Control method of 3D printer, storage medium and 3D printer

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of control method of 3D printer, storage medium and 3D printer, it is related to 3D printing technical field.The method includes: the model area of the current printing layer of model and the model area of last printing layer are acquired, and whether the area change difference of the model area of last printing layer and the model area of current printing layer is greater than or equal to preset area change threshold value is judged;If the area change difference is greater than or equal to the area change threshold value, then obtain the release height adaptation value, and the release height adaptation value is set as the release height of the current printing layer of model.The above-mentioned method can improve the model printing speed, reduce the model printing time length, improve the printing efficiency on the basis of guaranteeing the model printing effect and the model printing success rate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of 3D printing technology, and in particular to a control method, storage medium, and 3D printer for a 3D printer. Background Technology

[0002] Photopolymerization is one of the earliest and most mature 3D printing technologies. Its basic principle is to use material accumulation to form a three-dimensional target part by dividing it into several planar layers. A light beam of a specific wavelength scans liquid photosensitive resin, causing the scanned portions of each layer to solidify, while the un-illuminated areas remain liquid. Ultimately, these layers accumulate to form the desired target part. Due to the high printing precision of photopolymerization 3D printers, reaching the micrometer level, its development momentum is strong.

[0003] Currently, in the process of model printing, photopolymer 3D printers often lift the printing platform a certain height from the resin to separate the model from the release liner. This height is called the release height. During model printing, the release height is usually set to a relatively high fixed value to ensure the model can properly release from the release liner, thus guaranteeing printing quality and success rate. However, setting a relatively high release height results in slower printing speeds, longer printing times, and lower printing efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, this application provides a control method, storage medium and 3D printer for a 3D printer, with the main purpose of solving the technical problems of slow model printing speed, long printing time and low printing efficiency.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling a 3D printer is provided, the method comprising:

[0006] Get the model area of ​​the current printing layer and the model area of ​​the previous printing layer, and determine whether the difference between the area change of the model area of ​​the previous printing layer and the model area of ​​the current printing layer is greater than or equal to a preset area change threshold.

[0007] If the difference in area change is greater than or equal to the area change threshold, then obtain the release height adaptation value and set it as the release height of the current printed layer of the model.

[0008] The method further includes: if the area change difference is less than the area change threshold, then the preset first release height value is set as the release height and release height adaptation value of the current printing layer of the model, respectively.

[0009] The method further includes: in response to the completion of printing the current printing layer of the model, controlling the motor to operate so that the printing platform is raised according to the release height of the current printing layer of the model.

[0010] The method further includes: collecting tension detection values ​​during motor operation and determining whether the tension detection values ​​are less than or equal to a preset first tension value; when the tension detection values ​​are less than or equal to the first tension value, reading the lifting height of the printing platform and setting the lifting height of the printing platform as the adaptation height of the current printing layer of the model.

[0011] The method further includes: obtaining the adaptation height of at least one continuous layer of the model; and determining the release height adaptation value based on the adaptation height of at least one continuous layer of the model.

[0012] The process of obtaining the adaptation height of at least one consecutive layer of the model includes: storing the adaptation height of the current printed layer of the model in the storage space; determining whether the number of adaptation heights stored in the storage space is greater than or equal to a preset number value; if the number of adaptation heights stored in the storage space is greater than or equal to the preset number value, then obtaining the adaptation height of at least one consecutive layer of the model in the storage space.

[0013] The step of determining the release height adaptation value based on the adaptation height of at least one consecutive layer of the model includes setting the maximum value among the adaptation heights of at least one consecutive layer of the model as the release height adaptation value.

[0014] The method further includes: after the lifting height of the printing platform reaches the release height of the current printing layer of the model, determining whether the current tension detection value is greater than a preset first tension value; if the current tension detection value is greater than the first tension value, setting a release height compensation value; and controlling the motor to run so that the lifting height of the printing platform is the same as the release height compensation value.

[0015] The method further includes: determining whether the sum of the release height of the current printed layer of the model and the release height compensation value is greater than the first release height value; if the sum of the release height of the current printed layer of the model and the release height compensation value is greater than the first release height value, then issuing an alarm message.

[0016] The method further includes: if the area change difference is less than the area change threshold, then the preset first release height value is set as the release height and release height adaptation value of the current printing layer of the model, respectively, and the area change threshold is greater than or equal to zero.

[0017] The process involves several key parameters: First, the release height value is greater than or equal to the release height adaptation value. Second, in response to the completion of the current printing layer of the model, the motor is controlled to operate so that the lifting height of the printing platform is the same as the release height of the current printing layer of the model. Third, during motor operation, tension detection values ​​are collected, and it is determined whether the tension detection value is less than or equal to a preset first tension value. The first tension value is the tension detection value when the tension sensor is not under force, or an empirical value indicating that the model has already detached from the release film, or the minimum tension value when the model is demolded. Fourth, when the tension detection value is less than or equal to the first tension value, the lifting height of the printing platform is read, and the lifting height of the printing platform is set as the adaptation height of the current printing layer of the model. Fifth, the adaptation height of at least one consecutive layer of the model is obtained. Sixth, based on the adaptation height of at least one consecutive layer of the model, the release height adaptation value is determined.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a control device for a 3D printer is provided, the device comprising:

[0019] The model area comparison module is used to obtain the model area of ​​the current printing layer and the model area of ​​the previous printing layer, and to determine whether the difference between the model area of ​​the previous printing layer and the model area of ​​the current printing layer is greater than or equal to a preset area change threshold.

