Calibration method of extrusion flow and printing system
By printing multiple patterns on the printer and performing image analysis, the extrusion flow rate is automatically determined and adjusted, and the problems of cumbersome calibration steps and poor results in the prior art are solved, and efficient automatic calibration is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202311867749.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-29
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-01
AI Technical Summary
In the prior art, the flow calibration steps of the extruder are cumbersome or the calibration effect is poor, which affects the printing quality.
By controlling the printer to print multiple printing patterns with multiple different flow parameter values, collect and perform image analysis using the imaging device, determine that the parameter value in the target image is the target parameter value of the flow parameter, and send it to the target end to adjust the extrusion flow.
Automatic calibration is achieved, simplifying calibration steps, improving calibration efficiency, and ensuring the printer has the best extrusion flow.
Smart Images
Figure CN120228900A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of printing technology, and particularly to a method for calibrating extrusion flow rate and a printing system. Background Art
[0002] In a 3D printer using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), for a newly put into use machine, or after replacing the extruder accessories, or after long-term use, the nozzle will be worn, and it is necessary to calibrate the flow rate of the extruder. Otherwise, it will affect the printing quality, such as causing material accumulation or material shortage on the model.
[0003] Currently, the methods for calibrating the flow rate of the extruder are cumbersome or the calibration effect is not good. There is an urgent need for a new calibration method to effectively adjust the flow rate of the extruder. Summary of the Invention
[0004] This application provides a method for calibrating extrusion flow rate and a printing system, which can solve the problems of cumbersome calibration steps or poor calibration effect of the extrusion flow rate.
[0005] In a first aspect of an embodiment of this application, a calibration method is provided. The method is applied to a calibration device, and the calibration device is electrically connected to a printer. The calibration method includes: controlling the printer to perform printing with multiple different parameter values of a flow rate parameter respectively, to obtain multiple printing patterns corresponding to each parameter value; acquiring first images of the multiple printing patterns collected by a camera device; performing image analysis and processing on the first image of each printing pattern to determine a target image among the multiple first images; determining the parameter value corresponding to the printing pattern in the target image as the target parameter value of the flow rate parameter; and sending the target parameter value to a target end, so that the target end adjusts the extrusion flow rate of the printer according to the target parameter value of the flow rate parameter. The target end includes a cloud or a slicing software or a firmware end on the printer.
[0006] In a second aspect of an embodiment of this application, a printing system is provided, which includes a printer, a camera device, and a calibration device. The calibration device is electrically connected to the printer and the camera device. The calibration device includes a processor, a memory, and a communication circuit. The processor is respectively coupled to the memory and the communication circuit. Program data is stored in the memory, and the processor realizes the steps in the above method by executing the program data in the memory.
[0007] The beneficial effects are as follows: In the calibration method of the present application, after the printer prints multiple printing patterns with multiple parameter values of the flow rate parameter, the imaging device captures the multiple printing patterns to obtain the first image of each printing pattern. Then, through image analysis, the target image is determined, and the parameter value corresponding to the printing pattern in the target image is determined as the target parameter value of the flow rate parameter. The target parameter value is sent to the target end so that the target end adjusts the extrusion flow rate of the printer according to the target parameter value of the flow rate parameter; the target end includes a firmware end or a cloud end or a slicing software. That is, by borrowing the method of image analysis to determine the target parameter value of the flow rate parameter, the extrusion flow rate can be automatically adjusted. On the one hand, automatic calibration can be achieved, simplifying the calibration steps. On the other hand, the calibration efficiency can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the following drawings are only some embodiments of the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can be obtained according to these drawings, where:
[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of the calibration method in the present application;
[0010] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of the print head in the present application;
[0011] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the printing pattern in the present application;
[0012] Figure 4 is Figure 1 a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of step S30 in
[0013] Figure 5 is Figure 4 a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of step S31 in
[0014] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the printing pattern in the present application;
[0015] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment after image analysis and processing of the printing pattern in the present application;
[0016] Figure 8 is Figure 1 a schematic flowchart of another embodiment of step S30 in
[0017] Figure 9 is Figure 8 a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of step S35 in
[0018] Figure 10 Yes Figure 8 It is a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of step S34 in
[0019] Figure 11 It is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of the calibration device in the present application;
[0020] Figure 12 It is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of the computer-readable storage medium in the present application.
