Computer-controlled selective hardening of 3D printed objects

Abstract

A method for variable hardness within three-dimensional (3D) printing. Metadata associated with a printed object is received as a 3D printed copy of an original object, the metadata including data indicating a hardness level of a portion of the printed object. During 3D printing, a set of parameters including voltage and duration are applied to a printed material such that a hardness level associated with the metadata of the original object is obtained. During printing, an ultrasonic device is used to measure the hardness level, and in response to determining that the hardness level of the portion of the printed object is different from the metadata associated with the portion of the original object, the set of parameters for the portion of the printed object is adjusted to obtain a target hardness level indicated by the metadata of the original object.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of additive manufacturing, and more particularly to three-dimensional (3D) printing using selective hardening of printing materials. Background Art

[0002] Additive manufacturing technologies include 3D printing, in which a computer-controlled process produces three-dimensional objects by depositing material in layers. Traditional manufacturing techniques typically involve machining or removing material to produce an object, while 3D printing, in contrast, builds an object layer by layer.

[0003] 3D printing has limitations, including reliance on accurate and complete data of the object to be printed, typically provided by an object scanner or computer-aided design data. Additional limitations include the use of a single printing material to efficiently produce printed objects. Multiple material requirements involve changes to the print nozzle and material delivery components, and can involve additional setup activities. Summary of the invention

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method, a computer program product, and a system. Embodiments include a method for three-dimensional (3D) printing including hardness variation of a printed object. The method provides one or more processors, the one or more processors receiving metadata associated with a printed object as a 3D printed copy of an original object, the metadata including data indicating a hardness level of a portion of the printed object. The one or more processors apply a predetermined set of parameters during 3D printing of the printed object, the predetermined set of parameters including a voltage and a duration for applying the voltage to a printed material, wherein the set of parameters is associated with a target for the hardness level of the portion of the printed object indicated by the metadata associated with the 3D printing of the copy of the original object. The one or more processors measure the hardness level of the portion of the printed object during printing of the printed material to the printed object using an ultrasonic device, and in response to determining that the hardness level of the portion of the printed object is different from the metadata associated with the hardness level of the portion of the original object, the one or more processors adjust the set of parameters applied to the printed material to obtain the hardness level of the portion of the printed object as indicated by the metadata of the original object. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a distributed data processing environment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0006] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 A flow chart of the operational steps of a hardening program operating in a distributed data processing environment.

[0007] Figure 3Depicted is a method according to an embodiment of the present invention comprising a method configured to operatively perform Figure 2 A block diagram of components of a computing system of a computing device of a hardening program. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention recognize that 3D printing of objects has limitations associated with printing objects that include portions that require different hardnesses. Printing objects with varying hardnesses currently requires making print material changes, cleaning and preparing conveyor devices, and incurring setup time delays, not to mention the problem of effectively bonding different materials to produce a stable printed object. Embodiments recognize that delays associated with material changes and setup activities extend 3D printing manufacturing times, making the use of the technology prohibitive.

[0009] Embodiments also recognize that in some cases, objects include grades of hardness of material to provide structural strength and impact resistance, while other portions of the object include softer, more flexible materials to accommodate adjustments and movements associated with functionality. Potential areas of improvement where hardness variation within object manufacturing is desired include bioprosthetics and requirements for hardness variation within objects that may also be applicable to several other fields.

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, computer program product, and computer system for providing selective hardening of materials for portions of a printed object during 3D printing. Embodiments apply a low level voltage (hereinafter referred to as "voltage") for a predetermined duration to achieve a target hardness level for a portion of an object. The hardness is controlled by dynamically adjusting the applied voltage and duration. Embodiments allow for different degrees of hardness within a printed object without requiring changes to the materials and nozzles used for 3D printing and requiring additional processing to ensure bonding between different materials, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency.

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention include using an instant-curing liquid material that is activated to cure (i.e., harden) when a low-level voltage (e.g., -2V vs. Ag / AgCl) is applied for a duration, so that the hardness can be adjusted by changing the voltage and the duration that the voltage is applied to the material. Examples of electrically curable materials are reported by Nanyang Technological University (Science Daily, May 29, 2016; Nanyang Technological University, "New glue instantly hardens with electric current"); and further discussed in Nature Communications: (Ping, J. et al. Adhesive curing through low-voltage activation. Nat. Commun. 6:8050 doi:10.1038 / ncomms9050 (2015)).

[0012] In some embodiments, the electrode contacts the printing / printing material (hereinafter referred to as "printing material") when the printing / printing material is printed to the object. In some embodiments, the elongated electrode remains in contact with the printing material to achieve the duration of the applied voltage. In other embodiments, the movement of the nozzle of the 3D printing device is controlled to provide the printing material with an appropriate duration of applied voltage. In other embodiments, the stretchable electrode is used to contact the printing material to adjust the duration of the applied voltage to obtain a target hardness. The extendable electrode may include curling of a curled and uncurled flexible electrode to adjust the length of the electrode and the duration of the voltage applied to the printing material.

