A method and device for automatically dynamically dividing a laser cutting line according to printing time

Abstract

The application relates to a method and device for dynamically dividing a laser segmentation line according to printing time, which are applied to a three-laser additive manufacturing equipment and have the following steps: calculating total printing time of a current layer; determining printing time T that each laser needs to undertake target ; making printing time of a first laser responsible area less than or equal to T target , and determining a first segmentation line position between the first and second lasers according to an actual scanning range of the first laser to obtain a final first segmentation line position; calculating residual printing time T remain ; making printing time of a third laser responsible area less than or equal to T remain / 2, and determining a second segmentation line position between the second and third lasers according to an actual scanning range of the third laser to obtain a final second segmentation line position; and determining a second laser scanning area. The application realizes balanced printing time of each laser, eliminates waiting time, and improves printing efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of additive manufacturing equipment technology, and in particular relates to a method and apparatus for automatically and dynamically dividing laser dividing lines according to printing time. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of additive manufacturing technology, multi-laser scanning systems are often used for rapid prototyping of large-size or high-volume parts to improve printing efficiency. In a three-laser additive manufacturing system, each laser is responsible for scanning different areas of the forming area, and the scanning areas between the lasers are divided by laser dividing lines.

[0003] Currently, in three-laser additive manufacturing equipment, the laser dividing lines are typically manually set by operators based on experience. Once set, the scanning range of each laser remains fixed. However, in actual printing, the distribution, contour shape, and filling area of ​​parts vary across different layers. Using fixed dividing lines to define the scanning range of each laser leads to significant differences in the scanning workload (i.e., printing time) within each laser's assigned area, making it impossible to ensure that each laser completes its assigned area in equal time. Since all lasers emit light simultaneously, the total printing time for each layer depends on the laser with the longest printing time. Lasers with shorter printing times must wait for other lasers to complete their scans before moving on to the next layer, resulting in waiting time.

[0004] When there are significant differences in printing time between different lasers, the waiting time increases accordingly, resulting in low overall printing efficiency. The total printing time for each layer is lengthened, making it impossible to achieve the optimal efficiency of multi-laser parallel scanning. Especially when the parts are unevenly distributed, the fixed dividing line method is difficult to adapt to the dynamic changes in the slice data of each layer, and cannot guarantee a balanced workload for each laser in each layer of printing.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a method that can dynamically divide laser dividing lines based on the slice data of each layer, so that the scanning time of each laser in each layer printing is basically the same, reducing or eliminating the waiting time between lasers, thereby improving the overall printing efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the technical problems in existing technologies where manual laser dividing lines result in uneven printing times for each laser, leading to waiting times and low overall printing efficiency, this invention provides a method for automatically and dynamically dividing laser dividing lines based on printing time. This method is characterized by its ability to dynamically calculate and adjust the position of the dividing lines based on the slice data for each layer, thereby achieving a relatively consistent scanning time for each laser in each layer of printing, reducing or eliminating waiting time between lasers, and thus improving overall printing efficiency.

[0007] This invention is implemented as follows: a method for automatically and dynamically dividing laser dividing lines based on printing time, applied to a three-laser additive manufacturing equipment, includes the following steps: Obtain the slice data of the current layer, and calculate the total printing time T when the three lasers of the current layer print simultaneously based on the slice data and preset printing parameters. total ; Based on the total printing time T total Determine the printing time T required for each laser. target =T total / 3; Find the position of the first dividing line between the first laser and the second laser, such that the printing time of the area covered by the first laser is less than or equal to T. target The position of the first dividing line is determined based on the actual scannable range of the first laser, thus obtaining the final position of the first dividing line. Based on the final position of the first dividing line, determine the actual printing time undertaken by the first laser, and calculate the total printing time T. total Subtract the actual printing time of the first laser from the remaining printing time to obtain the remaining printing time T. remain ; Based on the remaining printing time, locate the position of the second dividing line between the second and third lasers, ensuring that the printing time for the area covered by the third laser is less than or equal to T. remain / 2, and determine the position of the second dividing line based on the actual scannable range of the third laser, thus obtaining the final position of the second dividing line; The scanning area of ​​the second laser is determined based on the final first dividing line position and the final second dividing line position.