[0020] The release height setting module is used to obtain the release height adaptation value if the area change difference is greater than or equal to the area change threshold, and set the release height adaptation value as the release height of the current printing layer of the model.

[0021] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a storage medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the control method for the 3D printer described above.

[0022] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a 3D printer is provided, including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor executes the program to implement the control method of the 3D printer described above.

[0023] This invention provides a control method, device, storage medium, and 3D printer for a 3D printer. By comparing the area difference between the model area of ​​the previous printing layer and the model area of ​​the current printing layer with a preset area change threshold, and setting the release height adaptation value to the release height of the current printing layer when the area difference is greater than or equal to the threshold, the release height of the 3D printer can change with the model area. Compared to existing technologies that set a fixed preset release height value for the 3D printer, this method, by adapting a release height to the current printing layer when the model area of ​​the current printing layer is smaller than or equal to the model area of ​​the previous printing layer, can improve printing speed and reduce printing time while ensuring printing quality and success rate, thereby increasing printing efficiency.

[0024] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of this application. In order to better understand the technical means of this application and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this application more obvious and understandable, the following are specific embodiments of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and, together with their description, serve to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a control method for a 3D printer provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0027] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating another control method for a 3D printer provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0028] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the structure of a control device for a 3D printer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of another 3D printer control device provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present application can be combined with each other.

[0031] Before describing the various embodiments of this application, a brief introduction to the working process of a photopolymer 3D printer will be given first. When printing a model, the resin tank of the photopolymer 3D printer is placed on the exposure screen of the 3D printer after being filled with resin. The light source projects light into the resin tank from the side of the exposure screen opposite to the resin tank. The exposure screen is used to display a pattern with a specific outline. The light passes through the pattern and is projected onto the resin in the resin tank, causing the resin between the printing platform and the release liner to solidify. Then, the motion components of the 3D printer drive the printing platform to move, lifting the solidified model upwards and peeling it off from the release liner at the bottom of the resin tank. The resin will fill the space between the formed model and the release liner, and then the next layer will continue to be printed, layer by layer to achieve rapid prototyping.

[0032] During the model printing process, the model and release film have a certain degree of adhesion. Therefore, there are also interaction forces between the printing platform and one or more of the resin, release film, resin tank, or exposure screen in the material tank. The magnitude of these interaction forces is positively correlated with the area of ​​the current printed layer of the model. Therefore, the tensile force experienced by the printing platform (tensile force detection value) can be used as the tensile force during the model peeling process; this tensile force is also called the release force. To successfully separate the model from the release film, the printing platform is often lifted from the resin by a certain height using the release force; this height is called the release height. In existing technologies, the release height is usually set to a fixed, relatively high value. However, setting the release height to a relatively high value results in a slower printing speed, longer printing time, and lower printing efficiency.

[0033] To address the aforementioned technical problems, in one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, a control method for a 3D printer is provided. Taking the application of this method to the controller of a 3D printer as an example, the method includes the following steps:

[0034] 101. Obtain the model area of ​​the current printing layer and the model area of ​​the previous printing layer, and determine whether the difference between the area change of the model area of ​​the previous printing layer and the model area of ​​the current printing layer is greater than or equal to the preset area change threshold.

[0035] Specifically, before printing begins, the 3D printer receives a printing command from the user. The controller responds to this command by reading the model's print file information. This information includes the total number of layers in the model to be printed, as well as the graphic data and printing parameters for each layer. Additionally, the print file information may include a pre-set first release height value. This first release height is a relatively safe height value determined through actual testing; for example, it can be set between 0.1mm and 50mm, such as 8mm. After the printer is turned on, the system initializes. Upon receiving the user's printing command, the controller reads the relevant variable values ​​from the print file information and sets the first release height as the release height adaptation value, the current printing layer as the first printing layer, the adaptation height for each printing layer of the model to zero, the number of stored adaptation heights to zero, and the model area for each printing layer to zero, etc.

[0036] Furthermore, after the model begins printing, the controller first reads the graphic data and printing parameter data of the first printing layer of the model. The printing parameter data includes the model area of ​​the current printing layer. Specifically, for the first printing layer of the model, the model area of ​​the previous printing layer is zero. For other printing layers of the model, the model area of ​​the current printing layer can be stored during printing. Then, when printing the next printing layer, the model area of ​​the previous printing layer is obtained by reading the stored data. Alternatively, the model area of ​​each printing layer can be pre-recorded in the corresponding layer's printing parameter data. This way, when printing each layer of the model, it can be determined in advance whether the model area of ​​the previous printing layer is greater than or equal to the model area of ​​the current layer, thus preparing for the subsequent determination of the release height. In this embodiment, the model area of ​​the current printing layer refers to the sum of the effective areas of all printing points in the current printing layer.

