number of elements is not specifically limited, the element may be one or more. In addition, the term "and / or" used in the present disclosure covers any one of the listed items and all possible combinations.

[0022] During the 3D printing process, the print head needs to move continuously to complete the printing of multiple sub-models. After the print head finishes printing one sub-model, it needs to move above the next sub-model on the printing platform to print the next sub-model. To avoid the nozzle of the print head colliding with the printed part of the next sub-model, the print head is generally first raised to increase the relative distance between the print head and the printing platform, and then the print head is horizontally moved so that the print head moves above the next sub-model. During the process of raising the print head, the printing material in a molten state in the nozzle below the print head is likely to flow out of the nozzle under the action of gravity, resulting in a "stringing phenomenon". Subsequently, during the process of the print head horizontally moving above the next sub-model, the printing material flowing out of the nozzle generates more "stringing phenomenon" due to the horizontal movement of the print head. Since the "stringing phenomenon" affects the printing quality and forming effect, in practice, the stringing problem is usually solved by retracting the printing material in the nozzle, but the process of calculating the amount of printing material that needs to be retracted is complex and the accuracy is low, resulting in inaccurate calculation of the amount of printing material to be retracted, and thus the "stringing phenomenon" still exists.

[0023] In view of this, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and apparatus for a 3D printer, a 3D printer, a 3D printing system, a computer-readable storage medium, and a computer program product, which can alleviate, mitigate, or even eliminate the above problems.

[0024] Figure 1 FIG. shows a schematic structural diagram of a 3D printer 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The following will refer to Figure 1 for a detailed description of the 3D printer 100.

[0025] As Figure 1 shown, the 3D printer 100 includes a processor 101, a memory 102, a print head 103, and a printing platform 104.

[0026] The processor 101 drives the print head 103 and the printing platform 104 to execute the printing strategy specified by the slicing software by calling and executing the control code (e.g., G-Code) stored in the memory 102. In an embodiment, the processor 101 is configured to control the print head 103 and the printing platform to execute the printing strategy proposed by the present disclosure for the multiple sub-models under the drive of the control code, so as to reduce the stringing phenomenon. This printing strategy will be described in detail later in conjunction with Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 for a detailed description.

[0027] The memory 102 may store the control code generated by the slicing software for the processor 101 to call.

[0028] The print head 103 may be provided with an extrusion train or cooperate with an extrusion train. The extrusion train may be driven by a motor controlled by the processor 101 to perform feeding and retracting operations, so as to cooperate with the print head 103 to complete the printing task.

[0029] The printing platform 104 is used to carry the object to be printed, and its upper surface is usually a flat surface for placing various sub-models obtained during the printing process.

[0030] Figure 2 A flowchart of a method 200 for a 3D printer according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For the purpose of description, reference will be made to Figure 1 to describe the method 200, and the method 200 may be used for Figure 1 the 3D printer 100 shown in. The method 200 may be executed by slicing software and may include the following steps.

[0031] In step 201, a three-dimensional model file of the object to be printed is obtained.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the three-dimensional model file includes a plurality of sub-models that need to be printed by the printing material. In one example, the combination of these sub-models may constitute a complete three-dimensional model or a part of a complete three-dimensional model. In another example, these sub-models may also be parts from different three-dimensional models. The three-dimensional model file may be, for example, an STL format file, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0033] In step 202, control codes are generated based on the three-dimensional model file.

[0034] As is known, after obtaining the three-dimensional model file, the slicing software decomposes the three-dimensional model defined by the three-dimensional model file into a plurality of two-dimensional layers, and combines the two-dimensional plane information with the processing parameters of the 3D printer to generate control codes for driving the 3D printer to execute corresponding printing strategies.

[0035] According to some embodiments, the control codes can be executed by the processor 101 of the 3D printer 100 for printing strategies for a plurality of sub-models. The processor 101 calls the control codes generated by the slicing software and stored in the memory 102, and controls the print head 103 and the printing platform 104 to print the plurality of sub-models according to the printing strategies defined by the control codes.

[0036] In step 202-1, for multiple sub-models, a printing strategy is executed. The printing strategy includes causing the print head to print N layer slices of the first sub-model. After the N layer slices are printed, the size of the printed part of the first sub-model in the vertical direction is the same as the size of the printed part of the second sub-model in the vertical direction. N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1, and the first sub-model and the second sub-model are spaced apart from each other.