[0008] In the above technical solution, preferably, if the printing time required for the actual scannable range of the first laser is less than T... target Then the right limit position of the first laser is the final position of the first dividing line.

[0009] In the above technical solution, preferably, if the printing time required for the actual scannable range of the third laser is less than T... remain / 2, then the left extreme position of the third laser is the final position of the second dividing line.

[0010] In the above technical solution, preferably, the step of calculating the total printing time T when the three lasers of the current layer are printed simultaneously based on the slice data and preset printing parameters is... total Specifically, it includes: Obtain the current layer's outline data and fill line data based on the current layer's slice data; The contour scan speed, fill scan speed, and fill interval are obtained based on preset printing parameters. Calculate the scan time of all contour lines and the sum of the scan times of all fill lines to obtain the total printing time T of the current layer. total ; The scanning time for a single line is determined by the ratio of the line length to the corresponding scanning speed.

[0011] In the above technical solution, it is further preferred that the current layer slice data is obtained by slicing the three-dimensional model, the contour data includes the contour information of all parts in the current layer, and the fill line data includes the fill path information of all parts in the current layer.

[0012] In the above technical solution, a further preferred embodiment is that the preset printing parameters also include laser overlap width and spot compensation.

[0013] In the above technical solution, preferably, the three lasers are arranged sequentially along the same direction, and the scanning ranges of each laser are interconnected and cover the entire scanning area of ​​the current layer.

[0014] This invention also provides a device for automatically and dynamically dividing laser dividing lines according to printing time, applied to a three-laser additive manufacturing equipment, comprising: The data acquisition module is used to acquire the slice data of the current layer, which includes contour data and fill line data; The total time calculation module is used to calculate the total printing time T when three lasers print simultaneously on the current layer, based on the slice data and preset printing parameters. total ; The print time determination module is used to determine the total print time T. total Determine the required printing time T for each laser. target =T total / 3; The first dividing line determination module is used to locate the position of the first dividing line between the first laser and the second laser, ensuring that the printing time of the area covered by the first laser is less than or equal to T. target The position of the first dividing line is determined based on the actual scannable range of the first laser, thus obtaining the final position of the first dividing line. The remaining time allocation module is used to determine the actual printing time undertaken by the first laser based on the final position of the first dividing line, and to allocate the remaining time from the total printing time T. total Subtract the actual printing time undertaken by the first laser from the remaining printing time to obtain the remaining printing time, and then distribute the remaining printing time equally between the second and third lasers; The second dividing line determination module is used to locate the position of the second dividing line between the second and third lasers based on the remaining printing time, ensuring that the printing time for the area covered by the third laser is less than or equal to T. remain / 2, and determine the position of the second dividing line based on the actual scannable range of the third laser, thus obtaining the final position of the second dividing line; The scanning area determination module is used to determine the scanning area of ​​the second laser based on the final first dividing line position and the final second dividing line position.

[0015] The present invention also provides a three-laser additive manufacturing apparatus, comprising three lasers and a control unit. The control unit is used to execute the above-described method of automatically and dynamically dividing laser dividing lines according to the printing time, so as to determine the dividing line position of each laser and control each laser to scan and print according to the determined dividing line position.

[0016] The present invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implements the above-described method for automatically and dynamically dividing laser dividing lines according to printing time.

[0017] The advantages and positive effects of this invention are: 1. This invention transforms printing tasks into a time metric and distributes them evenly across the number of lasers, ensuring that the scanning time for each laser is essentially the same in each layer of printing. Compared to existing methods that fix the laser dividing line position, this invention eliminates or significantly reduces the waiting time between lasers. Verification has shown that using the same slice data and printing in both methods, calculating the printing time for each slice, the method of dynamically generating laser dividing lines saves approximately 20% of printing time compared to the fixed laser dividing line method, significantly improving printing efficiency.