[0037] Furthermore, after obtaining the model area of ​​the current printing layer and the model area of ​​the previous printing layer, it can be determined whether the difference in area change between the model area of ​​the previous printing layer and the model area of ​​the current printing layer is greater than or equal to a preset area change threshold. The area change difference is the difference between the model area of ​​the previous printing layer and the model area of ​​the current printing layer. It is understood that the area change threshold can be set according to actual needs. For example, to determine whether the model area of ​​the current printing layer is smaller than the model area of ​​the previous printing layer, the area change threshold can be set to a value greater than zero; while to determine whether the model area of ​​the current printing layer is smaller than or the same as the model area of ​​the previous printing layer, the area change threshold can be set to zero. This embodiment does not specifically limit the range of the area change threshold setting. In the embodiments of the present invention, the area change threshold can be greater than or equal to zero. Overall, this step is to determine whether the model area of ​​the current printing layer is smaller than or the same as the model area of ​​the previous printing layer.

[0038] 102. If the difference in area change is greater than or equal to the area change threshold, obtain the release height adaptation value and set the release height adaptation value as the release height of the current printing layer of the model.

[0039] Specifically, if the difference in area between the model area of ​​the previous printed layer and the model area of ​​the current printed layer is greater than or equal to the area change threshold, it indicates that the model area of ​​the current printed layer is less than or equal to the model area of ​​the previous printed layer. In this case, a release height adaptation value can be obtained and set as the release height of the current printed layer. Specifically, the release height adaptation value can be determined by obtaining the height the printing platform rises when the model of the previous printed layer detaches from the release film. For example, in this case, the height of the printing platform when the previous printed layer is demolded can be set as the height adaptation value of the current printed layer, and this height adaptation value can be used as the release height of the current printed layer for demolding. This method of obtaining the release height adaptation value is determined by obtaining the height of the printing platform when the previous printing layer is demolded. Therefore, when the model area of ​​the current printing layer is less than or equal to the model area of ​​the previous printing layer, the height of the printing platform when the previous printing layer is demolded can be used as the release height adaptation value of the current printing layer for demolding. This makes the setting of the release height of each printing layer more flexible and convenient, and greatly improves printing efficiency while ensuring printing quality.

[0040] In this embodiment, the release height adaptation value can be one or more pre-set empirical values ​​(the empirical value is less than or equal to the first release height value), or it can be a height value calculated based on certain parameters of the previous printing layer or the previous few layers. It should be noted that when printing the first printing layer of the model, the release height adaptation value can be the same as the first release height value. Then, as the number of printing layers increases and the model area of ​​the printing layer changes, the release height adaptation value can also change accordingly. The overall change pattern is that the release height gradually decreases or remains unchanged as the model area of ​​the printing layer decreases. This embodiment does not specifically limit the specific setting method of the release height adaptation value.

[0041] The 3D printer control method provided in this embodiment compares the area difference between the model area of ​​the previous printing layer and the model area of ​​the current printing layer with a preset area change threshold. When the area difference is greater than or equal to the area change threshold, the release height adaptation value is set to the release height of the current printing layer of the model. This allows the release height of the 3D printer to change with the model area. Compared to the prior art, which sets a fixed preset release height value for the 3D printer, the above method adapts a release height to the current printing layer when the model area of ​​the current printing layer is smaller than or equal to the model area of ​​the previous printing layer. This can improve the printing speed and reduce the printing time while ensuring the printing effect and success rate, thereby improving printing efficiency.

[0042] In embodiments of the present invention, based on steps 101 and 102, the control method for the 3D printer may further include:

[0043] 103. If the difference in area change is less than the area change threshold, the preset first release height value is set as the release height and release height adaptation value of the current printing layer of the model, respectively.

[0044] Specifically, if the difference in area between the model area of ​​the previous printing layer and the model area of ​​the current printing layer is less than the area change threshold, it indicates that the model area of ​​the current printing layer is greater than that of the previous printing layer. In this case, a pre-set first release height value can be obtained and set as the release height of the current printing layer of the model. In this embodiment, the first release height value is fixed for each printing layer of the model, while the release height adaptation value can change as the number of printing layers accumulates and the model area of ​​the printing layers changes. For example, in some scenarios, when the model area of ​​the current printing layer is first less than or equal to the model area of ​​the previous printing layer, the release height adaptation value can be set to the same as the first release height value. Then, as the model area decreases, multiple calculations are performed using the model data of each printing layer, and finally, the release height adaptation value is changed to be less than the first release height value. This reduces the wasted printing time caused by excessively high release heights and also ensures the safety of model printing.

[0045] In embodiments of the present invention, if the model area of ​​the current printing layer is larger than that of the previous printing layer, it indicates that a larger release height is required to ensure normal demolding of the model. Therefore, in this scenario, the first release height value can be set as the release height adaptation value, thereby ensuring the success rate and safety of printing the current printing layer and the next printing layer. The first release height value can be greater than or equal to the release height adaptation value. That is, during the model printing process, there may be a situation where the first release height value of some printing layers is equal to the release height adaptation value, while the first release height value of other printing layers is greater than the release height adaptation value.