[0013] In some embodiments of the invention, a computing device receives 3D metadata of an object to be printed, including information for printing the object and information about the hardness of various parts of the object. In some embodiments, the hardness metadata is obtained by ultrasonic measurement of various parts of the object and is included in the metadata used by a control program during 3D printing by applying a voltage to a printing material for a determined duration.

[0014] In some embodiments, a plurality of printing condition parameters including voltage levels and durations are applied to the electrically curable material to generate a knowledge base of curing and hardness processes that associates a set of parameter values ​​with corresponding hardnesses of the printed material. The hardness of each printing condition parameter of a plurality of printing instances is measured by an ultrasonic measuring device. In some embodiments, a definite relationship between the voltage and duration applied to the printing material and the hardness of the resulting cured material is established and applied to subsequent 3D object printing via computer program control.

[0015] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a distributed data processing environment, generally indicated at 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 This merely provides an illustration of one implementation and does not imply any limitation with respect to the environments in which different embodiments may be implemented. Many modifications to the described environment may be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as described in the claims.

[0016] The distributed data processing environment 100 includes a 3D printer 140, a nozzle 160, an electrode 170, a printed object 180, and a hardened portion 190. The distributed data processing environment 100 also includes a computing device 110, 3D object metadata 120, a controller 130, and an ultrasound device 135, all of which are interconnected via a network 150. The network 150 can be, for example, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) (such as the Internet), a virtual local area network (VLAN), or any combination that can include wired, wireless, or optical connections. The network 150 can be connected to a local 3D printing network. In general, according to embodiments of the present invention, the network 150 can be any combination of connections and protocols that will support communication between the computing device 110, the 3D object metadata 120, and the controller 130.

[0017] The computing device 110 is capable of performing programmable operations and communicating with other devices of the distributed data processing environment 100. The computing device 110 includes a user interface 115 and a curing program 200. The computing device 110 communicates with the 3D object metadata 120 and the controller 130 via a network 150. The computing device 110 accesses the 3D object metadata 120 and receives data from the 3D object metadata 120, including 3D printing instructions and hardness data associated with the printed object 180, and provides the printing instructions and hardness data to the hardening program 200. The computing device 110 receives feedback of the hardened portion 190 from the ultrasonic device 135 via the network 150, so that the hardness feedback data is available to the hardening program 200. In some embodiments, the computing device 110 includes a knowledge corpus of voltage and duration parameters for achieving a specific hardness level in the printed material. In other embodiments, computing device 110 receives voltage and duration parameters from a knowledge corpus located in another accessible repository of distributed data processing environment 100 , such as 3D object metadata 120 , or other data storage repository (not shown) accessible via network 150 .

[0018] In some embodiments, computing device 110 may be a server computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a smart phone, a smart watch, a wearable computing device, or any programmable electronic mobile device capable of communicating with different components and devices within distributed data processing environment 100 via network 150. In another embodiment, computing device 110 represents a computing system that utilizes clustered computers and components (e.g., database server computers, application server computers, etc.) that act as a single seamless resource pool when accessed within distributed data processing environment 100. In general, computing device 110 represents one or more programmable electronic devices or a combination of programmable electronic devices capable of executing machine-readable program instructions and communicating with hardened program 200 via network 150. Computing device 110 may include internal and external hardware components, such as the hardware components of the hardened program 200. Figure 3 Described in more detail in .

[0019] User interface 115 provides an interface to access features and functions of computing device 110. In some embodiments of the invention, user interface 115 provides access to hardening program 200 and may also support access to other applications, features, and functions (not shown) of computing device 110. In some embodiments, user interface 115 provides display output and input functions for computing device 110.

[0020] The user interface 115 supports access to alerts, notifications, and provides access to forms of communication. In one embodiment, the user interface 115 can be a graphical user interface (GUI) or a web user interface (WUI), and can receive user input and display text, documents, web browser windows, user options, application interfaces, and operating instructions, and includes information (such as graphics, text, and sound) presented by the program to the user and control sequences adopted by the user to control the program. In another embodiment, the user interface 115 may also include mobile application software that provides a corresponding interface for the features and functions of the computing device 110. The user interface 115 enables various users of the computing device 110 to receive, view, hear, and respond to input, access applications, display content exchanged in online sessions, and perform available functions.