[0021] Explanation of reference numerals: 1 printer; 3 imaging device; 2 calibration device; 210 processor; 220 memory; 230 communication circuit; 400 computer-readable storage medium; 410 computer program. Detailed implementation manners
[0022] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present application.
[0023] It should be noted that the terms "first" and "second" in the present application are only used for descriptive purposes, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In the description of the present application, the meaning of "a plurality" is at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined. In addition, the terms "comprising" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but optionally further includes steps or units not listed, or optionally further includes other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.
[0024] The 3D printer extrudes the printing material through an extruder. The E-axis usually refers to the extrusion axis in the extruder, which is responsible for pushing the molten material from the nozzle onto the build platform of the 3D printer. The flow calibration of the E-axis is very important because it affects the quality of the printed model. Specifically, the software of the 3D printer usually provides a setting for the flow coefficient K or the flow ratio P (extrusion rate) to adjust according to parameters such as the printing material used, the printing speed, and the layer height. The setting of these values is crucial for obtaining good printing quality and needs to be optimized in a timely manner according to the specific 3D printer model and material selection. Adjusting the flow coefficient K can affect aspects such as the adhesion between layers, the appearance quality, and the printing speed.
[0025] In addition, after performing the flow calibration, a slicing software needs to be used. In the field of 3D modeling and printing, slicing is the process of cutting a three-dimensional model into thin slices for printing. Software such as Cura or PrusaSlicer can be used to prepare the model for 3D printing and generate slices to achieve layer-by-layer printing of the 3D printed model.
[0026] Refer to Figure 1 , this application provides a calibration method for extrusion flow. Specifically, the calibration method includes:
[0027] S10: Control the printer to print with multiple different parameter values of the flow parameter to obtain multiple printed patterns.
[0028] Specifically, the flow parameter can be any parameter related to the extrusion flow of the printer. The purpose of this application is to determine the target parameter value of the flow parameter, so as to adjust the extrusion flow of the printer according to the target parameter value and ensure the printing effect of the printer.
[0029] Among them, the printed pattern can be any pattern. For example, it can be a block pattern, a wire diameter pattern, or various irregular patterns, which are not limited here.
[0030] Among them, multiple different parameter values of the flow parameter correspond one-to-one to multiple printed patterns. One-to-one correspondence means that the printer prints the printed pattern corresponding to the parameter value with the parameter value of the flow parameter. For the sake of understanding, an example is given here. Suppose the multiple parameter values of the flow parameter A include parameter values A1, A2, A3, and A4. When printing, set the printer flow parameter A to be equal to A1, and at this time, pattern 1 is printed. Set the printer flow parameter A to be equal to A2, and at this time, pattern 2 is printed. Set the printer flow parameter A to be equal to A3, and at this time, pattern 3 is printed, and set the printer flow parameter A to be equal to A4, and at this time, pattern 4 is printed. That is to say, at this time, the multiple printed patterns in step S10 include pattern 1, pattern 2, pattern 3, and pattern 4.
[0031] In one embodiment, the flow parameter includes the flow ratio P of the extruder. The flow ratio P is a parameter commonly used in the slicing software and represents the extrusion amount of the extruder per unit time. Usually, the default value is 100%, but 100% is not the optimal value of the flow ratio P in some cases.
[0032] In another embodiment, the flow parameter includes the flow coefficient K of the extruder. The value of K represents the proportional relationship between the diameter or cross-sectional area of the plastic wire extruded by the extruder and the theoretical value, and it also affects the extrusion flow rate.
[0033] In other embodiments, the flow parameter can also be other parameters related to the extrusion flow rate, which are not limited herein.
[0034] S20: Obtain the first images of multiple printed patterns collected by the imaging device.
[0035] Specifically, the imaging device takes pictures of multiple printed patterns to obtain the first image of each printed pattern. The first image can be one image or multiple images.
[0036] When the first image is one image, the first image includes multiple printed patterns at the same time;
[0037] When the first image is multiple images, it can be that multiple printed patterns correspond to multiple first images one by one. In this case, the first image includes the corresponding printed pattern. Or, it can also be that one printed pattern corresponds to multiple first images. In this case, when taking pictures of the printed pattern, the printed pattern is photographed in regions to obtain multiple first images.