[0046] The 3D printer control method provided in this embodiment compares the area difference between the model area of ​​the previous printing layer and the model area of ​​the current printing layer with a preset area change threshold. When the area comparison results differ, different height values ​​are used to set the release height based on the comparison results. This allows the release height of the 3D printer to change with the progress of model printing. Compared to existing technologies that set a fixed preset release height for the 3D printer, the above method sets a smaller release height when the model area of ​​the current printing layer is smaller than or equal to that of the previous printing layer, and a larger release height when the model area of ​​the current printing layer is larger than that of the previous printing layer. This improves printing speed and reduces printing time while ensuring model printing quality and success rate, thereby increasing printing efficiency.

[0047] In embodiments of the present invention, based on step 102 or step 103, the control method of the 3D printer may further include: in response to the completion of printing of the current printing layer of the model, controlling the motor to run so that the printing platform is raised according to the release height of the current printing layer of the model.

[0048] After determining the release height of the current printing layer of the model, the controller first controls the motor to move downwards to execute the model printing action. Then, in response to the completion of printing the current printing layer, it issues a motor control command based on the release height of the current printing layer to control the motor to lift upwards, allowing the printing platform to rise according to the release height of the current printing layer. Specifically, the lifting height of the printing platform can be the same as the release height of the current printing layer, or it can be raised to a certain height within a release height range. For example, this release height range can be represented as [H-H1, H+H2], where H is the release height of the current printing layer, and H1 and H2 are height thresholds greater than or equal to 0, and H1 and H2 can be equal or unequal. In this way, effective control of the printing platform can be achieved, thereby completing the entire workflow of printing and demolding of a printing layer.

[0049] In embodiments of the present invention, the control method for the 3D printer may further include: detecting the force on the printing platform, i.e., the tension detection value, during motor operation; collecting the tension detection value; determining whether the tension detection value is less than or equal to a preset first tension value; and when the tension detection value is less than or equal to the first tension value, reading the lifting height of the printing platform and setting the lifting height of the printing platform as the adaptation height of the current printing layer of the model. The tension detection value can be obtained by a tension sensor, which can be installed on a force-bearing component during motor operation, for example, on a cantilever connected to the motor and the printing platform. Further, the first tension value can be the tension detection value when the tension sensor is not under actual testing, or it can be a preset empirical value representing that the model has detached from the release film. This value may not be zero, but rather between 20N and 50N. This example does not impose specific limitations on the location of the tension sensor or the setting range and value of the first tension value. In this embodiment, the current printing layer's adaptation height can be determined based on the lifting height of the printing platform when the model is demolded. The lifting height of the printing platform can be determined based on the motor height or the motor's current position when the model is demolded.

[0050] By collecting tension values ​​during motor operation and comparing them with a preset first tension value, it can be determined whether the current printed layer of the model has been successfully demolded. When the current printed layer is successfully demolded, the lifting height of the printing platform can be read and set as the appropriate height for the current printed layer. This method records the lifting height of the printing platform during demolding of the current printed layer, providing a valuable reference for setting subsequent release height adaptation values ​​and thus improving printing efficiency.

[0051] In an embodiment of the present invention, based on step 102, the control method for the 3D printer may further include: acquiring the adaptation height of at least one consecutive layer of the model, and then determining a release height adaptation value based on the adaptation height of the at least one consecutive layer of the model. In this embodiment, the adaptation height of each layer of the model can be determined based on the lifting height of the printing platform when the corresponding layer of the model is demolded. Therefore, for any layer's adaptation height, its height value is less than or equal to a preset first release height value.

[0052] In this embodiment, after determining the adaptation height of the current printing layer of the model, when printing the next layer, it is possible to again determine whether the difference in area between the model area of ​​the previous printing layer and the model area of ​​the current printing layer is greater than or equal to a preset area change threshold. If the area change difference is greater than or equal to the area change threshold, it means that the model area of ​​the current printing layer is less than or equal to the model area of ​​the previous printing layer. At this time, the adaptation height of at least one consecutive model layer can be obtained, and the release height adaptation value can be determined based on the obtained adaptation height of at least one consecutive model layer. This embodiment ensures the success rate and safety of model demolding by using the release height adaptation value when the model area of ​​the current printing layer is less than or equal to the model area of ​​the previous printing layer. At the same time, determining the release height adaptation value based on the adaptation height can reduce the release height adaptation value, thereby reducing the release height of the next printing layer of the model, thus reducing printing time waste and improving model printing efficiency.

[0053] In embodiments of the present invention, the step of obtaining the adaptation height of at least one consecutive layer of the model can be performed by the following method: The adaptation height of the current printed layer of the model is stored in a storage space; then, it is determined whether the number of adaptation heights stored in the storage space is greater than or equal to a preset value. If the number of adaptation heights stored in the storage space is greater than or equal to the preset value, the adaptation height of at least one consecutive layer of the model is obtained from the storage space. The preset value, the number of adaptation heights stored in the storage space, and the number of adaptation heights obtained from at least one consecutive layer of the model can all be set according to actual conditions. It is understood that the number of adaptation heights obtained needs to be less than or equal to the preset value and less than or equal to the number of adaptation heights stored in the storage space. Furthermore, the storage space can be represented in the form of an array, etc., and this embodiment does not impose specific limitations on it.