[0018] 2. This invention recalculates the dividing line position based on the slice data of the current layer before printing each layer. Therefore, it can automatically adapt to dynamic changes in part distribution, contour shape, and filling area between different layers. Regardless of whether the parts are evenly distributed on the printing surface, this method can dynamically adjust the dividing line position to ensure a balanced laser workload in each layer, overcoming the poor adaptability problem of fixed dividing line methods.

[0019] 3. This invention, by adding a boundary correction step based on the actual scannable range of each laser on the basis of theoretically calculated segmentation line positions, ensures that the segmentation line positions output by the algorithm are fully achievable in engineering practice, avoiding the problem of theoretical calculation values ​​deviating from the actual capabilities of the equipment, and has good engineering practical value.

[0020] 4. This invention only requires two dividing line positions to complete the scanning area division of three lasers. The calculation process is clear and simple, without the need for complex optimization algorithms or big data training. It is easy for those skilled in the art to understand and implement, and is easy to promote and apply in actual production. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the method for automatically and dynamically dividing laser dividing lines based on printing time, as provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a method for automatically and dynamically dividing laser dividing lines according to printing time. This method is applied to a three-laser additive manufacturing equipment and specifically includes the following steps: S1. Obtain the slice data of the current layer, and calculate the total printing time T when the three lasers of the current layer print simultaneously based on the slice data and preset printing parameters. total .

[0025] Specifically, the slice data for the current printing layer is obtained. Slice data is obtained by slicing the 3D model, including the contour line data and fill line data for the current layer. During slicing, the 3D model is sliced ​​in the height direction, generating 2D slice data for each layer. For the current layer, the contour line data includes the inner and outer contour line information of all parts in the current layer (i.e., the cross-sectional contour of each part at the current height after slicing); the fill line data includes the internal fill path information of all parts in the current layer (i.e., the scanned fill path generated within the contour according to a preset fill spacing). Specifically, the contour line data includes the geometric coordinates and contour type (outer contour and / or inner contour) of the contour lines of all parts in the current layer, while the fill line data includes the start coordinates, end coordinates, and fill direction of the fill path for all parts in the current layer.

[0026] Transforming a 3D model into 2D layer data through slicing is a fundamental data processing step in additive manufacturing for layer-by-layer printing. Obtaining accurate contour and fill line data is the basis for subsequent calculations of total printing time and segmentation line positions, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the input data for this method.

[0027] Simultaneously, preset printing parameters are acquired, including but not limited to contour scanning speed, infill scanning speed, infill spacing, and layer thickness. Layer thickness refers to the thickness of each slice layer, i.e., the thickness value of each layer printed during the printing process. Different layer thickness settings affect the number of contours and the distribution of infill paths in each slice. Introducing layer thickness parameters allows for more flexible calculation of total printing time, adapting to printing scenarios with different layer thickness settings, and improving the versatility and adaptability of the method of this invention.

[0028] Based on the acquired contour line data and fill line data, calculate the total length of all contour lines and the total length of all fill lines. For each contour line, the scan time is equal to the length of the contour line divided by its corresponding contour scan speed; for each fill line, the scan time is equal to the length of the fill line divided by its corresponding fill scan speed.

[0029] Summing the scan times of all contour lines and all fill lines in the current layer yields the total printing time T when all three lasers print simultaneously on the current layer. total .

[0030] This calculation method uniformly converts printing workload into a time-based metric, allowing for precise comparison and balancing of task allocation across different lasers over time. Compared to traditional methods that allocate tasks based on geometric quantities such as scan area and scan line length, using printing time as the direct allocation target is more accurate. This is because the time required for the same scan line length varies at different scanning speeds, and using time as the direct metric accurately reflects the actual working time of each laser. Furthermore, the separate calculation of contour lines and fill lines is more precise, as contour scanning speed and fill scanning speed are often set to different values ​​during actual printing.

