System and method for dynamically controlling a thermosetting 3D printer based on printing parameters of different materials

Abstract

We provide a computer system for controlling a thermosetting printer to produce desired material attributes. [Solution] The computer system comprises one or more processors and one or more computer-readable media that store executable instructions that configure the computer system to perform various actions when executed by the one or more processors. The computer system may receive indicators of one or more thermosetting materials to be used by a thermosetting printer to print a target object. The computer system may also have access to a material attribute dataset that describes different material properties of one or more thermosetting materials during printing. Based on the material attribute dataset, the computer system determines a specific extrusion configuration for one or more thermosetting materials and generates a command to cause the thermosetting printer to implement the specific extrusion configuration while printing the target object.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Government Rights This invention was made with government support under government contract No. W911NF-17-20227 awarded by the U.S. Army Contracting Command on behalf of the U.S. Army Research Laboratory. The government has certain rights in this invention.

[0002] 1. Technical Field The present invention relates to computer control of three-dimensional printing methods using co-reactive materials. In particular, the present invention relates to dynamically controlling the extrusion configuration of a thermosetting three-dimensional printer based on different materials used by the three-dimensional printer.

Background Art

[0003] 2. Background and Related Art Three-dimensional (3D) printing, also referred to as additive manufacturing, has experienced a technological explosion in the past few years. This increased interest is related to the ability of 3D printing to easily manufacture a wide variety of objects from common computer-aided design (CAD) files. In 3D printing, the construct is provided in successive layers of material to build the structure. These layers can be made from, for example, liquids, powders, papers, or sheet materials.

[0004] In conventional configurations, 3D printing systems utilize thermoplastic materials. The 3D printing system extrudes the thermoplastic material onto a platform through a heated nozzle. Using instructions derived from a CAD file, the system moves the nozzle relative to the platform and continuously builds layers of the thermoplastic material to form a 3D object. After being extruded from the nozzle, the thermoplastic material cools. Therefore, the resulting 3D object is made of layers of thermoplastic material extruded in a heated form and layered on top of each other.

[0005] There are many ways to improve 3D printing. These improvements can include faster printing, higher resolution printing, and more durable final products, among many other desired outcomes. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0006] A computer system for dynamically controlling a thermosetting three-dimensional (3D) printer may comprise one or more processors and one or more computer-readable media that store executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, configure the computer system to perform various actions. The computer system may receive indicators of one or more thermosetting materials used by the thermosetting 3D printer to print a target object. The computer system may also have access to a material attribute dataset that describes different material properties of one or more thermosetting materials during printing. Based on the material attribute dataset, the computer system may determine a particular extrusion configuration for one or more thermosetting materials and generate commands that cause the thermosetting 3D printer to implement a particular extrusion and printing configuration, such as (but not limited to) how the dispenser moves while printing the target object.

[0007] Additionally, a computer implementation method for dynamically controlling printing parameters within a thermosetting 3D printer may run on one or more processors. The computer implementation method may include receiving indicators of one or more thermosetting materials used by the thermosetting 3D printer to print a target object. Additionally, the computer implementation method may include accessing a material attribute dataset, which describes different material properties of one or more thermosetting materials during printing. The computer implementation method may also include determining a specific extrusion configuration for one or more thermosetting materials based on the material attribute dataset, and generating commands to cause the thermosetting 3D printer to implement the specific extrusion configuration while printing the target object.

[0008] Furthermore, the computer-readable medium may comprise one or more physical computer-readable storage media containing computer-executable instructions. When the computer-executable instructions are executed by one or more processors, the instructions may cause the computer system to execute a method for dynamically controlling printing parameters within a thermosetting 3D printer. The executed method may include receiving an index of one or more thermosetting materials to be used by the thermosetting 3D printer to print a target object. Additionally, the executed method may include accessing a material attribute dataset, which describes different material properties of one or more thermosetting materials during printing. The executed method may also include determining a specific extrusion configuration for one or more thermosetting materials based on the material attribute dataset, and generating a command to cause the thermosetting 3D printer to implement the specific extrusion configuration while printing the target object.

[0009] Additional features and advantages of exemplary implementations of the present invention are described in the following description and may be partially apparent from the description or may be known through practice of such exemplary implementations. These features and advantages may be realized and obtained by the fixtures and combinations specifically indicated in the appended claims. These and other features may be more fully apparent from the following description and the appended claims or may be known through practice of exemplary implementations as set forth below.