[0037] In one example, 3D printing is performed in a layer-by-layer manner. For example, the three-dimensional model file defines two model files to be printed, namely the first sub-model and the second sub-model, which are spaced apart from each other. The print head 103 first prints the first layer slice of the second sub-model. Then the print head 103 prints the first layer slice of the first sub-model. After printing the first layer slice of the first sub-model, the size of the printed part of the first sub-model in the vertical direction is the same as the size of the printed part of the second sub-model in the vertical direction, both being 1 layer. At this time, the print head 103 completes the printing of the first layer slices of all the sub-models on the printing platform 104.

[0038] In other examples, 3D printing can also be performed in other ways. The number of layers printed by the print head 103 for each sub-model each time can be arbitrary. For example, the print head 103 first prints an arbitrary number of layer slices of the second sub-model, such as 5 layer slices. The print head 103 then prints 5 layer slices of the first sub-model. After printing the fifth layer slice of the first sub-model, the size of the printed part of the first sub-model in the vertical direction is the same as the size of the printed part of the second sub-model in the vertical direction, both being 5 layers. At this time, the print head 103 completes the printing of the fifth layer slices of all the sub-models on the printing platform 104. Therefore, this embodiment is not limited herein.

[0039] It can be understood that although in this embodiment, the three-dimensional model file defines two model files to be printed, namely the first sub-model and the second sub-model, which are spaced apart from each other. In other embodiments, the three-dimensional model file defines any number of model files to be printed, which are spaced apart from each other. The any number is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2, and is not limited herein.

[0040] To alleviate or eliminate the wire drawing problem in the related art, in step 202-2, immediately following the printing of the N layer slices of the first sub-model, the print head and the printing platform are moved relative to each other in the horizontal direction so that the print head is located between the first sub-model and the second sub-model. It will be understood that as used herein, the term "A and B move relative to each other" includes the following various situations: (1) A remains stationary and B moves; (2) A moves and B remains stationary; or (3) both A and B move.

[0041] Continuing with the above example of layer-by-layer printing, after the print head 103 finishes printing the first-layer slices of all the sub-models on the print platform 104, the print head 103 and the print platform 104 are moved horizontally relative to each other such that the print head 103 is positioned between the first sub-model and the second sub-model. Since the print head 103 and the print platform are moved horizontally relative to each other instead of vertically, the speed at which the molten printing material in the print head 103 flows out of the nozzle is slowed down. Step 202-2 will also be described in detail later in conjunction with Figure 3 Specific description.

[0042] In step 202-3, the print head and the print platform are moved relative to each other such that the vertical distance between the print head and the print platform increases and the print head is positioned above the printed portion of the second sub-model to print the slices of the second sub-model.

[0043] Continuing with the above example of layer-by-layer printing, after the print head 103 is positioned between the first sub-model and the second sub-model, to avoid collision between the print head 103 and the first-layer slices already printed on the second sub-model, the vertical distance between the print head 103 and the print platform is increased and the print head 103 is positioned above the printed portion of the second sub-model. Step 202-3 will also be described in detail later in conjunction with Figure 4 And Figure 5 Specific description.

[0044] According to some embodiments, moving the print head and the print platform horizontally relative to each other (step 202-2) includes: moving the print head and the print platform relative to each other along a horizontal path, a part of which is directly above the printed portion of the first sub-model, such that the molten printing material at the nozzle end of the print head is wiped by the upper surface of the printed portion of the first sub-model.

[0045] Figure 3 FIG. shows a schematic diagram of a printing strategy 300 executed for a plurality of sub-models according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3 The illustrated embodiment corresponds to step 202-2.

[0046] Referring to Figure 3 For example, the print head 103 includes a nozzle 103-1 provided at the end of the print head. The 3D printer further includes a sliding rod 303, and the print head 103 is sleeved on the sliding rod 303 to move horizontally, and the sliding rod 303 drives the print head 103 to move vertically.

[0047] Referring to Figure 3On the left half, the print head 103 has completed the sliced printing of the first sub-model 301, such that the dimension of the first sub-model 301 in the vertical direction is the same as that of the second sub-model 302 in the vertical direction. Then, the print head 103 is driven to move horizontally in the positive X-axis direction on the sliding rod 303, such that the print head 103 moves to Figure 3 the position shown in the right half. In another example, the print platform 104 can be driven to move horizontally in the negative X-axis direction, such that the print platform 104 moves to Figure 3 the position shown in the right half. It can be understood that, in some other examples, the print platform 104 and the print head 103 can be moved simultaneously, so that the print head 103 and the print platform 104 are in the position as Figure 3 shown in the right half.

[0048] The printing material in a molten state located in the print head 103 flows out from the end of the nozzle 103-1 during the horizontal movement of the print head 103 and the print platform 104 relative to each other. The flowing molten printing material is wiped by the upper surface of the printed part of the first sub-model 301. In this way, the wire drawing phenomenon generated during the movement of the print head 103 from above the printed part of the first sub-model 301 to above the second sub-model 302 is reduced, thereby improving the printing accuracy.