[0031] S2, based on the total printing time T total Determine the required printing time T for each laser. target =T total / 3.

[0032] Specifically, based on the fact that the number of lasers emitting light simultaneously is 3, the total printing time T is... total The printing time T is determined by evenly distributing the data among the three lasers and assigning it to each laser. target =T total / 3. That is, ideally, the printing time corresponding to the scanning workload of each laser should be T. target .

[0033] S3. Locate and determine the final first dividing line position.

[0034] First, select the right extreme position posR of the first laser as the candidate segmentation line position, and calculate the printing time required for the first laser to travel from the left extreme position posL to the right extreme position posR.

[0035] If the printing time is exactly equal to T target If this candidate dividing line position is the final first dividing line position, that is, the right limit position of the first laser posR; If the printing time is less than T target Since the candidate dividing line position is already the limit that the first laser can scan, it indicates that even if the first laser covers its entire scannable range, its printing time still fails to reach the target time T. target If this candidate dividing line position is the final first dividing line position, that is, the right limit position of the first laser posR; The extreme position posR on the right side of the first laser is the boundary between the first laser and the second laser. At this point, the first laser has covered its entire scannable range.

[0036] If the printing time is greater than T target Then, the binary search method is used to continue searching for the position of the first dividing line between the first laser and the second laser. The specific process is as follows: First, select the midpoint position posM within the coverage area of ​​the first laser [posL, posR] as the candidate dividing line position, and calculate the printing time required for the first laser to travel from the left extreme position posL to the midpoint position posM. If the printing time is exactly equal to T target If the candidate dividing line position is the final first dividing line position, that is, the midpoint position posM within the coverage area of ​​the first laser; If the printing time is less than T target This indicates that the candidate segmentation line is positioned too far to the left (the area covered by the first laser is too small). The search range needs to be narrowed to the right half of the region to [posM, posR]. The above process is iteratively executed (for example, first selecting the midpoint between the midpoint of the area covered by the first laser and the rightmost limit position of the first laser as the candidate segmentation line position) to calculate the printing time until the required printing time is exactly equal to T. target Then the candidate dividing line position corresponding to this printing time is the final first dividing line position; If the printing time is greater than T target This indicates that the candidate segmentation line is positioned too far to the right (the area covered by the first laser is too large). The search range needs to be narrowed to the left half of the region to [posL, posM]. The above process is iteratively executed (for example, first selecting the midpoint between the leftmost extreme position of the first laser and the midpoint of the area covered by the first laser as the candidate segmentation line position) to calculate the printing time until the required printing time is exactly equal to T. targetIf the candidate dividing line position corresponding to this printing time is the final first dividing line position, then the candidate dividing line position is the first dividing line position.

[0037] Furthermore, the calculated position of the first dividing line can be corrected and determined based on the actual scannable range of the first laser to obtain the final position of the first dividing line. Since the search range of the binary search method is limited to the actual scannable range [posL, posR] of the first laser, theoretically the candidate position will not exceed the actual scannable range. Therefore, the candidate position can be directly used as the final position of the first dividing line, and subsequent corrections are only for safety redundancy.

[0038] The aforementioned correction mechanism fully considers the physical scanning range constraints of the laser hardware. In actual additive manufacturing equipment, the scanning area that each laser can cover is limited due to the optical system layout and galvanometer deflection angle; it is not infinitely adjustable. By combining the theoretical search location with actual hardware constraints for correction, the feasibility of the algorithm's output in engineering practice is ensured, avoiding the problem of theoretical calculations deviating from the actual capabilities of the equipment, and improving the practicality and reliability of the method.

[0039] S4. Determine the actual printing time and remaining printing time undertaken by the first laser.