[0010] To illustrate the manner in which the above-listed and other advantages and features of the present invention can be obtained, a more specific description of the invention, which is briefly described above, is made by reference to its specific configuration illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is understood that these drawings depict only typical configurations of the invention and are therefore not intended to limit its scope, and the invention is described and explained with additional specificity and detail using the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This document illustrates a system for thermosetting 3D printing. [Figure 2] This document illustrates a schematic diagram of a computer system for thermosetting 3D printing. [Figure 3] The side views of different bead sizes are illustrated with examples. [Figure 4A] An example of an extrusion configuration having a first cross-sectional diameter, a first extrusion volume for each bead, and a specific extrusion rate is illustrated. [Figure 4B] Examples of extrusion configurations having a first cross-sectional diameter, a second extrusion volume for each bead smaller than the first extrusion volume, and a specific extrusion speed are illustrated. [Figure 4C] Examples of extrusion configurations having a second cross-sectional diameter smaller than the first cross-sectional diameter, a third extrusion volume for each bead, and a specific extrusion rate are illustrated. [Figure 4D] An example of an extrusion configuration having a second cross-sectional diameter, a fourth extrusion volume for each bead smaller than the third extrusion volume, and a specific extrusion speed is illustrated. [Figure 5A] This example illustrates how to print 3D objects based on a specific extrusion configuration that implements a changing slice diameter. [Figure 5B] This example illustrates how to print 3D objects based on a specific extrusion configuration that implements a changing slice diameter. [Figure 5C] This example illustrates how to print 3D objects based on a specific extrusion configuration that implements a changing slice diameter. [Figure 6] This paper illustrates a method for dynamically controlling a thermosetting printer to produce desired material properties. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The present invention relates to systems, methods, and apparatus for dynamically controlling a thermosetting three-dimensional (3D) printer. The systems, methods, and apparatus operate through the deposition of a co-reactive material while producing a target object. As used herein, “target object” may refer to a physical object or a part of a complete physical object that is additionally produced by the systems, methods, and / or apparatus described herein. Additionally, as used herein, the co-reactive material includes a thermosetting material.

[0013] Additive manufacturing using co-reactive components offers several advantages compared to alternative additive manufacturing methods. As used herein, “additive manufacturing” refers to the use of computer-aided design (e.g., through user-generated files or 3D object scanners) to deposit material layer by layer in an additive manufacturing apparatus in a precise geometric shape. Because materials forming continuous layers can be co-reacted to create covalent bonds between layers, additive manufacturing using co-reactive components can produce stronger parts. Furthermore, because the components have low viscosity when mixed, higher filler content can be used. Using higher filler content can modify the mechanical and / or electrical properties of the material and the constructed target object. Co-reactive components can extend the range of chemicals used in additively manufactured parts, providing improved properties such as solvent resistance and heat resistance.

[0014] Additionally, the ability to control the use of co-reactive components within an additive manufacturing environment using a computer system offers several advantages. For example, the computer system can dynamically control and adjust the flow rate and tool path of co-reactive components in a manner that produces the desired physical attributes of the resulting material. Such adjustment and control offer unique advantages within additive manufacturing.

[0015] For the purposes of the following detailed description, it should be understood that the present invention may assume various alternative variations and step sequences unless explicitly specified to the contrary. Further, except for any operating examples or where otherwise indicated, for example, all numbers representing amounts of components used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". Thus, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties obtained by the present invention. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims, each numerical parameter should be construed in light of the reported number of significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Although the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the present invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Nevertheless, any numerical value inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective test measurements.

[0016] Also, it is to be understood that any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein. For example, a range of "1 to 10" is intended to include all sub-ranges between (and including) the recited minimum value of 1 and the recited maximum value of 10, that is, all sub-ranges having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.

[0017] The use of the singular is intended to include the plural unless specifically stated otherwise, and the plural is intended to include the singular. Additionally, although "and / or" may be explicitly used in certain instances, the use of "or" is intended to mean "and / or" unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0018] The term "polymer" is meant to include prepolymers, homopolymers, copolymers, and oligomers.

[0019] In addition, unless otherwise indicated, numerical values representing amounts, constituent materials, distances, or other measurements used in this specification and the claims are to be understood as being modified, as necessary, by the term "about" or its synonyms. When the terms "about," "approximately," "substantially," or the like are used in conjunction with a stated amount, value, or condition, it can be interpreted to mean an amount, value, or condition that deviates by less than 20%, less than 10%, less than 5%, less than 1%, less than 0.1%, or less than 0.01% from the stated amount, value, or condition.

