A 3D printing method, printing system and computer-readable storage medium

Abstract

This application relates to a 3D printing method, comprising: processing a printable image; determining differential printing counts based on the image resolution; a print head performing a first printing pass based on the printable image; and, based on the differential printing counts, translating the print head along a first direction by a first preset distance to perform a second printing pass; the first preset distance being the ratio of the hardware resolution to the differential printing counts; and the print head translating again along the first direction by the first preset distance to perform another printing pass, repeating this cycle until the total translation distance of the print head equals the hardware resolution to complete one layer of printing. This application also relates to a 3D printing system and a computer-readable storage medium. This solution addresses the problem that current 3D printing devices often struggle to handle prints with images of different resolutions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of printing method technology, and in particular to a 3D printing method, printing system and computer-readable storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, as the size of metal 3D printed products becomes larger and larger, the requirements for the dimensional accuracy of the products are also becoming higher and higher; and the larger the size of the printed products, the more stringent the requirements for the mechanical precision of the equipment and the precision of the components are, for example: how to use a low-resolution nozzle to print a high-resolution image.

[0003] Currently, the main inkjet printing methods used by printers are: forward and reverse printing and unidirectional printing. However, in the actual printing process, because the spacing between two adjacent printheads in a 3DP printer is generally fixed, a printhead can generally only spray ink for images of a corresponding resolution, and it is difficult to meet the printing needs of images with higher resolutions, which makes the printing equipment quite limited. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a 3D printing method, printing system, and computer-readable storage medium to address the problem that the print heads in current 3D printing equipment are difficult to meet the printing requirements of images with different resolutions.

[0005] To solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention disclose a 3D printing method, comprising:

[0007] Process the printed image and determine the differential printing count based on the resolution of the printed image;

[0008] The print head completes the first print pass based on the print image.

[0009] Based on the number of differential print passes, the print head moves a first preset distance along a first direction to perform a second print pass; the first preset distance is the ratio of hardware resolution to the number of differential print passes.

[0010] The print head moves another preset distance along the first direction to print, based on the first preset distance of translation, and repeats this cycle until the total translation distance of the print head equals the hardware resolution to complete one layer of printing.

[0011] In one embodiment, the process of processing the printed image, determining the differential printing count based on the resolution of the printed image, includes:

[0012] The resolution of the printed image is determined based on the required printing intensity of the printed workpiece;

[0013] Identify the current printhead's hardware resolution based on the printhead configuration;

[0014] The number of print runs is calculated based on the difference between the printed image resolution and the hardware resolution.

[0015] In one embodiment, it further includes:

[0016] The number of passes the print head makes in a single layer is calculated based on the printed image. When the number of passes is 1, a unidirectional printing method is used. When the number of passes is greater than 1, the first pass is printed first, and then the second pass is printed in reverse step by step. The single-layer printing work is completed in a loop.

[0017] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention disclose a 3D printing system applied to the 3D printing method described above, including a processing module, a first control module, a second control module, and a cyclic printing module. The processing module is used to process the printing image and obtain the differential printing number based on the resolution of the printing image. The first control module is used for the print head to complete the first printing operation based on the printing image. The second control module is used for the print head to translate along a first direction by a first preset distance to perform the second printing operation based on the differential printing number. The first preset distance is the ratio of the hardware resolution to the differential printing number. The cyclic printing module is used for the print head to translate along the first direction by a first preset distance again after translating by the first preset distance to perform the printing operation, and so on, until the total translation distance of the print head equals the hardware resolution to complete one layer of printing.

[0018] In one embodiment, the processing module includes an analysis unit, an identification unit, and a calculation unit. The analysis unit is used to determine the print image resolution based on the required printing intensity of the printed workpiece. The identification unit is used to identify the hardware resolution of the current print head based on the print head configuration. The calculation unit is used to calculate the differential printing number based on the print image resolution and the hardware resolution.

[0019] In one embodiment, an analysis module is also included. The analysis module is used to calculate the number of passes of the print head in a single layer based on the printed image. When the number of passes is 1, a unidirectional printing method is adopted. When the number of passes is greater than 1, the first pass is printed first, and then the second pass is printed in reverse step by step, and the single-layer printing work is completed in a cyclical manner.

[0020] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention disclose a computer, comprising:

[0021] The system includes a memory and a processor, which are interconnected and the memory stores computer instructions. The processor executes these computer instructions to perform the 3D printing method described above.

[0022] Fourthly, embodiments of the present invention disclose a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions for causing the computer to perform the 3D printing method described above.