[0040] Based on the final determined position of the first dividing line, the actual scanning area handled by the first laser is determined, and the actual printing time of all scanning lines (including contour lines and fill lines) within this area is calculated and denoted as T. actual1 From the total printing time T total Subtract the actual printing time T of the first laser from the middle. actual1 Get the remaining printing time T remain =T total -T actual1 .

[0041] At this point, the target printing time for the second and third lasers is no longer the original T. target However, it is necessary to consider the remaining printing time T. remain The printing time is redistributed, meaning the target printing time for the second and third lasers is redefined as the remaining printing time T. remain One-half of, i.e., T remain / 2.

[0042] When subsequently using the binary search method to locate the second dividing line, the goal is to make the printing time of the area covered by the second laser approach T. remain / 2. At the same time, the printing time of the area handled by the third laser also approaches T. remain / 2.

[0043] This dynamic adjustment mechanism is one of the key features of this invention. When the first laser cannot handle its theoretically allocated workload due to hardware limitations, the excess workload needs to be shared by the second and third lasers. By redistributing the remaining printing time equally between the second and third lasers, it is achieved that even when some lasers reach their hardware limits, the remaining lasers still maintain a balanced workload, minimizing the waiting time between lasers and ensuring optimal overall printing efficiency.

[0044] S5: Locate and determine the final position of the second dividing line.

[0045] First, based on the remaining printing time T remain The left extreme position of the third laser is selected as the candidate segmentation line position, and the printing time required for the third laser to travel from the left extreme position to the right extreme position is calculated.

[0046] If the printing time is exactly equal to T remain / 2, then the position of this candidate dividing line is the final position of the second dividing line, that is, the left limit position of the third laser. If the printing time is less than T remain / 2, since this position is already the limit position that the third laser can scan, this candidate dividing line position is the final second dividing line position, that is, the left limit position of the third laser. If the printing time is greater than T remain If the value is 2, then the binary search method is used to continue finding the position of the second dividing line between the second and third lasers. The specific process is as follows: First, select the midpoint within the coverage area of ​​the third laser as the candidate segmentation line position, and calculate the printing time required for the third laser to travel from this midpoint to the rightmost extreme position: If the printing time is exactly equal to T remain If the value is 2, then the position of this candidate dividing line is the final position of the second dividing line, which is the midpoint position within the coverage area of ​​the third laser. If the printing time is less than T remain / 2 indicates that the candidate segmentation line is positioned too far to the right, and the area covered by the third laser is too small. The search range needs to be narrowed to the left half of the region. The above process is iteratively executed (for example, first selecting the midpoint between the leftmost extreme position of the third laser and the midpoint of the area covered by the third laser as the candidate segmentation line position) to calculate the printing time until the required printing time is exactly equal to T. remain / 2, then the candidate dividing line position corresponding to this printing time is the final second dividing line position; If the printing time is greater than T remain / 2 indicates that the candidate segmentation line is positioned too far to the left, and the area covered by the third laser is too large. The search range needs to be narrowed to the right half, and the above process should be iteratively executed (for example, first selecting the midpoint between the midpoint of the area covered by the third laser and the rightmost limit of the third laser as the candidate segmentation line position) to calculate the printing time until the required printing time equals T. remain If the value is 2, then the candidate dividing line position corresponding to this printing time is the final second dividing line position.

[0047] Furthermore, the calculated position of the second dividing line can also be corrected and determined based on the actual scannable range of the third laser to obtain the final position of the second dividing line. Since the search range of the binary search method is limited to the actual scannable range of the third laser [posL, posR], theoretically the candidate position will not exceed the actual scannable range. Therefore, the candidate position can be directly used as the final position of the second dividing line, and subsequent corrections are only for safety redundancy.

[0048] The position of the second dividing line is also subject to hardware range constraint correction to ensure that the dividing boundary between the second and third lasers is within the actual reachable range of the third laser, thus guaranteeing that the second dividing line position output by the algorithm is feasible in engineering. Simultaneously, when the position of the second dividing line is adjusted to its extreme position, the scanning area of ​​the second laser is also determined accordingly, ensuring complete coverage and seamless connection of the three laser scanning areas on the datasheet.