[0054] In this embodiment, when the number of adaptation heights stored in the storage space is greater than or equal to a preset value, it indicates that the controller can successfully read the adaptation heights of at least one consecutive model layer. At this point, the release height adaptation value can be determined based on the read adaptation heights of at least one model layer. In this embodiment, the controller can store the adaptation heights of each printed layer sequentially according to the printing layer order, so as to directly read the adaptation heights of at least one consecutive model layer. Alternatively, if it is determined that the adaptation height detection of the current printed layer is incorrect, or when the number of adaptation heights stored in the storage space reaches the preset value, the adaptation heights in the storage space can be cleared, and the adaptation heights of each printed layer can be re-stored sequentially according to the printing layer order to save data storage space. For example, the adaptation heights of the second printed layer above, the previous printed layer, and the current printed layer can be re-saved. Furthermore, the controller can read only the adaptation height of the current printed layer and determine the release height adaptation value based on the current printing layer's adaptation height; or it can read the adaptation heights of multiple printed layers that include the current printing layer's adaptation height and determine the release height adaptation value based on the adaptation heights of multiple printed layers. This embodiment reduces the difficulty of data management and improves the efficiency of obtaining the adaptation height by storing the adaptation height of the current printing layer and reading the adaptation height of at least one consecutive layer of the model from the storage space.

[0055] In embodiments of the present invention, the control method for the 3D printer may further include: if the number of adaptable heights in the storage space is less than a preset value, then the release height adaptable value remains unchanged. For example, when both the preset value and the number of adaptable heights to be read are 3, if there are only 2 adaptable heights in the storage space, the adaptable heights of three consecutive layers of the model cannot be read. In this case, the release height adaptable value can be kept unchanged.

[0056] In this scenario, if the number of fit heights stored in the storage space is less than a preset value, it means the controller cannot successfully read the preset number of consecutive fit heights, and therefore cannot determine the release height fit value based on the preset number of fit heights. In this case, when printing the next printing layer of the model, if the area difference between the current printing layer and the next printing layer is greater than or equal to an area change threshold, the current release height fit value can be set as the release height of the next printing layer, making the release height of the next printing layer the same as the release height of the current printing layer. This method can reduce printing time and improve printing efficiency to some extent, while also preventing printing failures caused by directly reducing the release height.

[0057] In an embodiment of the present invention, the step of determining the release height adaptation value based on the adaptation height of at least one consecutive layer of models can be performed by setting the maximum value among the adaptation heights of at least one consecutive layer of models as the release height adaptation value.

[0058] If a preset number of consecutive adaptive heights of at least one layer of the model can be successfully obtained, the maximum value among these adaptive heights can be directly set as the release height adaptive value. For example, if the preset number is three, the maximum value among the adaptive heights of the previous three consecutive layers can be set as the release height adaptive value. This way, when printing the next printing layer, if the area difference between the current printing layer and the next printing layer exceeds an area change threshold, the maximum value among the adaptive heights of the previous three consecutive layers can be set as the release height of the next printing layer, thus reducing the release height of the next printing layer. Selecting the maximum value from the adaptive heights of three consecutive layers as the release height adaptive value maximizes the success rate and safety of model printing, while also reducing printing time and improving printing efficiency.

[0059] In embodiments of the present invention, the control method for the 3D printer may further include: after the lifting height of the printing platform reaches the release height of the current printed layer of the model, determining whether the current tension detection value is greater than a first tension value; if the current tension detection value is greater than the first tension value, setting a release height compensation value and controlling the motor to operate so that the lifting height of the printing platform is the same as the release height compensation value. In this embodiment, the initial value of the height compensation value can be set to zero. Furthermore, the first tension value can be the tension detection value when the tension sensor is not under force, which has been actually tested; it can also be a preset empirical value representing that the model has detached from the release film; or it can be the minimum tension value when the model is demolded.

[0060] In this process, once the printing platform reaches the release height of the current printed layer of the model, the current tension detection value should be less than or equal to the first tension value. If the current tension detection value is greater than the first tension value, it indicates that the model has not been successfully demolded. At this point, a release height compensation value can be set, which can be between 0.1mm and 0.5mm. For example, the release height compensation value can be set to 0.5mm. Then, the motor is controlled to raise the printing platform again, with the same height as the release height compensation value. This process can be repeated once or multiple times. For example, after the printing platform is raised by the release height compensation value once, the current tension detection value is detected again. If the current tension detection value is still greater than the first tension value, compensation and raising are performed again. If it is not greater than the first tension value, the next printed layer of the model continues to be printed. This embodiment reduces the model printing failure rate by detecting the tension detection value after the increase and controlling the motor to raise it a certain compensation height when the current tension detection value is greater than the first tension value.

[0061] In embodiments of the present invention, the control method for the 3D printer may further include: determining whether the sum of the release height of the current printed layer of the model and the release height compensation value is greater than a first release height value; if the sum of the release height of the current printed layer of the model and the release height compensation value is greater than the first release height value, then issuing an alarm message.