[0023] The technical solution adopted in this invention can achieve the following beneficial effects:

[0024] This invention overcomes the printing problems that cannot be achieved by the forward and reverse printing and unidirectional printing methods in the prior art, and provides a 3D printing method. The back-shaped printing method, by modifying the software algorithm and changing the inkjet path to a back-shaped printing method, realizes the function of printing high-resolution images with low-resolution printheads. By using image misalignment, it avoids the problem of incomplete inkjet spraying due to partial nozzle blockage, thereby improving efficiency and accuracy. Attached Figure Description

[0025] none Detailed Implementation

[0026] This invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure of this invention.

[0027] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "end," "top," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0028] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0029] This invention discloses a 3D printing method, which specifically includes:

[0030] S100: Process the print image and determine the differential print count based on the print image resolution. Specifically, the differential print count is determined by comparing the Y-axis resolution of the print image with the hardware resolution of the print head. The hardware resolution of the print head refers to the distance between two adjacent nozzles in the print head.

[0031] S200: The print head completes the first printing pass based on the printed image. That is, it controls the print head to complete the first basic printing pass based on the printed image of the workpiece, i.e., to complete the printing work at the original hardware resolution based on the original print head.

[0032] S300: Based on the differential printing count, the print head moves a first preset distance along the first direction to perform a second printing pass; the first preset distance is the ratio of hardware resolution to the differential printing count. Specifically, based on the calculated differential printing count, after completing the first printing pass, the print head moves along the first direction by a distance equal to the ratio of hardware resolution to the differential printing count, and then prepares for the second printing pass. It should be noted that the first direction is the Y-axis, that is, the direction perpendicular to the printing direction.

[0033] S400: The print head, after translating a first preset distance, again translates along the first direction by a first preset distance to perform the printing work, and repeats this cycle until the total translation distance of the print head equals the hardware resolution to complete one layer of printing. Specifically, as can be seen from the above, based on the calculated differential printing number, after completing the first printing pass, the print head gradually moves multiple first preset distances to finally complete one layer of printing.

[0034] For example, in a specific working process, the hardware resolution of the print head can be 'a', and the resolution required to print the workpiece can be 'b'. Then, the number of differential printing passes is calculated as a / b. First, the first printing pass is completed, achieving a printing pass with resolution 'b'. Next, the print head moves a distance perpendicular to the printing direction by the distance equal to the hardware resolution / the number of differential print passes (b*b / a) for the second printing pass. Then, based on the above steps, the print head again moves a distance perpendicular to the printing direction by the distance equal to the hardware resolution / the number of differential print passes (b*b / a) for the third printing pass. This process is repeated until the total translation distance of the print head equals the hardware resolution to complete one layer of printing. In other words, the above steps are repeated b / a-1 times, ultimately achieving an image with resolution 'a'.

[0035] As can be seen from the above, in the 3D printing method disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention, by modifying the software algorithm, the print head is controlled to perform multiple printing operations on a single printing surface, thereby enabling the printing of images of different resolutions using a single print head. Furthermore, it achieves the function of printing high-resolution images using a low-resolution print head. While improving printing efficiency and ensuring printing accuracy, it also makes the 3D printing equipment more practical and can meet the printing needs of various printed workpieces.

[0036] In the embodiments disclosed in this invention, the process of processing the printed image, which determines the differential printing count based on the resolution of the printed image, may specifically include:

[0037] S110. Determine the printing image resolution based on the required printing intensity of the printed workpiece;

[0038] S120: Identify the hardware resolution of the current printhead based on the printhead configuration;

[0039] S130, Count the number of differential prints based on the difference between the printed image resolution and the hardware resolution.

[0040] The above method makes it easier to configure the print head with high-resolution printing workpieces to meet the printing needs of different workpieces.

[0041] The 3D printing method disclosed in this embodiment of the invention may further include:

[0042] The number of passes the print head makes in a single layer is calculated based on the printed image. When the number of passes is 1, a unidirectional printing method is used. When the number of passes is greater than 1, the first pass is printed first, and then the second pass is printed in reverse step by step. The single-layer printing work is completed in a loop.

[0043] Based on the 3D printing method disclosed in this embodiment of the invention, this embodiment of the invention discloses a 3D printing system applied to the 3D printing method described above, including a processing module, a first control module, a second control module, and a cyclic printing module. The processing module is used to process the printing image and obtain the differential printing number based on the resolution of the printing image. The first control module is used for the print head to complete the first printing operation based on the printing image. The second control module is used for the print head to translate along a first direction by a first preset distance to perform a second printing operation based on the differential printing number. The first preset distance is the ratio of the hardware resolution to the differential printing number. The cyclic printing module is used for the print head to translate along the first direction by a first preset distance again after translating by the first preset distance to perform the printing operation, and so on, until the total translation distance of the print head equals the hardware resolution to complete one layer of printing.