[0038] That is to say, the target camera can take pictures of multiple printed patterns according to the following three rules:
[0039] The first rule: Take pictures of all printed patterns at one time to obtain one first image;
[0040] The second rule: Take pictures of multiple printed patterns separately to obtain multiple first images corresponding to the multiple printed patterns one by one;
[0041] The third rule: Take pictures of multiple printed patterns separately to obtain multiple first images corresponding to each printed pattern respectively.
[0042] Among them, when taking pictures of the printed pattern in this application, it is possible to only capture a part of the printed pattern or capture the entire printed pattern.
[0043] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 2, the printer 1 includes a print head, and the imaging device 3 is mounted on the print head. At this time, the imaging device 3 can move along with the print head and can perform timely shooting. After the printer 1 finishes printing, the imaging device 3 can shoot the printed pattern to obtain a first image.
[0044] In an application scenario, the imaging device 3 is a macro camera, which can accurately identify the width of the printing inkjet area, and the first image obtained by shooting has high accuracy.
[0045] S30: Perform image analysis and processing on the first image of each printed pattern to determine a target image in the first image.
[0046] Specifically, use a visual analysis algorithm to perform image analysis and processing on the first image, and determine a target image from the first image.
[0047] Among them, when shooting according to the above first rule, at this time step S30 is to determine a target area from the first image, and determine the sub-image corresponding to the target area as the target image;
[0048] When shooting according to the above second rule, at this time step S30 is to determine one first image from multiple first images as the target image.
[0049] When shooting according to the above third rule, at this time step S30 can be to determine one first image from multiple first images, denoted as the target image, or to determine multiple first images from multiple first images, denoted as multiple target images, that is, the number of target images at this time can be one or multiple.
[0050] Among them, the printed pattern in the target image is the printed pattern with the best printing effect among all printed patterns.
[0051] S40: Determine the parameter value corresponding to the printed pattern in the target image as the target parameter value of the flow parameter.
[0052] Specifically, if the printed pattern in the target image is the best, it means that when the printer prints this printed pattern, the parameter value of the set flow parameter is the best. Therefore, determine the parameter value corresponding to the printed pattern in the target image as the target parameter value of the flow parameter. Taking the above example for illustration: If it is determined that pattern 3 is the best pattern, then determine the parameter value A3 as the target parameter value of the flow parameter A.
[0053] S50: Send the target parameter value to the target end so that the target end adjusts the extrusion flow of the printer according to the target parameter value of the flow parameter. The target end includes the cloud or slicing software or the firmware end on the printer.
[0054] Specifically, after determining the target parameter value of the flow parameter, the calibration device automatically sends the target parameter value to the target end. According to the target parameter value of the flow parameter, the extrusion flow of the printer is automatically adjusted, which can ensure accurate adjustment of the extrusion flow. Among them, the target end includes the firmware end, the cloud end, or the slicing software. After the calibration device automatically calibrates the printer, it can store the target parameter value for subsequent printing operations. In the prior art, the target parameter values obtained through the calibration method need to be manually input by the user into the operating system of the printer for calibration.
[0055] At the same time, after starting the calibration method, the calibration device automatically executes steps S10 - S50. After completing the calibration, the calibration device sends the target parameter value to the target end for storage. When using the material that has been calibrated by the calibration method in subsequent printing jobs, the target parameter value information can be automatically retrieved without having to re - execute the calibration steps, which is convenient for users. In addition, the target parameter values obtained in this solution can all be sent to the self - developed slicing software by the calibration device for parameter update and storage, avoiding manual adjustment. For non - self - developed slicing software, the parameters can be manually updated, and the usage method is flexible.
[0056] As can be seen from the above content, this application borrows the method of image analysis to determine the target parameter value of the flow parameter, thereby adjusting the extrusion flow. On the one hand, it does not require manual parameters, can achieve automatic calibration, and simplifies the calibration steps. On the other hand, it can improve the calibration efficiency and ensure that the printer has the best extrusion flow.