[0062] After setting the release height compensation value, it can be further determined whether the sum of the release height of the current printed layer and the release height compensation value is greater than the first release height value. If it is greater than the first release height value, it indicates that the lifting of the printing platform has reached its maximum value. If the collected tension detection value is still greater than the first tension value, it indicates that the model may have defects such as breakage, or that the tension detection value is inaccurate. Therefore, the controller will send an alarm message to prompt the user to adjust or stop the printing process, thereby reducing the time and economic losses of model printing. In this embodiment, when it is detected that the sum of the release height of the current printed layer and the release height compensation value is greater than the first release height value, the motor can be deactivated and an alarm message can be sent directly, or the alarm message can be sent after the motor is activated. In addition, the alarm message can be displayed directly on the operation screen or sent to the user's terminal via the network. This embodiment does not impose specific restrictions on the execution order of motor control and alarm message, or on the method of sending the alarm message.

[0063] In an embodiment of the present invention, after the lifting height of the printing platform reaches the release height of the current printing layer of the model, the control method of the 3D printer may further include: if the current tension detection value is greater than the first tension value, then clear the adaptation height stored in the storage space.

[0064] Specifically, if the current tension value is still greater than the first tension value after the printing platform reaches the release height of the current printing layer of the model, it indicates that the model has not been successfully demolded. At this point, the adapted height stored in the storage space can be cleared, thereby removing potentially inaccurate adapted height values ​​and preventing subsequent printing layers from using those adapted height values ​​as the lifting height of the printing platform, thus reducing the probability of model printing failure.

[0065] In this embodiment of the invention, to fully illustrate the implementation process, a control method for a 3D printer is provided, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the method includes:

[0066] 201. Obtain the model area of ​​the current printing layer and the model area of ​​the previous printing layer, and determine whether the difference between the area change of the model area of ​​the previous printing layer and the model area of ​​the current printing layer is greater than or equal to the preset area change threshold.

[0067] Among them, the area change threshold is greater than or equal to zero.

[0068] 202. If the difference in area change is greater than or equal to the area change threshold, obtain the release height adaptation value and set the release height adaptation value as the release height of the current printing layer of the model.

[0069] 203. If the difference in area change is less than the area change threshold, the preset first release height value is set as the release height and release height adaptation value of the current printing layer of the model, respectively.

[0070] Among them, the first release height value is greater than or equal to the release height adaptation value.

[0071] 204. In response to the completion of printing of the current printing layer of the model, control the motor to run, collect the tension detection value during the motor operation, and determine whether the tension detection value is less than or equal to the preset first tension value.

[0072] The first tension value is the tension detection value when the tension sensor is not under force, or the empirical value when the model has been removed from the release film, or the minimum tension value when the model is demolded.

[0073] 205. When the tensile force detection value is less than or equal to the first tensile force value, read the lifting height of the printing platform, set the lifting height of the printing platform as the adaptation height of the current printing layer of the model, and save the adaptation height of the current printing layer of the model in the storage space.

[0074] 206. Determine whether the number of adapted heights stored in the storage space is greater than or equal to the preset number value.

[0075] 207. If the number of adaptation heights stored in the storage space is greater than or equal to the preset number, then obtain the adaptation height of at least one consecutive layer of the model in the storage space, and set the maximum value among the adaptation heights of at least one consecutive layer of the model as the release height adaptation value.

[0076] 208. After the printing platform reaches the release height of the current printing layer of the model, determine whether the current tension detection value is greater than the first tension value.

[0077] 209. If the current tensile force detection value is greater than the first tensile force value, then set the release height compensation value.

[0078] 210. Determine whether the sum of the current print layer's release height and the release height compensation value is greater than the first release height value.

[0079] 211. If the sum of the current print layer release height and the release height compensation value of the model is greater than the first release height value, an alarm message will be issued.

[0080] 212. If the sum of the current print layer release height and the release height compensation value is less than or equal to the first release height value, then control the motor to run so that the lifting height of the printing platform is the same as the release height compensation value.

[0081] The implementation process and beneficial effects of the above steps can be referred to the descriptions in the previous embodiments, and will not be repeated here. It is understood that each printing layer of the model can be printed in this manner until all printing layers of the model are completed, thus obtaining the printed model. The 3D printer control method provided in this embodiment, by setting the release height to the maximum value among the adaptation heights of the previously continuously decreasing printing layers when the model area of ​​at least one consecutive printing layer decreases, and setting a relatively large release height when the model area of ​​the printing layer increases, can improve the printing speed and reduce the printing time while ensuring the model printing effect and success rate, thereby improving printing efficiency. Furthermore, the above method improves the accuracy of adaptation height determination and enhances the safety of release height determination by collecting tension detection values ​​during motor operation and determining the adaptation height of each printing layer based on these values. Moreover, by again using tension detection values ​​to determine whether the model has successfully demolded when the release height is reached, and issuing an alarm message when demolding fails, the method can prompt the user to handle fault situations promptly, thereby reducing economic and time losses.

[0082] In embodiments of the present invention, as Figure 1 , Figure 2 The specific implementation of the method shown in this embodiment provides a control device for a 3D printer, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the device includes: a model area comparison module 31 and a release height setting module 32.