[0049] Immediately following Figure 3 the scenario shown, continue to refer to Figure 4 or Figure 5 . Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of a printing strategy 400 executed for multiple sub-models according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of a printing strategy 500 executed for multiple sub-models according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The strategy 400 and the strategy 500 are two different examples corresponding to step 202-3 respectively.

[0050] According to some embodiments, moving the print head and the print platform relative to each other such that the vertical distance between the print head and the print platform increases and the print head is located above the printed part of the second sub-model (step 202-3) includes: moving the print head and the print platform relative to each other along an inclined path at an angle to the horizontal plane, such that the print head is located above the printed part of the second sub-model.

[0051] Figure 4 The left half of shows the print head 103 located between the first sub-model 301 and the second sub-model 302. Then, while driving the print head 103 to move horizontally in the positive X-axis direction on the sliding rod 303, the sliding rod 303 is driven to move vertically in the positive Z-axis direction, such that the print head 103 moves to Figure 4The position shown on the right half. In another example, the printing platform 104 can be driven to move horizontally in the negative X-axis direction and vertically in the negative Z-axis direction simultaneously, so that the printing platform 104 moves to Figure 4 The position shown on the right half. It can be understood that in some other examples, the printing platform 104 and the print head 103 can be moved simultaneously so that the print head 103 and the printing platform 104 are in a position as Figure 4 Shown on the right half.

[0052] According to some embodiments, moving the print head and the printing platform relative to each other such that the vertical distance between the print head and the printing platform increases and the print head is above the printed portion of the second sub-model (step 202-3) includes: moving the print head and the printing platform relative to each other in the vertical direction by a first distance; and moving the print head and the printing platform relative to each other in the horizontal direction by a second distance such that the print head is above the printed portion of the second sub-model.

[0053] In Figure 5 the left part of Figure 5 shows the print head 103 located between the first sub-model 301 and the second sub-model 302. Then, the sliding rod 303 is driven to move vertically in the positive Z-axis direction to drive the print head 103 to move in the positive Z-axis direction, so that the print head 103 moves to Figure 5 The position shown in the middle part of Figure 5 In another example, the printing platform 104 can be driven to move vertically in the negative Z-axis direction so that the printing platform 104 moves to Figure 5 The position shown in the middle part. It can be understood that in some other examples, the printing platform 104 and the sliding rod 303 can be moved simultaneously so that the print head 103 and the printing platform 104 are in a position as

[0054] Continuing to refer to Figure 5 in Figure 5 the middle part shows that there is a vertical distance between the print head 103 and the printing platform 104 at this time. Then, the print head 103 is driven to move horizontally in the positive X-axis direction on the sliding rod 303 so that the print head 103 moves to Figure 5 The position shown on the right part. In another example, the printing platform 104 can be driven to move horizontally in the negative X-axis direction so that the printing platform 104 moves to Figure 5 The position shown on the right part. It can be understood that in some other embodiments, the printing platform 104 can be moved simultaneously with the print head 103 so that the print head 103 and the printing platform 104 are in a position as Figure 5 Shown on the right part.

[0055] By Figure 3 、Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, after the printing of the first sub-model 301 is completed, the print head 103 and the printing platform are moved relative to each other in the horizontal direction instead of the vertical direction, reducing the outflow of the printing material in the molten state from the end of the nozzle 103-1 due to the action of gravity caused by the increase in the vertical distance between the print head 103 and the printing platform, thereby alleviating or eliminating the wire drawing phenomenon. In Figure 3 the example of, during the process of the print head 103 and the printing platform 104 moving relative to each other, the first sub-model 301 can also wipe the printing material in the molten state flowing out from the end of the nozzle 103-1 of the print head 103, further reducing the occurrence of the wire drawing phenomenon.

[0056] According to some embodiments, the printing material of the first sub-model is different from that of the second sub-model, and the upper surface of the printing platform includes a material changing area for replacing the printing material. The printing strategy further includes, after moving the print head and the printing platform relative to each other in the horizontal direction such that the print head is located between the first sub-model and the second sub-model: moving the print head and the printing platform relative to each other such that the print head is located above the material changing area; and replacing the printing material for printing the first sub-model in the print head with the printing material for printing the second sub-model.