[0057] In the first embodiment of this application, please refer to Figure 3 , when the flow parameter includes the flow ratio P of the extruder, multiple printed patterns are all block - shaped patterns, and the sizes of multiple printed patterns are the same. Among them, the same size of multiple printed patterns can avoid the influence of the size difference of printed patterns on the subsequent analysis effect.
[0058] And in this embodiment, after sorting the multiple different parameter values of the flow parameter by size, the difference range between adjacent two parameter values is 1% - 10%. For example, the differences between adjacent two parameter values are 1%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9% or 10%, etc. For example, when the difference is 5%, the multiple parameter values of the flow ratio P can be 120%, 115%, 110%, 105%, 100%, 95%, 90%, 85%, 80% respectively; when the difference is 2.5%, the multiple parameter values of the flow ratio P can be 110%, 107.5%, 105%, 102.5%, 100%, 97.5%, 95%, 92.5%, 90% respectively.
[0059] And in this embodiment, please refer to Figure 4, the specific steps of step S30 to determine the optimal printing pattern include:
[0060] S31: Perform image analysis and processing on the first image of each printing pattern to obtain the first parameter value corresponding to the first image of each printing pattern, where the first parameter value characterizes the texture intensity on the surface of the printing pattern.
[0061] Specifically, perform texture analysis and processing on each first image respectively, and determine the first parameter value corresponding to each first image through a visual algorithm solution. The first parameter value characterizes the texture intensity on the surface of the printing pattern corresponding to the first image. For example, the larger the first parameter value, the stronger the texture degree on the surface of the printing pattern; the smaller the first parameter value, the weaker the texture degree on the surface of the printing pattern. Or, it can also be that the larger the first parameter value, the weaker the texture degree on the surface of the printing pattern; the smaller the first parameter value, the stronger the texture degree on the surface of the printing pattern. All in all, as long as the first parameter value can characterize the texture intensity on the surface of the printing pattern.
[0062] Among them, the weaker the texture intensity on the surface of the printing pattern, the better the printing effect of the printing pattern.
[0063] S32: Determine the target image from the first images of multiple printing patterns according to the first parameter value, where the texture intensity on the surface of the printing pattern in the target image is the lowest.
[0064] Specifically, since the first parameter value characterizes the texture intensity on the surface of the printing pattern corresponding to the first images of multiple printing patterns, the printing pattern with the lowest texture intensity on the surface can be found through the first parameter value. The printing pattern with the lowest texture intensity on the surface has good pattern consistency and high printing quality, so it is determined as the target image.
[0065] In an application scenario, please refer to Figure 5 , step S31 specifically includes:
[0066] S311: For the first image of each printing pattern: Generate a second image according to the gradient information of the first image.
[0067] Specifically, perform image gradient extraction on the first image of each printing pattern and generate the second image of each first image. Image gradient is often used to reflect the texture richness of an image, and image gradient extraction can be performed through a gradient operator. Among them, common gradient operators include Sobel operator, Laplace operator, Prewitt operator, etc. The specific process of generating the second image belongs to the prior art and will not be introduced in detail here.
[0068] S312: Count the number of non-zero pixels in the second image to obtain the first parameter value.
[0069] Specifically, non-zero pixels are pixels that are not white. Pixels that are black or gray in the second image all belong to non-zero pixels. When calculating, the number of non-zero pixels is counted to obtain the first parameter value of each image. It can be understood that at this time, the fewer the number of non-zero pixels, the weaker the texture, and the better the printing effect of the corresponding printed pattern; the more the number of non-zero pixels, the stronger the texture, and the weaker the printing effect of the corresponding printed pattern.
[0070] At the same time, there are multiple first parameter values in multiple second images. The number of non-zero pixels of each second image is determined as the first parameter value corresponding to the first image corresponding to each second image.
[0071] It can be understood that after determining the first parameter value corresponding to each first image through the above method, the smaller the first parameter value corresponding to the first image, the weaker the texture intensity on the surface of the printed pattern corresponding to the first image, and the larger the first parameter value corresponding to the first image, the stronger the texture intensity on the surface of the printed pattern corresponding to the first image. Therefore, in this application scenario, step S32 specifically includes:
[0072] S321: Among the first images corresponding to multiple printed patterns, the first image with the smallest first parameter value is determined as the target image.