[0083] The model area comparison module 31 can be used to obtain the model area of ​​the current printing layer and the model area of ​​the previous printing layer, and determine whether the difference between the area change of the model area of ​​the previous printing layer and the model area of ​​the current printing layer is greater than or equal to a preset area change threshold.

[0084] The release height setting module 32 can be used to obtain the release height adaptation value if the area change difference is greater than or equal to the area change threshold, and set the release height adaptation value as the release height of the current printing layer of the model.

[0085] In embodiments of the present invention, the release height setting module 32 can also be used to set the preset first release height value as the release height and release height adaptation value of the current printing layer of the model respectively if the area change difference is less than the area change threshold.

[0086] In embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 4 As shown, the device also includes a motor operation control module 33, which can be used to control the motor to operate in response to the completion of the current printing layer of the model, so that the printing platform is raised according to the release height of the current printing layer of the model.

[0087] In embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 4 As shown, the device also includes an adaptation height determination module 34. The adaptation height determination module 34 can be used to collect the tension detection value during the operation of the motor and determine whether the tension detection value is less than or equal to the preset first tension value. When the tension detection value is less than or equal to the first tension value, the lifting height of the printing platform is read and the lifting height of the printing platform is set as the adaptation height of the current printing layer of the model.

[0088] In embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 4 As shown, the device also includes an adaptation value determination module 35, which can be used to obtain the adaptation height of at least one continuous layer of the model; and determine the release height adaptation value based on the adaptation height of at least one continuous layer of the model.

[0089] In an embodiment of the present invention, the matching value determination module 35 can be specifically used to save the current printing layer of the model in the storage space; determine whether the number of matching heights stored in the storage space is greater than or equal to a preset number value; if the number of matching heights stored in the storage space is greater than or equal to the preset number value, then obtain the matching height of at least one consecutive layer of the model in the storage space.

[0090] In embodiments of the present invention, the adaptation value determination module 35 can be specifically used to set the maximum value among the adaptation heights of at least one consecutive layer of the model as the release height adaptation value.

[0091] In embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 4 As shown, the device also includes a release height compensation module 36. The adaptation height storage module 36 can be used to determine whether the current tension detection value is greater than the preset first tension value after the lifting height of the printing platform reaches the release height of the current printing layer of the model. If the current tension detection value is greater than the first tension value, a release height compensation value is set. The motor is controlled to run so that the lifting height of the printing platform is the same as the release height compensation value.

[0092] In embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 4 As shown, the device also includes an alarm information sending module 37. The adaptation height storage module 37 can be used to determine whether the sum of the release height of the current printing layer of the model and the release height compensation value is greater than the first release height value. If the sum of the release height of the current printing layer of the model and the release height compensation value is greater than the first release height value, an alarm prompt message will be issued.

[0093] In embodiments of the present invention, the release height setting module 32 can also be used to set a preset first release height value as the release height of the current printing layer of the model and a release height adaptation value respectively if the area change difference is less than the area change threshold, wherein the first release height value is greater than or equal to the release height adaptation value, and the area change threshold is greater than or equal to zero; the motor operation control module 33 can also be used to control the motor operation in response to the completion of printing of the current printing layer of the model, so that the lifting height of the printing platform is the same as the release height of the current printing layer of the model; the adaptation height determination module 34 can also be used to determine the release height during motor operation. During the process, tensile force detection values ​​are collected, and it is determined whether the tensile force detection value is less than or equal to a preset first tensile force value. The first tensile force value is the tensile force detection value when the tensile sensor is not under force, or the empirical value when the model has been removed from the release film, or the minimum tensile force value when the model is demolded. When the tensile force detection value is less than or equal to the first tensile force value, the lifting height of the printing platform is read, and the lifting height of the printing platform is set as the adaptation height of the current printing layer of the model. The adaptation value determination module 35 can also be used to obtain the adaptation height of at least one consecutive layer of the model. Based on the adaptation height of at least one consecutive layer of the model, the release height adaptation value is determined.

[0094] In an embodiment of the present invention, a 3D printer includes a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When executed by the processor, the computer program implements the following... Figure 1 , Figure 2 The control method of the 3D printer is shown.

[0095] It should be noted that other corresponding descriptions of the functional units involved in the 3D printer and its control device provided in this embodiment can be found in the following references. Figure 1 , Figure 2 The corresponding descriptions in all the above contents of this invention specification will not be repeated here.

[0096] Based on the above, Figure 1 , Figure 2 Accordingly, this embodiment also provides a storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the above-described method. Figure 1 , Figure 2 The control method of the 3D printer is shown.

[0097] Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application can be embodied in the form of a software product. The software product to be identified can be stored in a non-volatile storage medium (such as a CD-ROM, USB flash drive, or portable hard drive), including several instructions to cause a 3D printer (such as a personal computer, server, or network device) to execute the methods described in various implementation scenarios of this application.