[0021] The hardening program 200 is depicted as operating on the computing device 110. In some embodiments, the hardening program 200 receives scan data and hardness data associated with various portions of the printed object 180 from the 3D object metadata 120. The hardening program 200 provides the controller 130 with printing instructions for the operation of the 3D printer 140 and instructions for applying a voltage and a voltage duration to the electrode 170 to achieve a predetermined hardness level of the hardened portion 190. In other embodiments, the controller 130 receives the scan data of the printed object 180 from the 3D object metadata 120 and receives the voltage and duration parameters from the hardening program 200. In some embodiments, the hardening program 200 dynamically transmits the hardening parameter data to the controller 130, receives feedback of the hardness of the hardened portion 190 via the ultrasonic device 135, and adjusts the voltage and duration parameters to achieve the appropriate hardness level. In other embodiments, the hardening program 200 accesses a knowledge corpus of voltage and duration data that results in a determined hardness of the printed material and applies the corresponding knowledge corpus data to the hardened portion 190 of the 3D printed object 180.

[0022] In some embodiments, instructions from the hardening program 200 to the controller 130 cause a voltage to be applied to the electrodes 170 and the voltage to remain applied for a predetermined duration. In some embodiments, the duration of the voltage applied to the printing material is controlled by extending or retracting one of the electrodes 170, which may be oriented, for example, in a curled configuration and extended or retracted to adjust the contact duration of the electrode. In other embodiments, the duration of the applied voltage may be controlled by the printing speed of the 3D printer 140 or a combination of printing speed and electrode contact adjustment.

[0023] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a wire may be added during 3D printing based on data received by controller 130 from hardening program 200, the wire being located in a portion of printed object 180 that requires additional hardening. The inserted wire may have a non-insulated area corresponding to the portion of printed object 180 that requires additional hardening, and a voltage and duration are applied after 3D printing, and the wire is subsequently removed from printed object 180 (wire insertion and removal not shown).

[0024] 3D object metadata 120 includes stored data from a 3D scan of an original object corresponding to printed object 180. In some embodiments, 3D object metadata 120 includes data for controller 130 to operate 3D printer 140 to generate printed object 180. 3D object metadata 120 also includes data indicating hardness requirements of various parts of printed object 180. In some embodiments, the hardness requirements of various parts of printed object 180 are obtained by ultrasonic measurement of the original object from a device such as ultrasonic device 135.

[0025] The controller 130 provides control instructions to the 3D printer 140 to control the application of printing material to the printing object 180 via the nozzle 160. In some embodiments, the controller 130 receives control instructions from the 3D object metadata 120 for controlling the positioning of the printing material applied to the printing object 180 (such as the hardened portion 190). In such an embodiment, the controller 130 receives instructions associated with applying hardening parameters to the applied printing material from the hardening program 200. In other embodiments, the controller 130 receives both object scan data for printing the printing object 180 and hardness parameters for applying voltage for a duration from the hardening program 200. In some embodiments, the hardening program 200 dynamically adjusts the voltage and / or duration of applying the voltage to the hardened portion 190 based on feedback data received from the ultrasonic device 135, which measures the hardness of the hardened portion 190 when applied to the printing object 180.

[0026] When the printed material contacts the electrode 170 and the hardness of the material (such as the hardened portion 190) is measured, the ultrasonic device 135 emits an ultrasonic beam directed at the printed material. The ultrasonic device 135 transmits a detection signal measuring the hardness of the hardened portion 190 to the hardening program 200 operating on the computing device 110 via the network 150. In some embodiments of the present invention, the ultrasonic device 135 (or a similar device) measures multiple printed materials receiving different sets of voltage and duration parameters, resulting in changes in the hardness level of the printed material. In some embodiments, multiple measurements are used to generate a knowledge base that relates the hardness level of the printed material to the voltage and duration parameters applied to the printed material. In some embodiments, the knowledge base that relates the hardness of the printed material to the voltage and duration parameters applied to the printed material is used to provide instructions for achieving an expected hardness level of a portion of the printed object 180.

[0027] The 3D printer 140 represents a mechanical and electrical device and a source of printing material for performing a 3D printing operation. The 3D printer 140 receives input from the controller 130, which manages the direction and speed of printing and the deposition rate of the printing material via the print nozzle 160. The 3D printer 140 includes an electrocurable printing material in a format that enables continuous deposition through the print nozzle 160 and contacting the printing material through the electrode 170. In some embodiments of the present invention, the 3D printer 140 includes an electrode 170 that is positioned to contact the printing material when applied to the printing object 180. In other embodiments, the 3D printer 140 includes placing wires during printing so that these wires can receive a predetermined voltage for a predetermined duration to obtain a target hardness of a specific portion of the printing object 180 (wire insertion is not shown). In other embodiments, an initial set of voltage parameters and voltage durations are applied to the 3D printing of the printing object 180 so that a minimum level of desired hardness is obtained for the printing material of the printing object 180. After 3D printing, holes are drilled in the printed object 180 to insert the wires and obtain a higher target hardness level of the printed material for a portion of the printed object 180. After additional hardening of that portion of the printed object 180, the wires are removed (drilling, inserting wires, and removing wires are not shown).