[0073] That is to say, at this time, directly find the first image with the smallest first parameter value, and then determine the printed pattern corresponding to this first image as the printed pattern with the lowest texture intensity on the surface. This printed pattern is the target image.
[0074] To better understand the solution of the first embodiment above, the following is combined with Figure 3 Specifically introduce the solution of the first embodiment:
[0075] First, generate multiple parameter values of the flow rate ratio P, which are 120%, 115%, 110%, 105%, 100%, 95%, 90%, 85%, 80% respectively;
[0076] Then control the printer to print corresponding to the above 9 parameter values to obtain 9 printed patterns. Among them, the parameter values can be marked in the corresponding printed patterns, or the multiple printed patterns can be numbered in the order of 1 to 9;
[0077] Then control the imaging device 3 to photograph the above 9 printed patterns to obtain 9 first images, and then perform image analysis on the 9 first images respectively through a vision algorithm to obtain the first parameter value of each first image. The process of generating the first parameter value of the first image can be: generate the second image of the first image, and then count the number of non-zero pixels in the second image to obtain the first parameter value of the first image;
[0078] After obtaining the first parameter value of each first image, search for the first image with the smallest first parameter value. Finally, determine the printing pattern corresponding to the found first image as the target image, and the parameter value corresponding to the target image is the target parameter value of the flow rate ratio P. For example, finally, for Figure 3 the example of
[0079] it is finally found that 95% is the target parameter value of the flow rate ratio P.
[0080] In the second embodiment of the present application, the flow parameter includes the flow coefficient of the extruder, and multiple printing patterns are all wire diameter patterns. Please also refer to Figure 6 、 Figure 7 and Figure 8 In this embodiment, step S30 includes:
[0081] S33: Perform image analysis and processing on the first image of each printing pattern to obtain the second parameter value of each printing pattern. The second parameter value of the printing pattern characterizes the smoothness of the printing pattern.
[0082] Specifically, before printing multiple wire diameter patterns at this time, generate a preview file as shown in Figure 6 . The preview file shows the corresponding relationship between each wire diameter pattern and the parameter value of the corresponding flow coefficient. After generating the preview file, during printing, that is, print multiple patterns according to the preview file.
[0083] Among them, perform image analysis and processing on the first image of each printing pattern to obtain the second parameter value corresponding to each printing pattern. The second parameter value characterizes the smoothness of the printing pattern corresponding to the first image. For example, the smaller the second parameter value, the better the smoothness of the corresponding printing pattern, the larger the second parameter value, the worse the smoothness of the corresponding printing pattern, or the smaller the second parameter value, the worse the smoothness of the corresponding printing pattern, the larger the second parameter value, the better the smoothness of the corresponding printing pattern. In short, as long as the second parameter value can characterize the smoothness of the printing pattern.
[0084] S34: Determine the target image in the first image according to the second parameter value of each printing pattern, where the printing pattern in the target image has the highest smoothness.
[0085] Specifically, since the second parameter value characterizes the smoothness of the printing pattern corresponding to the first image, the printing pattern with the highest smoothness can be found through the second parameter value of each printing pattern. Determine the printing pattern with the highest smoothness as the target image. Among them, the higher the smoothness of the printing pattern, the better its printing effect. Therefore, determine the printing pattern with the highest smoothness as the target image.
[0086] In an application scenario, in combination with Figure 7 , each printed pattern includes a plurality of sub-line diameters distributed in the length direction; step S33 includes:
[0087] S331: For each printed pattern, perform image analysis and processing on the first image to determine the widths of the plurality of sub-line diameters included in the printed pattern, and determine the width variance value of the printed pattern according to the widths of the plurality of sub-line diameters, so as to obtain the second parameter value corresponding to the printed pattern.
[0088] Specifically, in combination with Figure 7 , for the first image corresponding to each printed pattern, divide the corresponding printed pattern into a plurality of sub-line diameters, and then, by means of image analysis, determine the width of each sub-line diameter, and determine the variance value of the widths according to the widths of the plurality of sub-line diameters, so as to obtain the second parameter value corresponding to the printed pattern. It can be understood that at this time, the smaller the second parameter value corresponding to the printed pattern, the smaller the width difference of the plurality of sub-line diameters included in the corresponding line diameter pattern, and the smoother the line diameter pattern.