[0020] The configurations of the present disclosure are directed to the fabrication of structural objects using 3D printing. The 3D object can be fabricated by depositing at least two co-reactive components on a substrate and then depositing additional portions or layers of the object on the underlying deposited portions or layers to form successive portions or layers of the object. The layers are deposited continuously to build the 3D printed object. The co-reactive components can be mixed and then deposited, or deposited separately. When deposited separately, the components can be deposited simultaneously, sequentially, or both simultaneously and sequentially.

[0021] Deposition and like terms refer to the application of a co-reactable or co-reactive composition and / or its reactive components, including a printing material, onto a substrate (for the first portion of the object) or onto a previously deposited portion or layer of the object. Each co-reactive component can include monomers, prepolymers, adducts, polymers, and / or cross-linking agents that can chemically react with the constituent materials of the other co-reactive components.

[0022] At least two co-reactive components may be mixed together and then deposited as a mixture of co-reactive components that react to form parts of an object. For example, two co-reactive components may be mixed together and deposited as a mixture of co-reactive components, which react by delivering at least two separate streams of co-reactive components into a mixing device such as a static or dynamic mixer to form a co-reactive composition and then a single stream that is deposited. The co-reactive components may be at least partially reacted by the time the composition containing the reaction mixture is deposited. The deposited reaction mixture may react at least partially after deposition and may also react with previously deposited and / or subsequently deposited parts of an object, such as lower or upper layers of the object.

[0023] Alternatively, the two co-reactive components may be deposited separately and react during deposition to form parts of an object. For example, in some embodiments, a predetermined time is set between the deposition of the two co-reactive components to ensure bonding between multiple layers, depending on the relative gel time of the two co-reactive components. For example, the two co-reactive components may be deposited separately, such as by using an inkjet printing system, so that the co-reactive components are deposited close together, overlapping and / or adjacent to each other, so that the two reactive components can react and form parts of an object. In another embodiment, in an extruded product, the cross-sectional profile of the extruded product may be heterogeneous rather than homogeneous, such that different parts of the cross-sectional profile may have one of the two co-reactive components and / or contain mixtures of the two co-reactive components in different molar ratios and / or equivalent ratios.

[0024] Furthermore, different parts of an object may be formed using two or more different proportions of co-reactive components, so that different parts of the object may be characterized by different material properties throughout the entire 3D printed object. In some embodiments, a 5-in-1 print head may be implemented to simultaneously eject five different proportions of different co-reactive components. For example, some parts of the object may be rigid, while other parts of the object may be flexible.

[0025] It will be understood that the viscosity, temperature, reaction time, reaction rate, and other properties of the co-reactive components, such as gel time, sag, fluidity and / or rheology, yield stress, high viscosity, non-leveling, leaching, shear viscosity in air, A / B compatibility (but not limited to these), can be tuned to control the flow of the co-reactive components and / or co-reactive compositions so that the deposited portion and / or object achieves and maintains the desired structural integrity after deposition. The viscosity of the co-reactive components can be tuned by including a solvent, or the co-reactive components may be substantially solvent-free or completely solvent-free. The viscosity of the co-reactive components can be tuned by including a filler, or the co-reactive components may be substantially filler-free or completely filler-free. The viscosity of the co-reactive components can be tuned by using components with lower or higher molecular weights. For example, the co-reactive components may include prepolymers, monomers, or combinations of prepolymers and monomers. The viscosity of the co-reactive components can be tuned by changing the deposition temperature. Co-reactive components may have viscosity and temperature profiles that can be adjusted for the specific deposition method used, such as pre-deposition and / or pre-inkjet mixing. Viscosity may be influenced by the composition of the co-reactive component itself and / or controlled by the inclusion of rheological modifiers as described herein.

[0026] Viscosity and / or reaction rate may be desirable so that the composition retains its intended shape after the deposition of co-reactive components. For example, if the viscosity is too low and / or the reaction rate is too slow, the deposited composition may flow in a way that impairs the desired shape of the finished object. Similarly, if the viscosity is too high and / or the reaction rate is too fast, the desired shape may be impaired.

[0027] Referring here to the figure, Figure 1 illustrates a system for 3D printing using co-reactive components. The system depicted comprises a 3D printer 100 communicating with a computer system 110. Although depicted as a physically separate component, the computer system 110 may also be fully integrated within the 3D printer 100, distributed among multiple different electronic devices (including a cloud computing environment), or otherwise integrated with the 3D printer 100. As used herein, “3D printer” refers to any device that enables additive manufacturing using computer-generated data files. Such computer-generated data files are referred to herein as “CAD files.”