[0057] In this embodiment, the upper surface of the printing platform 104 may include a material changing area for replacing the wire. Refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 The right half shows the scene after the print head and the printing platform are moved relative to each other in the horizontal direction. If the printing materials used for printing the first sub-model 301 and the second sub-model 302 are different, after Figure 3 the scene shown in the right half, the print head 103 and the printing platform 104 are moved relative to each other in the horizontal direction such that the print head 103 is located above the material changing area. In this material changing area, the residual old printing material for printing the first sub-model 301 in the print head 103 and a small part of the new printing material for printing the second sub-model 302 after replacement are extruded, thereby completing the material change.

[0058] Figure 6 FIG. shows a structural block diagram of a device 600 for a 3D printer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The 3D printer includes a printing platform and a print head, and the printing platform and the print head can move relative to each other in a horizontal direction parallel to the upper surface of the printing platform and a vertical direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction. As Figure 6 shown, the device 600 includes a first unit 601 and a second unit 602.

[0059] The first unit 601 is configured to obtain a 3D model file. The 3D model file defines a plurality of sub-models to be printed, and the plurality of sub-models includes a first sub-model and a second sub-model.

[0060] The second unit 602 is configured to generate control codes based on the 3D model file. The control codes can be executed by a processor of a 3D printer to execute a printing strategy for the plurality of sub-models. The printing strategy includes: causing the print head to print N layer slices of the first sub-model, wherein, after the N layer slices are printed, the size of the printed part of the first sub-model in the vertical direction is the same as the size of the printed part of the second sub-model in the vertical direction, N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1, and the first sub-model and the second sub-model are spaced apart from each other; immediately after printing the N layer slices of the first sub-model, causing the print head and the printing platform to move horizontally relative to each other such that the print head is located between the first sub-model and the second sub-model; and causing the print head and the printing platform to move relative to each other such that the vertical distance between the print head and the printing platform increases and the print head is located above the printed part of the second sub-model to print slices of the second sub-model.

[0061] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is also provided a 3D printing system, including a 3D printer and 3D printing software slicing, wherein the 3D printing slicing software is configured to implement the steps of the method 200 described in any of the above embodiments. For the sake of brevity, the details of the method 200 will not be repeated.

[0062] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is also provided a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, on which computer instructions are stored, wherein when the computer instructions are executed by a processor, the steps of the method 200 described in any of the above embodiments are implemented. For the sake of brevity, the details of the method 200 will not be repeated.

[0063] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is also provided a computer program product, including computer instructions, wherein when the computer instructions are executed by a processor, the steps of the method described in any of the above embodiments are implemented. For the sake of brevity, the details of the method 200 will not be repeated.

[0064] It should be understood that the various forms of the processes shown above can be used, with steps reordered, added, or deleted. For example, the steps recited in the present disclosure can be executed in parallel, sequentially, or in a different order, as long as the desired results of the technical solutions disclosed in the present disclosure can be achieved. This is not limited herein.

[0065] It should be understood that in this specification, the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc. indicate the orientation or positional relationship or dimensions based on the orientation or positional relationship or dimensions shown in the drawings. The use of these terms is only for the convenience of description and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0066] In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first", "second", "third" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of the present disclosure, the meaning of "a plurality" is two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0067] In the present disclosure, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "mounted", "connected", "connected to", "fixed", etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or integrated; it may be a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; it may be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and may be the communication inside two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present disclosure can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0068] In the present disclosure, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the first feature being "above" or "below" the second feature may include the direct contact between the first and second features, or may include the situation where the first and second features are not in direct contact but in contact through additional features therebetween. Moreover, the first feature being "above", "over" and "on top of" the second feature includes that the first feature is directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or merely indicates that the first feature has a higher horizontal height than the second feature. The first feature being "below", "beneath" and "under" the second feature includes that the first feature is directly below and obliquely below the second feature, or merely indicates that the first feature has a lower horizontal height than the second feature.