[0028] The print nozzle 160 is a component of the 3D printer 140 and performs deposition of the print material on the print object 180. In some embodiments, the print nozzle 160 may include an electrode 170 in an adjacent position that enables contact with the print material. In some embodiments, the print nozzle 160 may receive input from the controller 130 to adjust the deposition rate of the print material. In an embodiment of the present invention, the print nozzle 160 receives one type of electro-curable print material, avoiding changing the print nozzle 160 to obtain various hardnesses within the print object 180.

[0029] The electrodes 170 are a set of electrical contacts that conduct an applied voltage to the printing material for a predetermined duration. In some embodiments, one of the electrodes 170 is elongated and maintains contact with the printing material (such as the hardened portion 190) for an extended duration. In some embodiments, the duration of contact of the electrode 170 is controlled by movement of the print head of the 3D printer 140. In other embodiments, at least one of the electrodes 170 is configured to perform a length adjustment to increase or decrease the duration of contact with the printing material to achieve a target hardness level. For example, one of the electrodes 170 may be made of a flexible material having a conductive surface and include a curled section that can be extended to extend or contract to shorten the amount of contact of the electrode 170 with the printing material.

[0030] Print object 180 is a 3D printed copy of an original object. Print object 180 is generated by 3D printing of layers of applied printing material positioned according to instructions from hardening program 200 to controller 130, including metadata received from 3D object metadata 120 and sent via network 150. Print object 180 is produced by multiple layers of printing material applied to previous layers, such as hardened portion 190, which is a portion of the printing material applied to print object 180 and is hardened to a target hardness level by applying a voltage and the duration of the voltage applied by electrode 170.

[0031] Figure 2 is a flow chart depicting the operational steps of one embodiment of a hardening program 200. The hardening program 200 receives scan data and hardness data associated with a portion of a printed object 180 from the 3D object metadata 120. The hardening program 200 provides printing instructions for operation of the 3D printer 140 and instructions for applying a voltage and a voltage duration to the electrode 170 to achieve a predetermined target hardness level for the hardened portion 190 to the controller 130. The hardening program 200 receives real-time measurement data of the hardness of the printed material applied to the printed object 180 and receiving the voltage over a period of time through the electrode contacts. The hardening program 200 receives the measurement data from the ultrasonic measurement device and determines whether the printed material has reached the target hardness level for a particular portion of the printed object, and in response to determining that the hardness of the portion is different from the target hardness level, the hardening program 200 adjusts a set of parameters of the applied voltage and the duration of the applied voltage to obtain the target hardness level for the portion.

[0032] The hardening program 200 receives metadata of an object for 3D printing, including data indicating a hardness level of a portion of the object (step 210). In some embodiments of the present invention, the hardening program 200 accesses and receives metadata from a scanned object for 3D printing and hardness information associated with a portion of the object that requires a change in the hardness level of the corresponding portion. In some embodiments, the hardness of the portion of the object is determined by an ultrasonic measurement device during scanning of the object or prior to printing and included in the metadata of the object. The portion of the printed object can be an area or volume subset of the object and can have any size from a single deposited line of printed material to a layer area of ​​printed material, to multiple layers of printed material, to a large percentage of the volume of the printed object.

[0033] For example, the original object receives a 3D scan and ultrasonic measurements of the hardness levels of various parts of the original object. The data from the scan and ultrasonic measurements are included in the metadata file and stored in the 3D object metadata 120. The hardening program 200 accesses the 3D object metadata 120 and receives the 3D scan and hardness measurement metadata of the original object.

[0034] The hardening program 200 applies a predetermined set of parameters including a voltage and a duration of applied voltage to the printing material during 3D printing of the object (step 220). Based on the desired hardness level of the portion of the printing object currently being printed, the hardening program 200 applies a low voltage (e.g., -2V Ag / AgCl) to the printing material during the printing activity. The hardening program 200 maintains the applied voltage for a predetermined duration corresponding to the desired hardness level of the corresponding portion, wherein a longer duration of applied voltage results in an increase in the hardness level of the printing material. In some embodiments, the hardening program 200 may adjust the voltage to affect the hardness of the printing material. In other embodiments, the hardening program 200 may utilize a combination of voltage adjustment and duration of applied voltage to obtain a target hardness level for the portion of the printing object.

[0035] In some embodiments, the knowledge base is generated by depositing a plurality of electrically curable printing materials and applying a range of parameters including a low voltage applied to the printing material for a duration and measuring the hardness obtained for each instance of the voltage / duration combination. The knowledge corpus includes data indicating the hardness levels obtained by applying a particular voltage at a voltage and, in some embodiments, at different voltages for a range of durations.

[0036] For example, the hardening program 200 applies a -2V charge to the hardening portion 190 via the electrodes 170, and based on the printing speed controlled by the hardening program 200 to the controller 130 and input from the controller 130 to the 3D printer 140, one of the electrodes 170 is extended to maintain the voltage applied to the hardening portion 190 for a predetermined duration. The predetermined duration of the applied voltage is based on data included in the generated knowledge base for a specific electro-curable printing material.