[0089] Therefore, at this time, referring to Figure 9 , step S34 includes:
[0090] S341: Find the printed pattern with the smallest corresponding second parameter value.
[0091] Specifically, the smaller the second parameter value, the better the smoothness of the printed pattern corresponding to the first image; the larger the second parameter value, the worse the smoothness of the printed pattern corresponding to the first image.
[0092] S342: Determine the first image corresponding to the found printed pattern as the target image.
[0093] Among them, determine the first image corresponding to the printed pattern corresponding to the found smallest second parameter value as the target image.
[0094] In an application scenario, referring to Figure 10 , step S331 includes:
[0095] S332: Perform binarization processing on the grayscale image of the first image to obtain the third image of the first image.
[0096] Specifically, in the process of image analysis and processing, obtain the grayscale image of the first image and perform binarization processing on the grayscale image. Each pixel in the grayscale image has a grayscale value. In the process of binarization, if the grayscale value of a pixel is greater than the grayscale threshold, set the pixel to 1, otherwise set the pixel to 0, and obtain the third image through the above binarization processing.
[0097] S333: Determine the widths of the plurality of sub-line diameters included in the printed pattern according to the third image.
[0098] Specifically, in the third image, the wire diameter pattern and the background can be completely separated, so that the widths of the multiple sub-wire diameters included in the printed pattern can be determined.
[0099] Among them, when taking the first image of the wire diameter pattern, the entire wire diameter image can be placed within the shooting field of view of the imaging device to obtain a complete image of the wire diameter pattern, that is, the corresponding first image. Alternatively, the imaging device can be controlled to move from the starting position to the end position of the wire diameter pattern. During this movement process, the imaging device is controlled to take multiple shots, so as to obtain multiple sub-images. The multiple sub-images correspond one-to-one to the multiple sub-wire diameters included in the wire diameter pattern. At this time, the above-mentioned image analysis process can be separately applied to the multiple sub-images to obtain the width of each sub-wire diameter.
[0100] To better understand the solution of the above second embodiment, the following will be combined with Figure 6 and Figure 7 to introduce the solution of the second embodiment in detail:
[0101] First, multiple parameter values of the flow coefficient K are generated, which are 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, and 0.1 respectively.
[0102] Then, the printer is controlled to print corresponding to the above 11 parameter values to obtain 11 wire diameter patterns, as Figure 6 shown.
[0103] Then, the imaging device is controlled to take pictures of the above 11 wire diameter patterns to obtain the first image of each wire diameter pattern.
[0104] For each first image, the widths of the multiple sub-wire diameters included in the corresponding wire diameter pattern are obtained through a visual analysis algorithm, and the width variance value is calculated, as Figure 7 shown, to obtain the second parameter value corresponding to the first image. This process can refer to the above detailed introduction.
[0105] After obtaining the second parameter value of each first image, the first image with the smallest second parameter value is searched for. Finally, the printed pattern corresponding to the found first image is determined as the optimal printed pattern, and the parameter value corresponding to this printed pattern is the target parameter value of the flow coefficient K. For example, finally, for the Figure 6 example, it is finally found that 0.06 is the target parameter value of the flow coefficient K. For the Figure 7 example, it is finally found that the flow coefficient K corresponding to the wire diameter with a variance of 1 is the target parameter value.
[0106] Subsequently, the extrusion flow rate of the extruder can be adjusted according to the target parameter value of the flow coefficient K.
[0107] For any of the above embodiments, before step S10, the following steps are further included:
[0108] S1: Obtain the reference parameter value of the flow rate parameter saved in the printer.
[0109] Specifically, the reference parameter value can be the parameter value of the flow rate parameter pre-saved in the printer, or the parameter value of the flow rate parameter determined according to various device parameters of the printer (such as nozzle diameter, material, layer height of the film layer to be printed, etc.).
[0110] S2: Generate multiple different parameter values of the flow rate parameter according to the reference parameter value, where at least one parameter value is greater than the reference parameter value, and / or at least one parameter value is less than the reference parameter value, and / or at least one parameter value is equal to the reference parameter value.