[0098] Based on the above, Figure 1 , Figure 2 The method shown, and Figure 3 and Figure 4 The embodiment of the 3D printer control device shown also provides a physical device for controlling the 3D printer to achieve the above objectives. Specifically, this physical device can be a personal computer, server, smartphone, tablet computer, smartwatch, or other network device. The physical device includes a storage medium and a processor; the storage medium stores a computer program; and the processor executes the computer program to achieve the above-described objectives. Figure 1 , Figure 2 The method shown.

[0099] The physical device may also include a user interface, a network interface, a camera, radio frequency (RF) circuitry, sensors, audio circuitry, a Wi-Fi module, and so on. The user interface may include a display screen, input units such as a keyboard, and optional user interfaces may include USB interfaces, card reader interfaces, etc. Optional network interfaces may include standard wired interfaces and wireless interfaces (such as Wi-Fi interfaces).

[0100] Those skilled in the art will understand that the physical device structure for controlling a 3D printer provided in this embodiment does not constitute a limitation on the physical device, and may include more or fewer components, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0101] The storage medium may also include an operating system and a network communication module. The operating system is a program that manages the hardware and software resources of the aforementioned physical device, supporting the operation of information processing programs and other software and / or programs to be identified. The network communication module is used to enable communication between the various components within the storage medium, as well as communication with other hardware and software in the information processing physical device.

[0102] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that this application can be implemented using software plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms, or it can be implemented through hardware. By comparing the difference in area change between the model area of ​​the previous printing layer and the model area of ​​the current printing layer with a preset area change threshold, and by setting different height values ​​for different area comparison results, the release height of the 3D printer can be made to change in real time with the progress of model printing. Compared with the prior art, the above method can improve the speed of model printing and reduce the time of model printing while ensuring the model printing effect and model printing success rate, thereby improving printing efficiency.

[0103] The serial numbers in this application are for descriptive purposes only and do not represent the superiority or inferiority of any particular implementation scenario. The above disclosures are merely a few specific implementation scenarios of this application; however, this application is not limited thereto, and any variations conceived by those skilled in the art should fall within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A control method for a 3D printer, applied in the field of photopolymer 3D printing technology, characterized in that, The method includes: Obtain the model area of ​​the current printing layer and the model area of ​​the previous printing layer, and determine whether the difference in area change between the model area of ​​the previous printing layer and the model area of ​​the current printing layer is greater than or equal to a preset area change threshold. If the area change difference is greater than or equal to the area change threshold, then the release height adaptation value is obtained and set as the release height of the current printing layer of the model.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the difference in area change is less than the area change threshold, then the preset first release height value is set as the release height of the current printing layer of the model and the release height adaptation value, respectively.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: In response to the completion of printing the current printing layer of the model, the motor is controlled to operate so that the printing platform is raised according to the release height of the current printing layer of the model.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: During motor operation, the tension detection value is collected, and it is determined whether the tension detection value is less than or equal to a preset first tension value; When the tensile force detection value is less than or equal to the first tensile force value, the lifting height of the printing platform is read, and the lifting height of the printing platform is set as the adaptation height of the current printing layer of the model.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain the fit height of at least one continuous layer of the model; The release height adaptation value is determined based on the adaptation height of the continuous at least one layer of the model.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, Obtaining the adaptation height of at least one continuous layer of the model includes: Save the current print layer's adaptation height in the storage space; Determine whether the number of the adaptation heights stored in the storage space is greater than or equal to a preset number value; If the number of adaptation heights stored in the storage space is greater than or equal to the preset number value, then the adaptation height of the continuous at least one layer of the model is obtained from the storage space.

7. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, Determining the release height adaptation value based on the adaptation height of the at least one consecutive layer of the model includes: Set the maximum value among the adaptation heights of the continuous at least one layer of the model as the departure height adaptation value.

8. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: After the printing platform reaches the release height of the current printing layer of the model, it is determined whether the current tension detection value is greater than the preset first tension value. If the current tensile force detection value is greater than the first tensile force value, then set the release height compensation value; Control the motor to ensure that the lifting height of the printing platform is the same as the release height compensation value.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: Determine whether the sum of the current print layer release height and the release height compensation value of the model is greater than the first release height value; If the sum of the release height of the current printed layer of the model and the release height compensation value is greater than the first release height value, an alarm message will be issued.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the area change difference is less than the area change threshold, then the preset first release height value is set as the release height of the current printing layer of the model and the release height adaptation value, respectively, wherein the first release height value is greater than or equal to the release height adaptation value, and the area change threshold is greater than or equal to zero. In response to the completion of printing the current printing layer of the model, the motor is controlled to operate so that the lifting height of the printing platform is the same as the release height of the current printing layer of the model; During the operation of the motor, the tensile force detection value is collected, and it is determined whether the tensile force detection value is less than or equal to a preset first tensile force value. The first tensile force value is the tensile force detection value when the tensile sensor is not under force, or the empirical value when the model has been removed from the release film, or the minimum tensile force value when the model is demolded. When the tensile force detection value is less than or equal to the first tensile force value, the lifting height of the printing platform is read, and the lifting height of the printing platform is set as the adaptation height of the current printing layer of the model; Obtain the fit height of at least one continuous layer of the model; The release height adaptation value is determined based on the adaptation height of the continuous at least one layer of the model.

11. A storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A 3D printer, comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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