[0037] The hardening program 200 receives hardness level measurement data of the printing material from the ultrasonic device (step 230). During 3D printing of a copy of the original object, hardness measurements are taken by the ultrasonic device and sent to the hardening program 200. In some embodiments, the ultrasonic device is configured and positioned to provide hardening program 200 with hardness level measurement readings while the 3D printer deposits the printing material and applies a voltage for a predetermined duration.

[0038] In some embodiments, ultrasonic measurement of the hardness level of the printed material is performed during the generation of a knowledge base that includes hardness levels obtained with corresponding parameter sets and is not measured during printing. In other embodiments, ultrasonic measurement is performed during printing, providing dynamic feedback of the hardness level obtained at a parameter set. The hardness level obtained is a value of a parameter set based on the applied voltage and the duration of the voltage applied to the printed material. Ultrasonic contact impedance technology and ultrasonic velocity have been used for non-destructive hardness measurement. Ultrasonic velocity deviation provides an average hardness of the material thickness.

[0039] In an alternative embodiment, an initial hardness level is obtained on all parts of the printed object, and conductive wires are added during the printing process to make contact with parts of the printed object that require a higher level of hardness. After printing, a voltage is applied to the corresponding wires for a duration corresponding to the desired hardness level, and the wires are removed.

[0040] For example, the 3D printer 140 performs deposition of printing material on the printing object 180, such as the hardened portion 190. The ultrasonic device 135 dynamically performs ultrasonic measurement of the hardness of the hardened portion 190 during the printing operation. The ultrasonic device 135 transmits the hardness measurement data to the hardening program 200 via the network 150.

[0041] The hardening program 200 determines whether the hardness of the portion of the printed object meets the target hardness level (determination step 240). After receiving the dynamic hardness measurement data of the printed material, the hardening program 200 determines whether the measured hardness meets the expected target hardness level of the portion of the printed object by comparing the hardness measurement data from the ultrasonic measurement with the metadata associated with the original object.

[0042] For situations where the hardening program 200 determines that the target hardness level for the portion of the print object has not been achieved (step 240, "no" branch), the hardening program 200 proceeds to step 250 and adjusts the parameter set of the voltage and voltage duration applied to the print material to achieve the target hardness level for the corresponding portion of the print object. The hardening program 200 determines the adjustment to the voltage and duration parameters applied to the print material to obtain the target hardness level for the corresponding portion of the print object. In some embodiments, while the parameter voltage and duration are applied to deposit and harden the print material, the hardening program 200 continuously receives dynamic measurements of the hardness level of the print material from the ultrasonic device. In other embodiments, the hardening program 200 instructs the ultrasonic device to perform snapshot measurements of the print material at predetermined intervals. In other embodiments, the hardening program 200 activates the ultrasonic measurement to coincide with the printing of the portion of the print object where the hardness level changes.

[0043] After adjustments have been made to the set of parameters applied to the printed material, the hardening process 200 returns to step 240 to determine whether the portion of the printed object is at the target hardness level, as determined by ultrasonic measurement of the printed material, and continues as described above.

[0044] For situations where the hardening program 200 determines that the target hardness level for the portion of the printed object has been achieved (step 240, "yes" branch), the hardening program 200 proceeds to step 260 and continues 3D printing based on a predetermined set of parameters for voltage and duration applied during printing of the object. In some embodiments, the hardening program 200 continues to receive ultrasonic hardness measurements, and if the measurement data indicates that the target hardness level was not achieved when the printing material was deposited (step 240, "no" branch; note the double pass between step 240 "yes" branch and step 260), the hardening program 200 proceeds to step 250 and performs adjustments to the set of parameters. In some embodiments, the hardening program 200 continues printing activities until the metadata of the printed object indicates a change in the target hardness level for the next portion of the printed object.

[0045] The hardening program 200 determines whether the 3D printing of the object is complete (decision step 270). The hardening program 200 continues the printing activity and hardness curing by applying the parameter set to the printing material deposited for the corresponding portion of the printed object. The hardening program 200 determines whether the 3D metadata of the original object has been fully executed by the 3D printer and whether there are other portions of the printed object to be printed. For the case where the hardening program 200 determines that the 3D printing is not complete, the hardening program 200 proceeds to the next portion of the printed object (step 280), and proceeds to the decision step 240 to determine whether the target hardness level of the next portion of the printed object is reached, and proceeds as described above.

[0046] In the event that the hardening process 200 determines that 3D printing of all print object portions is complete, the hardening process 200 ends.

[0047] Figure 3 A block diagram depicting components of a computing system 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a computing device 305 configured to include or be operatively connected to Figure 1 The components depicted in the Figure 2 The hardening process has a capacity of 200.