[0028] The depicted 3D printer 100 is depicted together with the target object 120 in a wedge shape. The wedge shape is constructed by the 3D printer 100 using a co-reactive component, at least in part. The 3D printer 100 also comprises a dispenser 130 attached to a moving mechanism 140. As used herein, “dispenser” may include a dynamic nozzle, a static nozzle, a static mixing nozzle, an injection device, a dispensing device, a pouring device, an extrusion device, a spraying device, or any other device capable of providing a controlled flow of a co-reactive component.

[0029] Furthermore, the moving mechanism 140 is described to include a dispenser mounted in a track 142 that is movable along the arm in the X-axis direction, and another set of tracks 144 that allow the arm to move in the Y-axis direction. In some embodiments, tracks 142, 144, and / or additional tracks may be configured to move in the Z-axis direction. However, it should be understood that this configuration is provided for illustrative and explanatory purposes only. In additional or alternative configurations, the moving mechanism 140 may include any system that can control the position of the dispenser 130 relative to a target object 120, which includes, but is not limited to, a system that moves the target object 120 relative to the dispenser 130.

[0030] Furthermore, the 3D printer 100 is connected to one or more containers 152(a-e) of the co-reactive component. In the embodiment described, the co-reactive component is accessed through a selectable manifold 150 that allows the user to select the desired container 152(a-e) from which to extract the co-reactive component. However, it will be understood that the system described for 3D printing is merely illustrative. For example, in alternative cases, the system may have different configurations of the co-reactive component and the selectable manifold 150, or it may not have a selectable manifold 150 at all.

[0031] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a computer system for thermosetting 3D printing. The computer system 110 is shown as communicating with the 3D printer 100. Additionally, various modules, or units, of the 3D printing design software 200 are depicted as being executed by the computer system 110. In particular, the 3D printing design software 200 is depicted as comprising a tool path generation unit 240, a flow rate processing unit 242, a dispenser control unit 244, and a material database 246. In some embodiments, the flow rate processing unit 242 may be configured to turn one or more valves in the dispenser 130 on and / or off and / or control the flow rate based on an E command (calling the system editor to edit statements in the stack). In some embodiments, the dispenser control unit 244 may be configured to control the linear motion of the dispenser 130.

[0032] The depicted computer system for thermosetting 3D printing is further shown to include a first co-reactive component container 150a and a second co-reactive component container 150b that are supplied directly to the 3D printer 100. Thus, the 3D printer 100 can extract co-reactive components from the first co-reactive component container 150a and the second co-reactive component container 150b as desired. However, this configuration is merely illustrative, and it will be understood that additional or alternative configurations may utilize different configurations of co-reactive component containers to supply co-reactive components to the 3D printer 100.

[0033] As used herein, “module” includes computer executable code and / or computer hardware that perform a particular function. Those skilled in the art will understand that distinctions between different modules are at least partially arbitrary, and that modules may be combined and divided in different ways and still fall within the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the description of a component as a “module” is provided for clarification and explanatory purposes only and should not be construed to indicate that any particular structure of computer executable code and / or computer hardware is required unless otherwise expressly stated. In this description, terms such as “unit,” “component,” “agent,” “manager,” “service,” “engine,” and “virtual machine” may also be used similarly.

[0034] The computer system 110 also comprises one or more processors 210 and one or more computer storage media 220 storing executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors 210, configure the computer system 110 to perform various actions. For example, the computer system 110 may receive an indicator to cause the 3D printer 100 to print layers. As used herein, “indicator” includes any form of input received by the computer system 110. For example, an indicator may include manual input by a user, an automated action performed by the computer system 110 or another remote computer system, the execution of a software application, the selection of a user interface element in a graphical user interface, the reception of a data file, or any other form of input that causes the computer system 110 to perform further actions.

[0035] When the computer system 110 receives an indicator for printing layers of the target object 120, the tool path generation unit 240 generates a tool path for additionally manufacturing the target object 120 and / or accesses a material database to generate a tool path having specific properties of the material. As used herein, “tool path” refers to the path of the dispenser 130 in manufacturing the target object 120. Additionally, “tool path” may also refer to the speed and / or flow rate of the dispenser 130 in manufacturing the target object 120. The tool path generation unit 240 generates a tool path such that the co-reactive material is dispensed from the dispenser 130 along the path that produces the target object 120 at a certain speed.