[0111] Specifically, generate multiple parameter values near the reference parameter value according to the reference parameter value. For example, Figure 3 , when the flow rate parameter value includes a flow rate ratio P, if the reference parameter value of the flow rate ratio P is 100%, then among the generated multiple parameter values, some parameter values are equal to 100%, some parameter values are less than 100%, and some parameter values are greater than 100%; and for another example Figure 6 , when the flow rate parameter value includes a flow coefficient K, if the reference parameter value of the flow coefficient K is 0.04, then among the generated multiple parameter values, some parameter values are equal to 0.04, some parameter values are less than 0.04, and some parameter values are greater than 0.04.
[0112] In other embodiments, the multiple parameter values of the flow rate parameter can also be generated according to various parameters such as the model of the printer, the layer height of the model to be printed, the filling density, and the printing speed.
[0113] Among them, the target parameter value of only the flow rate ratio P, or only the target parameter value of the flow coefficient K, or both the target parameter value of the flow rate ratio P and the target parameter value of the flow coefficient K can be determined by the above method.
[0114] The following introduces the operation process of the printer:
[0115] 1. Open the slicing software on the lower computer. The slicing software can be Cura or Simplify3D, etc. The slicing software is used to cut the three-dimensional model into thin slices for printing.
[0116] 2. Import the three-dimensional model to be printed into the slicing software.
[0117] 3. Set the printing parameters in the slicing software, such as layer height, filling density, printing speed, etc.
[0118] 4. Input the target parameter value of the flow rate ratio P determined by the above method into the corresponding setting.
[0119] 5. Input the target parameter value of the flow coefficient K determined by the above method into the corresponding setting. Among them, if the parameter value of the flow coefficient K is increased, the flow rate of the extruder will increase, and vice versa, the flow rate of the extruder will decrease.
[0120] 6. After the user sets various parameters, the slicing software will generate a slicing path according to various parameters.
[0121] 7. Finally, the slicing software will export the sliced model as G-code for the printer to print.
[0122] Through the above method, the target parameter value of the flow rate ratio P and the target parameter value of the flow coefficient K can be found. This optimal flow rate ratio P value and flow coefficient K value can be sent to the self-developed slicing software through the calibration device for parameter update to avoid manual adjustment. Non-self-developed slicing software can update parameters manually. Through the application of the target parameter value, the material can be evenly distributed during the printing process, reducing the problems caused by uneven flow rate of the extruder, thereby improving the printing quality and dimensional accuracy.
[0123] This application also provides a printing system, combined with Figure 2 , which includes a printer 1, a camera device 3, and a calibration device (not shown in the figure). The calibration device is electrically connected to the printer 1 and the camera device 3. Since the printing system includes a calibration device, the printing system of this application has a self-calibration function.
[0124] Refer to Figure 11 , the calibration device 2 includes a processor 210, a memory 220, and a communication circuit 230. The processor 210 is respectively coupled to the memory 220 and the communication circuit 230. Program data is stored in the memory 220. The processor 210 realizes the steps in the method of any one of the above embodiments by executing the program data in the memory 220. For the detailed steps, reference can be made to the above embodiments and will not be elaborated here.
[0125] In one embodiment, the camera device 3 is installed on the print head of the printer 1, and the camera device 3 is a macro camera.
[0126] Refer to Figure 12 , the computer-readable storage medium 400 stores a computer program 410, and the computer program 410 can be executed by a processor to realize the steps in any one of the above methods.
[0127] Among them, the computer-readable storage medium 400 may specifically be a device such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disc that can store the computer program 410, or it may also be a server storing the computer program 410. The server can send the stored computer program 410 to other devices for running, or it can also run the stored computer program 410 by itself.
[0128] The above are only embodiments of the present application, and do not limit the patent scope of the present application. Any equivalent structure or equivalent process transformation made by using the content of the specification and drawings of the present application, or directly or indirectly applied in other related technical fields, shall be equally included in the patent protection scope of the present application.