[0048] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, computing device 305 includes a computing device 110 ( Figure 1 ) components and functional capabilities similar to those of the components of the Figure 3This merely provides an illustration of one implementation and does not imply any limitations with regard to the environments in which different embodiments may be implemented. Many modifications may be made to the depicted environments.

[0049] Computing device 305 includes communication fabric 302, which provides communication between computer processor 304, memory 306, persistent storage 308, communication unit 310, input / output (I / O) interface 312. Communication fabric 302 can be implemented with any architecture designed to pass data and / or control information between processors (such as microprocessors, communication and network processors, etc.), system memory, peripheral devices, and any other hardware components within the system. For example, communication fabric 302 can be implemented with one or more buses.

[0050] Memory 306, cache memory 316, and persistent storage 308 are computer-readable storage media. In this embodiment, memory 306 includes random access memory (RAM) 314. In general, memory 306 may include any suitable volatile or non-volatile computer-readable storage media.

[0051] In one embodiment, the hardening program 200 is stored in persistent storage 308 for execution by one or more of the corresponding computer processors 304 via one or more memories of memory 306. In this embodiment, persistent storage 308 includes a magnetic hard drive. Alternatively, or in addition to the magnetic hard drive, persistent storage 308 may include a solid state drive, a semiconductor memory device, a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, or any other computer-readable storage medium capable of storing program instructions or digital information.

[0052] The media used by persistent storage 308 may also be removable. For example, a removable hard drive may be used for persistent storage 308. Other examples include optical and magnetic disks, thumb drives, and smart cards that are inserted into a drive for transfer to another computer-readable storage medium that is also part of persistent storage 308.

[0053] In these examples, communications unit 310 provides communications with other data processing systems or devices that include resources of distributed data processing environment 100. In these examples, communications unit 310 includes one or more network interface cards. Communications unit 310 may provide communications using either or both physical and wireless communications links. Hardened program 200 may be downloaded to persistent storage 308 via communications unit 310.

[0054] The I / O interface 312 allows for input and output of data with other devices that may be connected to the computing system 300. For example, the I / O interface 312 may provide a connection to an external device 318 such as a keyboard, a keypad, a touch screen, and / or some other suitable input device. The external device 318 may also include a portable computer-readable storage medium such as, for example, a thumb drive, a portable optical or magnetic disk, and a memory card. Software and data (e.g., the hardened program 200) for implementing embodiments of the present invention may be stored on such a portable computer-readable storage medium and may be loaded onto the persistent storage 308 via the I / O interface 312. The I / O interface 312 is also connected to the display 320.

[0055] Display 320 provides a mechanism for displaying data to a user and may be, for example, a computer monitor.

[0056] The programs described herein are identified based on the application implemented in the specific embodiment of the present invention. However, it should be understood that any specific program terminology herein is used only for convenience, and therefore the present invention should not be limited to use only in any specific application identified and / or implied by such terminology.

[0057] The present invention may be a system, method and / or computer program product of any possible degree of technical detail integration. The computer program product may include a computer-readable storage medium (or multiple media) having computer-readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to execute various aspects of the present invention.

[0058] Computer readable storage media can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by instruction execution devices. Computer readable storage media can be, for example but not limited to, electronic storage devices, magnetic storage devices, optical storage devices, electromagnetic storage devices, semiconductor storage devices, or any suitable combination of the above. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of computer readable storage media includes the following: portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memories (RAM), read-only memories (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memories (EPROM or flash memory), static random access memories (SRAM), portable compact disc read-only memories (CD-ROM), digital versatile disks (DVD), memory sticks, floppy disks, mechanical encoding devices (e.g., a convex structure with instructions recorded thereon in a punch card or a slot), and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Computer readable storage media as used herein should not be interpreted as temporary signals themselves, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagated by waveguides or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through fiber optic cables) or electrical signals emitted by wires.

[0059] The computer-readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded from a computer-readable storage medium to a corresponding computing / processing device via a network (e.g., the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, and / or a wireless network), or downloaded to an external computer or external storage device. The network can include copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmissions, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers, and / or edge servers. The network adapter card or network interface in each computing / processing device receives the computer-readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer-readable program instructions to be stored in a computer-readable storage medium in the corresponding computing / processing device.

[0060] The computer-readable program instructions for performing the operation of the present invention can be assembly instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-related instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state setting data, configuration data of integrated circuits, or source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​(such as Smalltalk, C++, etc.) and process programming languages ​​(such as "C" programming languages ​​or similar programming languages). The computer-readable program instructions can be executed completely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, executed as an independent software package, partially on the user's computer, partially on a remote computer, or completely on a remote computer or server. In the latter case, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer through any type of network (including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)), or can be connected to an external computer (for example, using an Internet service provider through the Internet). In certain embodiments, the electronic circuit including, for example, a programmable logic circuit, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or a programmable logic array (PLA) can perform computer-readable program instructions by utilizing the state information of the computer-readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuit so as to perform various aspects of the present invention.