[0049] The positions of the two dividing lines in this invention not only meet the time equalization requirement, but also satisfy the hardware scanning range constraint of the laser.

[0050] Step S6: Determine the second laser scanning area.

[0051] Specifically, the first dividing line is the boundary between the first and second lasers, and the second dividing line is the boundary between the second and third lasers. Based on the final positions of the first and second dividing lines, the scanning area of ​​the first laser extends from the starting boundary to the first dividing line, the scanning area of ​​the second laser extends from the first dividing line to the second dividing line, and the scanning area of ​​the third laser extends from the second dividing line to the ending boundary. Thus, the scanning areas of the three lasers are completely divided, with the scanning area of ​​the second laser jointly defined by the first and second dividing line positions.

[0052] Through the above steps S1 to S6, the printing task is transformed from the geometric space domain to the time domain for measurement. The position of the dividing line is dynamically determined with the goal of equalizing the printing time of each laser. This allows each laser to complete the scanning at approximately the same time while ensuring simultaneous light emission and printing, eliminating the waiting time between lasers or significantly reducing the waiting time, and minimizing the total printing time for each layer.

[0053] In this invention, three lasers are arranged sequentially in the same direction, meaning they are arranged in a row (e.g., three columns in a row) on the scanning surface. The scanning ranges of each laser are interconnected; the end boundary of the previous laser's scan is the starting boundary of the next laser's scan, and there are no gaps between adjacent lasers. Furthermore, to prevent obvious dividing lines at laser intersections, after determining the two laser dividing lines, each laser moves to the right or left by half a width of overlap based on a set overlap width parameter (the first laser moves to the right, the second laser moves to the left). If the laser dividing line has reached its limit, for example, the right limit of the first laser, the first laser scans to the right limit, and the second laser scans to the left by another overlap width. The scanning range of the three lasers completely covers the entire scanning surface of the current layer, from the starting boundary to the ending boundary, ensuring no blind spots or blank areas.

[0054] Three lasers are arranged sequentially along the same direction with their scanning ranges overlapping, ensuring complete coverage of the scanning area and providing a physical basis for region division based on segmentation lines. Simultaneously, each laser has a physical limit to its coverage area; this method uses the actual coverage area of ​​each laser as a constraint when locating segmentation lines, ensuring that the algorithm's output matches the capabilities of the device hardware.

[0055] This invention also provides a device for automatically and dynamically dividing laser dividing lines according to printing time, applied to a three-laser additive manufacturing equipment. The device includes the following modules: The data acquisition module is used to acquire the current layer slice data, which includes contour data and fill line data. Specifically, the data acquisition module is communicatively connected to the slice processing unit and receives the current layer two-dimensional slice data output after slice processing.

[0056] The total time calculation module is used to calculate the total printing time T when three lasers print simultaneously on the current layer, based on the slice data and preset printing parameters. total This module has a built-in scan time calculation algorithm that calculates the sum of the scan times for all contour lines and fill lines based on parameters such as contour scan speed, fill scan speed, and fill spacing.

[0057] The print time determination module is used to determine the total print time T. total Determine the required printing time T for each laser. target =T total / 3. This module distributes the total printing time evenly according to the number of lasers (3), and outputs the target printing time for each laser.

[0058] The first dividing line determination module is used to locate the position of the first dividing line between the first laser and the second laser, ensuring that the printing time of the area covered by the first laser is less than or equal to T. target The module determines the position of the first dividing line based on the actual scannable range of the first laser, thus obtaining the final position of the first dividing line. This module includes built-in boundary condition determination logic.