[0044] In the 3D printing system disclosed in this invention, the printing head is controlled to perform multiple printing operations on a single printing surface through a processing module, a first control module, a second control module, and a cyclic printing module. This enables the printing of images with different resolutions using a single printing head, and also enables the printing of high-resolution images using a low-resolution nozzle. While improving printing efficiency and ensuring printing accuracy, this system also enhances the practicality of the 3D printing equipment and can meet the printing needs of various workpieces.

[0045] Furthermore, the processing module includes an analysis unit, an identification unit, and a calculation unit. The analysis unit is used to determine the print image resolution based on the required printing intensity of the printed workpiece. The identification unit is used to identify the hardware resolution of the current print head based on the print head configuration. The calculation unit is used to calculate the differential printing number based on the print image resolution and the hardware resolution.

[0046] The 3D printing system disclosed in this embodiment of the invention may further include an analysis module, which is used to calculate the number of passes of the print head in a single layer based on the printed image. When the number of passes is 1, a unidirectional printing method is adopted; when the number of passes is greater than 1, the first pass is printed first, and then the second pass is printed in reverse step, and the single-layer printing work is completed in a cyclical manner.

[0047] Based on the 3D printing method disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention, the embodiments of the present invention also disclose a computer, the disclosed computer comprising:

[0048] The system includes a memory and a processor, which are communicatively connected to each other. The memory stores computer instructions, and the processor executes these computer instructions to perform the 3D printing method as described in any of the embodiments above.

[0049] Based on the 3D printing method disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention, the embodiments of the present invention disclose a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions, which are used to cause the computer to perform the 3D printing method as described in any of the embodiments above.

[0050] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A 3D printing method, characterized by, The method comprises the following steps: According to the printing intensity required by the printing workpiece, the printing image resolution is obtained; according to the printing head configuration, the hardware resolution of the current printing head is identified; according to the high and low of the printing image Y direction resolution, the difference printing times are obtained by comparing with the hardware resolution of the printing head; the hardware resolution of the printing head refers to the distance between two adjacent nozzles in the printing head; The printing head completes the first pass of the basic printing work according to the printing image of the printing workpiece, that is, the printing work of the hardware resolution of the original printing head is completed; According to the calculated difference printing times, on the basis of completing the first pass of printing work, the printing head translates a first preset distance along a first direction, and then prepares for the second pass of printing work; the first direction is the Y direction, and the Y direction is perpendicular to the printing direction; the first preset distance is the ratio of the hardware resolution and the difference printing times; The printing head translates the first preset distance along the first direction again on the basis of the first preset distance to perform the printing work, and the printing work is sequentially cycled until the total translation distance of the printing head is equal to the hardware resolution to complete a layer of printing work.

2. The 3D printing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further comprises the following steps: According to the printing image, the number of passes of the printing head in single layer printing is calculated; when the number of passes is 1, a one-way printing mode is adopted; When the number of passes is greater than 1, the first pass is printed first, then the second pass is printed in reverse by stepping, and the single layer printing work is sequentially cycled to complete.

3. A 3D printing system for use in the 3D printing method of any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that The method comprises a processing module, a first control module, a second control module and a cycle printing module; the processing module is used for processing the printing image, and the difference printing times are obtained according to the high and low of the printing image resolution; the first control module is used for the printing head to complete the first pass of printing work according to the printing image; The second control module is used for the printing head to translate a first preset distance along a first direction to perform the second pass of printing work according to the difference printing times; the first preset distance is the ratio of the hardware resolution and the difference printing times; The cycle printing module is used for the printing head to translate the first preset distance along the first direction again on the basis of the first preset distance to perform the printing work, and the printing work is sequentially cycled until the total translation distance of the printing head is equal to the hardware resolution to complete a layer of printing work.

4. The 3D printing system of claim 3, wherein, The processing module comprises an analysis unit, an identification unit and a calculation unit; the analysis unit is used for obtaining the printing image resolution according to the printing intensity required by the printing workpiece; the identification unit is used for identifying the hardware resolution of the current printing head according to the printing head configuration; and the calculation unit is used for calculating the difference printing times according to the printing image resolution and the hardware resolution.

5. The 3D printing system of claim 3, wherein, The method further comprises an analysis module, which is used for calculating the number of passes of the printing head in single layer printing according to the printing image; when the number of passes is 1, a one-way printing mode is adopted; when the number of passes is greater than 1, the first pass is printed first, then the second pass is printed in reverse by stepping, and the single layer printing work is sequentially cycled to complete.

6. A computer, characterized by The method comprises the following steps: A memory and a processor are connected in communication with each other, the memory stores computer instructions, and the processor executes the computer instructions to perform the 3D printing method according to any one of claims 1 to 2.

7. A computer readable storage medium characterized in that, The computer readable storage medium stores computer instructions for causing the computer to perform the 3D printing method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 2.