[0061] The present invention will be described below with reference to the flowchart and / or block diagram of the method, device (system) and computer program product according to the embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that each box of the flowchart and / or block diagram and the combination of each box in the flowchart and / or block diagram can be implemented by computer readable program instructions.

[0062] These computer-readable program instructions can be provided to a processor of a computer or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device create a device for implementing the functions / actions specified in one or more boxes of the flowchart and / or block diagram. These computer-readable program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, which instructions cause the computer, programmable data processing device, and / or other equipment to work in a specific manner, so that the computer-readable storage medium in which the instructions are stored includes an article of manufacture containing instructions for implementing aspects of the functions / actions specified in one or more boxes of the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0063] Computer-readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device, so that a series of operational steps are performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device to produce computer-implemented processing, so that the instructions executed on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions / actions specified in or in multiple boxes in the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0064] The flow chart and block diagram in the accompanying drawings show the architecture, function and operation of the possible implementation of the system, method and computer program product according to different embodiments of the present invention. To this end, each box in the flow chart or block diagram may represent a module, segment or part of an instruction, which includes one or more executable instructions for realizing a specified logical function. In some alternative implementations, the function marked in the box may not occur in the order marked in the figure. For example, the two boxes shown in succession can actually be completed as a step, and are executed simultaneously, substantially simultaneously, in a partially or completely overlapping manner in time, or the boxes can sometimes be executed in the opposite order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each box in the block diagram and / or flow chart, and the combination of the boxes in the block diagram and / or flow chart can be implemented with a dedicated hardware-based system that performs a specified function or action or performs a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

Claims

1. A method for three-dimensional (3D) printing including hardness variation within a printed object, the method comprising: receiving, by one or more processors, metadata associated with 3D printing of a print object, the metadata indicating that during printing of the print object, a hardness level of a print material varied across two or more portions of the print object; applying, by the one or more processors, a predetermined set of parameters including a voltage and a duration of the voltage to the printing material during 3D printing of the printing object, wherein the predetermined set of parameters corresponds to a first target hardness level for a first portion of the printing object and a second target hardness level for a second portion of the printing object indicated by the metadata associated with the 3D printing of the printing object, and wherein the first target hardness level is different from the second target hardness level; measuring, by the one or more processors during 3D printing of the printed object, a hardness level of the first portion of the printed object by using an ultrasonic device; as well as In response to determining that the hardness level of the 3D printed first portion of the printed object is different from the first target hardness level indicated in the metadata associated with the first portion of the printed object, the one or more processors adjust at least one of the voltage and the duration of the voltage of the predetermined parameter set applied to the printing material to obtain the first target hardness level of the first portion of the printed object.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The hardness level associated with the printing material is controlled, by the one or more processors, by adjusting the voltage applied to the printing material as the printing material is deposited onto the print object.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The printing material is a conductive liquid that hardens in response to applying the set of predetermined parameters including the voltage and the duration for which the voltage is applied to the printing material.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: recording, by the one or more processors, hardness levels measured during a plurality of 3D printing instances, and applying a varying set of parameters to the printing material during the plurality of 3D printing instances; generating, by the one or more processors, a knowledge corpus associating parameter values ​​with respective hardness levels from hardness measurements received during execution of the plurality of 3D printing instances; identifying, by the one or more processors, from respective metadata of the plurality of 3D print instances, a desired amount of voltage and a duration for applying the voltage, the metadata including data indicating a hardness level of respective portions of an object associated with the plurality of 3D print instances; as well as The set of parameters corresponding to the hardness levels indicated by the corresponding metadata of the plurality of 3D print instances are selected from the knowledge corpus by the one or more processors.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The set of parameters is dynamically applied to the printing material by electrodes contacting the printing material as the printing material is deposited onto the printing object, and wherein at least one electrode is associated with a nozzle of a 3D printer.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein: During 3D printing of the printed object, wires are placed on the printed object, and the hardness level of the corresponding portion of the printed object including the wires is obtained by applying a voltage to each wire for a duration consistent with the parameter set corresponding to the target hardness level after 3D printing.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein: During 3D printing of the printed object, measurements by the ultrasound device are performed dynamically.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The measurements made by the ultrasonic device during the 3D printing are matched to the set of parameters associated with the measurements and added to a knowledge base that associates parameter values ​​with various hardness levels.