[0059] The remaining time allocation module is used to determine the actual printing time undertaken by the first laser based on the final position of the first dividing line, and to allocate the remaining time from the total printing time T. total The remaining printing time is obtained by subtracting the actual printing time undertaken by the first laser from the remaining time, and then evenly distributing the remaining printing time to the second and third lasers. This module has two built-in distribution logics: when the actual printing time undertaken by the first laser is T... target At that time, the printing time required for the second and third lasers remains T. target When the actual printing time undertaken by the first laser is not T target At that time, the printing time required for the second and third lasers is recalculated as half of the remaining printing time.

[0060] The second dividing line determination module is used to locate the position of the second dividing line between the second and third lasers based on the remaining printing time, ensuring that the printing time for the area covered by the third laser is less than or equal to T. remain / 2, and determines the position of the second dividing line based on the actual scannable range of the third laser, thus obtaining the final position of the second dividing line. This module has built-in boundary condition determination logic.

[0061] The scanning area determination module is used to determine the scanning area of ​​the second laser based on the final positions of the first and second dividing lines. Simultaneously, the scanning areas of the first and third lasers are also determined accordingly, and the scanning areas of the three lasers together cover the entire scanning area.

[0062] The modules described above are sequentially divided according to the data processing flow. The modules have clear functions and low coupling, facilitating integration into the control system of additive manufacturing equipment. The modules work collaboratively, embedding the method steps of this invention into the control system as functional modules. This enables automated and intelligent dynamic laser dividing of lines without manual intervention.

[0063] The core working principle of the method for automatically and dynamically dividing laser dividing lines according to printing time in this invention is as follows: First, using the contour lines and fill lines in the current layer slice data as the basic calculation unit, and combining printing parameters such as contour scanning speed and fill scanning speed, all scanning paths are converted into a total printing time T measured in time. total .

[0064] Secondly, with the goal of balancing the printing time of each laser, the total printing time is divided equally among the number of lasers to obtain the printing time T that each laser needs to handle. target .

[0065] Then, locate the position of the first dividing line between the first laser and the second laser, ensuring that the printing time for the area covered by the first laser is less than or equal to T. target The position of the first dividing line is determined based on the actual scannable range of the first laser, thus obtaining the final position of the first dividing line.

[0066] Next, based on the final position of the first dividing line, the actual printing time undertaken by the first laser is determined, and the remaining printing time T is calculated based on the actual printing time undertaken by the first laser. remain And redistribute between the second and third lasers (which may involve re-dividing).

[0067] Then, based on the remaining printing time, locate the position of the second dividing line between the second and third lasers, ensuring that the printing time for the area covered by the third laser is less than or equal to T. remain / 2, and determine the position of the second dividing line based on the actual scannable range of the third laser, thus obtaining the final position of the second dividing line.

[0068] Finally, the scanning area is divided into three consecutive scanning regions by the two dividing line positions, and each region is assigned to one of the three lasers to perform the printing task. The entire calculation process is automatically executed once before each layer is printed, ensuring that each layer obtains the optimal dividing line position adapted to the distribution of the slice data in the current layer.

[0069] In summary, this invention can dynamically calculate and adjust the position of the dividing line based on the slice data of each layer, so as to achieve a basically consistent scanning time for each laser in each layer of printing, reduce or eliminate the waiting time between lasers, and thus improve the overall printing efficiency.

[0070] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention shall fall within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for automatically and dynamically dividing laser dividing lines according to printing time, applied to a three-laser additive manufacturing equipment, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Obtain the slice data of the current layer, and calculate the total printing time T when the three lasers of the current layer print simultaneously based on the slice data and preset printing parameters. total ; Based on the total printing time T total Determine the printing time T required for each laser. target =T total / 3; Find the position of the first dividing line between the first laser and the second laser, such that the printing time of the area covered by the first laser is less than or equal to T. target The position of the first dividing line is determined based on the actual scannable range of the first laser, thus obtaining the final position of the first dividing line. Based on the final position of the first dividing line, determine the actual printing time undertaken by the first laser, and calculate the total printing time T. total Subtract the actual printing time of the first laser from the remaining printing time to obtain the remaining printing time T. remain ; Based on the remaining printing time, locate the position of the second dividing line between the second and third lasers, ensuring that the printing time for the area covered by the third laser is less than or equal to T. remain / 2, and determine the position of the second dividing line based on the actual scannable range of the third laser, thus obtaining the final position of the second dividing line; The scanning area of ​​the second laser is determined based on the final first dividing line position and the final second dividing line position.