[0069] This specification provides many different embodiments or examples that can be used to implement the present disclosure. It should be understood that these different embodiments or examples are purely exemplary and do not limit the scope of protection of the present disclosure in any way. Based on the disclosure content of the specification of the present disclosure, those skilled in the art can conceive of various changes or substitutions, which should all be covered within the scope of protection of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present disclosure shall be subject to the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for a 3D printer, the 3D printer including a printing platform and a print head, the printing platform and the print head being capable of moving relative to each other in a horizontal direction parallel to the upper surface of the printing platform and in a vertical direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction, the method comprising: Obtaining a three-dimensional model file, the three-dimensional model file defining a plurality of sub-models to be printed, the plurality of sub-models including a first sub-model and a second sub-model; And Based on the three-dimensional model file, generating control code that can be executed by a processor of the 3D printer to execute a printing strategy for the plurality of sub-models, the printing strategy including: Causing the print head to print N layer slices of the first sub-model, wherein after the N layer slices are printed, the dimension of the printed part of the first sub-model in the vertical direction is the same as the dimension of the printed part of the second sub-model in the vertical direction, N being a positive integer greater than or equal to 1, and the first sub-model and the second sub-model being spaced apart from each other; Immediately following the printing of the N layer slices of the first sub-model, causing the print head and the printing platform to move relative to each other in the horizontal direction such that the print head is located between the first sub-model and the second sub-model; and Causing the print head and the printing platform to move relative to each other such that the vertical distance between the print head and the printing platform increases and the print head is located above the printed part of the second sub-model to print slices of the second sub-model.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein Causing the print head and the printing platform to move relative to each other in the horizontal direction includes: Causing the print head and the printing platform to move relative to each other along a horizontal path, a part of the horizontal path being located directly above the printed part of the first sub-model such that the molten printing material at the nozzle end of the print head is wiped by the upper surface of the printed part of the first sub-model.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Causing the print head and the printing platform to move relative to each other such that the vertical distance between the print head and the printing platform increases and the print head is located above the printed part of the second sub-model includes: Causing the print head and the printing platform to move relative to each other along an inclined path at an angle to the horizontal plane such that the print head is located above the printed part of the second sub-model.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein Causing the print head and the printing platform to move relative to each other such that the vertical distance between the print head and the printing platform increases and the print head is located above the printed part of the second sub-model includes: Causing the print head and the printing platform to move relative to each other in the vertical direction by a first distance; and Causing the print head and the printing platform to move relative to each other in the horizontal direction by a second distance such that the print head is located above the printed part of the second sub-model.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The printing material of the first sub-model is different from that of the second sub-model, and the upper surface of the printing platform includes a material-changing area for replacing the printing material. The printing strategy further includes, after moving the print head and the printing platform relative to each other in the horizontal direction so that the print head is located between the first sub-model and the second sub-model: Moving the print head and the printing platform relative to each other so that the print head is located above the material-changing area; And Replacing the printing material in the print head for printing the first sub-model with the printing material for printing the second sub-model.

6. A device for a 3D printer, the 3D printer including a printing platform and a print head, the printing platform and the print head being capable of moving relative to each other in a horizontal direction parallel to the upper surface of the printing platform and in a vertical direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction. The device includes: A first unit configured to obtain a three-dimensional model file that defines a plurality of sub-models to be printed, the plurality of sub-models including a first sub-model and a second sub-model; And A second unit configured to generate control code based on the three-dimensional model file, the control code being executable by a processor of the 3D printer to execute a printing strategy for the plurality of sub-models, the printing strategy including: Causing the print head to print N layer slices of the first sub-model, wherein, after the N layer slices are printed, the size of the printed part of the first sub-model in the vertical direction is the same as the size of the printed part of the second sub-model in the vertical direction, N being a positive integer greater than or equal to 1, and the first sub-model and the second sub-model being spaced apart from each other; Immediately after printing the N layer slices of the first sub-model, moving the print head and the printing platform relative to each other in the horizontal direction so that the print head is located between the first sub-model and the second sub-model; and Moving the print head and the printing platform relative to each other so that the vertical distance between the print head and the printing platform increases and the print head is located above the printed part of the second sub-model to print slices of the second sub-model.

7. A 3D printer, including: A printing platform and a print head, the printing platform and the print head being capable of moving relative to each other in a horizontal direction parallel to the upper surface of the printing platform and in a vertical direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction; A processor; And A memory storing control code that is executable by the processor to execute a printing strategy for a plurality of sub-models, the printing strategy including: Cause the print head to print N layer slices of a first sub-model among the multiple sub-models, wherein, after the N layer slices are printed, the size of the printed part of the first sub-model in the vertical direction is the same as the size of the printed part of a second sub-model among the multiple sub-models in the vertical direction, N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1, and the first sub-model and the second sub-model are spaced apart from each other; Immediately following the printing of the N layer slices of the first sub-model, cause the print head and the printing platform to move relative to each other in the horizontal direction such that the print head is located between the first sub-model and the second sub-model; and Cause the print head and the printing platform to move relative to each other such that the vertical distance between the print head and the printing platform increases and the print head is located above the printed part of the second sub-model to print slices of the second sub-model.

8. A 3D printing system, comprising: A 3D printer; And 3D printing slicing software configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 1-5.

9. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions, wherein, The computer instructions are for causing the computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1-5.

10. A computer program product comprising computer instructions, wherein, The computer instructions, when executed by a processor, implement the method according to any one of claims 1-5.

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