9. A computer program product for three-dimensional (3D) printing including hardness variation within a printed object, the computer program product comprising: One or more computer-readable storage media, and program instructions stored on the one or more computer-readable storage media, the program instructions comprising: program instructions for receiving metadata associated with 3D printing of a print object, the metadata indicating that during printing of the print object, a hardness level of a print material varied across portions of the print object; program instructions for applying a predetermined set of parameters including a voltage and a duration of the voltage to the printing material during 3D printing of the printing object, wherein the predetermined set of parameters corresponds to a first target hardness level for a first portion of the printing object and a second target hardness level for a second portion of the printing object indicated by the metadata associated with the 3D printing of the printing object, and wherein the first target hardness level is different from the second target hardness level; program instructions for measuring a hardness level of the first portion of the printed object by using an ultrasonic device during 3D printing of the printed object; and In response to determining that the hardness level of the 3D printed first portion of the printed object is different from the first target hardness level indicated in metadata associated with the first portion of the printed object, program instructions are provided to adjust at least one of the voltage and the duration of the voltage of the predetermined parameter set applied to the printing material to obtain the first target hardness level of the first portion of the printed object.

10. The computer program product of claim 9, further comprising: Program instructions for controlling the hardness level associated with the printing material by adjusting the voltage applied to the printing material as the printing material is deposited onto the printing object.

11. The computer program product of claim 9, wherein: The printing material hardens in response to applying the predetermined set of parameters including the voltage and the duration for which the voltage is applied to the printing material.

12. The computer program product of claim 9, further comprising: program instructions for recording hardness levels measured during execution of a plurality of 3D printing instances and applying a varying set of parameters to the printing material during the plurality of 3D printing instances; program instructions for generating a knowledge corpus that associates parameter values ​​with respective hardness levels from hardness measurements received during execution of the plurality of 3D printing instances; program instructions for identifying a desired amount of voltage and a duration for applying the voltage from respective metadata of the plurality of 3D print instances, the metadata including data indicating a hardness level of respective portions of an object associated with the plurality of 3D print instances; as well as Program instructions for selecting, from the knowledge corpus, the set of parameters corresponding to the hardness levels indicated by the corresponding metadata of the plurality of 3D printed instances.

13. The computer program product of claim 9, wherein: The program instructions dynamically apply the set of parameters to the printing material during 3D printing via electrodes contacting the printing material as the printing material is deposited onto the printed object, and wherein at least one electrode is associated with a nozzle of a 3D printer.

14. The computer program product of claim 9, further comprising: program instructions for matching a measurement of the hardness level by the ultrasonic device during the 3D printing with the set of parameters associated with the measurement; as well as Program instructions for adding the measurement of the hardness level and the corresponding set of parameters to a knowledge base that associates parameter values ​​with various hardness levels.

15. A computer system for three-dimensional (3D) printing including hardness variation of a printed object, the computer system comprising: one or more computer processors; One or more computer-readable storage media, and program instructions stored on the one or more computer-readable storage media, the program instructions comprising: program instructions for receiving metadata associated with 3D printing of a print object, the metadata indicating that during printing of the print object, a hardness level of a print material varied across portions of the print object; program instructions for applying a predetermined set of parameters including a voltage and a duration of the voltage to the printing material during 3D printing of the printing object, wherein the predetermined set of parameters corresponds to a first target hardness level for a first portion of the printing object and a second target hardness level for a second portion of the printing object indicated by the metadata associated with the 3D printing of the printing object, and wherein the first target hardness level is different from the second target hardness level; program instructions for measuring a hardness level of the first portion of the printed object by using an ultrasonic device during 3D printing of the printed object; and In response to determining that the hardness level of the 3D printed first portion of the printed object is different from the first target hardness level indicated in metadata associated with the first portion of the printed object, program instructions are provided to adjust at least one of the voltage and the duration of the voltage of the predetermined parameter set applied to the printing material to obtain the first target hardness level of the first portion of the printed object.

16. The computer system of claim 15, further comprising: The program instructions for controlling the hardness level associated with the printing material are further controlled by program instructions for adjusting the voltage applied to the printing material when the printing material is deposited onto the print object.

17. The computer system according to claim 15, wherein: The printing material hardens in response to applying the predetermined set of parameters including the voltage and the duration for which the voltage is applied to the printing material.

18. The computer system of claim 15, further comprising: program instructions for recording hardness levels measured during execution of a plurality of 3D printing instances and applying a varying set of parameters to the printing material during the plurality of 3D printing instances; program instructions for generating a knowledge corpus that associates parameter values ​​with respective hardness levels from hardness measurements received during execution of the plurality of 3D printing instances; program instructions for identifying a desired amount of voltage and a duration for applying the voltage from respective metadata of the plurality of 3D print instances, the metadata including data indicating a hardness level of respective portions of an object associated with the plurality of 3D print instances; as well as Program instructions for selecting, from the knowledge corpus, the set of parameters corresponding to the hardness levels indicated by the corresponding metadata of the plurality of 3D printed instances.

19. The computer system of claim 15, wherein: Program instructions dynamically apply the set of parameters to the printing material via electrodes contacting the printing material as the printing material is deposited onto the print object, and wherein at least one electrode is associated with a nozzle of a 3D printer.

20. The computer system of claim 15, wherein: Program instructions for measuring the hardness level of the printing material by the ultrasonic device are dynamically executed during 3D printing of the printed object.

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