2. The method for automatically and dynamically dividing laser dividing lines according to printing time as described in claim 1, characterized in that, If the actual scannable range of the first laser requires a printing time of less than T... target Then the right limit position of the first laser is the final position of the first dividing line.

3. The method for automatically and dynamically dividing laser dividing lines according to printing time as described in claim 1, characterized in that, If the actual scanning range of the third laser requires a printing time of less than T... remain / 2, then the left extreme position of the third laser is the final position of the second dividing line.

4. The method for automatically and dynamically dividing laser dividing lines according to printing time as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The total printing time T for simultaneous printing of the current layer using three lasers is calculated based on the slice data and preset printing parameters. total Specifically, it includes: Obtain the current layer's outline data and fill line data based on the current layer's slice data; The contour scan speed, fill scan speed, and fill interval are obtained based on preset printing parameters. Calculate the scan time of all contour lines and the sum of the scan times of all fill lines to obtain the total printing time T of the current layer. total ; The scanning time for a single line is determined by the ratio of the line length to the corresponding scanning speed.

5. The method for automatically and dynamically dividing laser dividing lines according to printing time as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The current layer slice data is obtained by slicing the 3D model. The contour data includes the contour information of all parts in the current layer, and the fill line data includes the fill path information of all parts in the current layer.

6. The method for automatically and dynamically dividing laser dividing lines according to printing time as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The preset printing parameters also include laser overlap width and spot compensation.

7. The method for automatically and dynamically dividing laser dividing lines according to printing time as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The three lasers are arranged sequentially in the same direction, and the scanning ranges of each laser are interconnected and cover the entire scanning area of ​​the current layer.

8. A device for automatically and dynamically dividing laser dividing lines according to printing time, applied to a three-laser additive manufacturing equipment, characterized in that, include: The data acquisition module is used to acquire the slice data of the current layer, which includes contour data and fill line data; The total time calculation module is used to calculate the total printing time T when three lasers print simultaneously on the current layer, based on the slice data and preset printing parameters. total ; The print time determination module is used to determine the total print time T. total Determine the required printing time T for each laser. target =T total / 3; The first dividing line determination module is used to locate the position of the first dividing line between the first laser and the second laser, ensuring that the printing time of the area covered by the first laser is less than or equal to T. target The position of the first dividing line is determined based on the actual scannable range of the first laser, thus obtaining the final position of the first dividing line. The remaining time allocation module is used to determine the actual printing time undertaken by the first laser based on the final position of the first dividing line, and to allocate the remaining time from the total printing time T. total Subtract the actual printing time undertaken by the first laser from the remaining printing time to obtain the remaining printing time, and then distribute the remaining printing time equally between the second and third lasers; The second dividing line determination module is used to locate the position of the second dividing line between the second and third lasers based on the remaining printing time, ensuring that the printing time for the area covered by the third laser is less than or equal to T. remain / 2, and determine the position of the second dividing line based on the actual scannable range of the third laser, thus obtaining the final position of the second dividing line; The scanning area determination module is used to determine the scanning area of ​​the second laser based on the final first dividing line position and the final second dividing line position.

9. A three-laser additive manufacturing equipment, characterized in that, It includes three lasers and a control unit, wherein the control unit is used to execute the method of automatically and dynamically dividing laser dividing lines according to the printing time as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, to determine the dividing line position of each laser, and to control each laser to scan and print according to the determined dividing line position.

10. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the method for automatically and dynamically dividing laser dividing lines according to the printing time as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

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