Claims
1. A method for calibrating extrusion flow rate, characterized in that, The method is applied to a calibration device, which is electrically connected to a printer. The method includes: Controlling the printer to perform printing with multiple different parameter values of a flow parameter respectively, and obtaining printing patterns corresponding to each parameter value; Obtaining first images of the multiple printing patterns collected by an imaging device; Performing image analysis and processing on the first image of each printing pattern to determine a target image in the first image; Determining the parameter value corresponding to the printing pattern in the target image as the target parameter value of the flow parameter; Sending the target parameter value to a target end, so that the target end adjusts the extrusion flow rate of the printer according to the target parameter value of the flow parameter; the target end includes a cloud or slicing software or a firmware end on the printer.
2. The calibration method according to claim 1, wherein The target parameter includes the flow rate ratio of the extruder; The step of performing image analysis and processing on the first image of each printing pattern to determine a target image in the first image includes Performing texture analysis and processing on the first image of each printing pattern to obtain a first parameter value corresponding to the first image of each printing pattern, where the first parameter value characterizes the texture intensity of the surface of the printing pattern; Determining the target image from the first images of multiple printing patterns according to the first parameter value, where the texture intensity of the surface of the printing pattern in the target image is the lowest.
3. The calibration method according to claim 2, wherein The step of performing texture analysis and processing on the first image of each printing pattern to obtain a first parameter value of each printing pattern includes: For the first image of each printing pattern: generating a second image according to the gradient information of the first image; Counting the number of non-zero pixels in the second image to obtain the first parameter value; And, the step of determining the target image in the first image according to the first parameter value of each printing pattern includes: In the first images corresponding to multiple printing patterns, determining the first image with the smallest first parameter value as the target image.
4. The calibration method according to claim 2, wherein The multiple printing patterns are all block patterns, and the sizes of the multiple printing patterns are the same.
5. The calibration method according to claim 1, wherein The target parameter includes the flow coefficient of the extruder, and the multiple printing patterns are wire diameter patterns; The step of performing image analysis and processing on the first image of each printing pattern to determine a target image in the first image includes: Performing image analysis and processing on the first image of each printing pattern to obtain a second parameter value of each printing pattern, where the second parameter value of the printing pattern characterizes the smoothness of the printing pattern; Determining the target image in the first image according to the second parameter value of each printing pattern, where the smoothness of the printing pattern in the target image is the highest.
6. The calibration method according to claim 5, wherein Each printing pattern includes multiple sub-wire diameters divided in the length direction; the step of performing image analysis and processing on the first image of each printing pattern to obtain a second parameter value of each printing pattern includes: For each of the said printing patterns, perform image analysis processing on the first image to determine the widths of the multiple sub-line diameters included in the printing pattern, and determine the width variance value of the printing pattern according to the widths of the multiple sub-line diameters, so as to obtain the second parameter value corresponding to the printing pattern; Moreover, the step of determining the target image in the first image according to the second parameter value of each printing pattern includes: Search for the printing pattern with the smallest corresponding second parameter value; Determine the first image corresponding to the found printing pattern as the target image.
7. The calibration method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The step of performing image analysis processing on the first image to determine the widths of the multiple sub-line diameters included in the printing pattern includes: Perform binarization processing on the grayscale image of the first image to obtain a third image of the first image; Determine the widths of the multiple sub-line diameters included in the printing pattern according to the third image.
8. The calibration method according to claim 6, characterized in that The printing pattern corresponds to the first image and includes multiple sub-images, and the multiple sub-images correspond one by one to the multiple sub-line diameters included in the printing pattern. While the target camera is moving, photograph the printing pattern to obtain multiple sub-images.
9. The calibration method according to claim 1, wherein Before controlling the printer to perform printing with multiple different parameter values of the flow parameter respectively to obtain printing patterns corresponding to each parameter value, it further includes: Obtain the reference parameter value of the target parameter saved by the printer; Generate multiple different parameter values of the target parameter according to the reference parameter value, wherein at least one parameter value is greater than the reference parameter value, and / or at least one parameter value is less than the reference parameter value, and / or at least one parameter value is equal to the reference parameter value.
10. A printing system, characterized in that, The printing system includes a printer, a target camera, and a calibration device. The calibration device is electrically connected to the printer and the target camera. The calibration device includes a processor, a memory, and a communication circuit. The processor is respectively coupled to the memory and the communication circuit. Program data is stored in the memory, and the processor realizes the steps in the method according to any one of claims 1-9 by executing the program data in the memory.