[0036] In some situations, the tooling pathway may require the dispenser 130 to layer the co-reactive materials in multiple layers on top of each other. The flow rate processing unit 242 calculates the target flow rate to ensure that the co-reactive materials bond properly between the different layers. Such calculations can be a major factor in the reaction time of the co-reactive materials, such as layering the materials on top of each other before the lower layers have fully cured. Thus, the generation of the first tooling pathway may be based, at least in part, on the target flow rate. As described above, such information regarding the amount of time that different co-reactive components remain reactive is provided by the material database 246.

[0037] As used herein, “flow rate” (also referred to as “extrusion rate”) includes the rate at which one or more components of the material are dispensed from the dispenser 130. The flow rate may be controllable for each component. For example, the tool path generation unit 240 includes a flow rate processing unit 242 that determines and controls a target flow rate for dispensing co-reactive materials to produce a target object 120. In some embodiments, the flow rate processing unit 242 may be configured to turn one or more valves in the dispenser 130 on and / or on and / or control the flow rate based on an E command (invoking a system editor to edit statements in the stack). In some embodiments, a dispenser control unit 244 may be configured to control the linear motion of the dispenser 130.

[0038] The flow rate processing unit 242 may be configured to manipulate the flow rate of the co-reactive material by changing the properties of the co-reactive components within the co-reactive material while creating the target object 120. It will be understood that the viscosity, reaction rate, and other properties of the co-reactive components may be adjusted to control the flow of the co-reactive components and / or thermosetting composition so that the deposited portion and / or object achieves and maintains the desired structural integrity after deposition. The viscosity of the co-reactive components may be adjusted by including a solvent (e.g., resin, pigment, rheology modifier, etc.), or the co-reactive components may be substantially solvent-free or completely solvent-free. The viscosity of the co-reactive components may be adjusted by including a filler, or the co-reactive components may be substantially filler-free or completely filler-free. The viscosity of the co-reactive components may be adjusted by using components with lower or higher molecular weights. For example, the co-reactive components may include prepolymers, monomers, or combinations of prepolymers and monomers. The viscosity of the co-reactive components may be adjusted by changing the deposition temperature. Co-reactive components may have viscosity and temperature profiles that can be adjusted for the specific deposition method used, such as pre-deposition and / or pre-inkjet mixing. Viscosity may be influenced by the composition of the co-reactive component itself and / or controlled by the inclusion of rheological modifiers as described herein.

[0039] Viscosity and / or reaction rate may be desirable so that the composition retains its intended shape after the deposition of co-reactive components. For example, if the viscosity is too low and / or the reaction rate is too slow, the deposited composition may flow in a way that impairs the desired shape of the finished object. Similarly, if the viscosity is too high and / or the reaction rate is too fast, the desired shape may be impaired.

[0040] For example, the co-reactive components deposited together have viscosities at 25°C and 0.1s of 5,000 centipoise (cP) to 5,000,000 cP, 50,000 cP to 4,000,000 cP, or 200,000 cP to 2,000,000 cP. -1 The co-reactive components deposited together may have a viscosity at 25°C and a viscosity of 50 centipoise (cP) to 50,000 cP, 100 cP to 20,000 cP, or 200 to 10,000 cP over 1,000 s. -1 It may have a shear rate of . Viscosity values ​​can be measured using an Anton Paar MCR301 or 302 rheometer with a gap of 1 mm to 2 mm.

[0041] Additionally, the actual bead size or layer size dispensed by the dispenser 130 can be controlled by adjusting the viscosity and / or reaction rate. As used herein, “beads” includes layers of material dispensed by the dispenser 130 along the tool path. Similarly, as used herein, “bead size” includes one or more dimensions of the layer being dispensed by the dispenser 130. For example, bead size may include the height of the bead, the radius of the bead, the width of the bead, or any other physical dimension of the bead. It will be understood that although the word “beads” is used herein, the actual layer does not need to be physically similar to a conventional bead shape.

[0042] Additionally or alternatively, the dispenser control unit 244 may adjust the properties of the 3D printer 100 to achieve a desired flow rate. For example, the dispenser control unit 244 may move the dispenser 130 faster or slower to achieve a desired bead size, deposition rate, viscosity, and / or reaction rate. In some embodiments, the dispenser control unit 244 may also move the dispenser 130 faster or slower, accelerating, jerking, and / or kill-decelerating (corresponding to conditions under which the printer slows down to stop its movement) to achieve a desired bead size, deposition rate, viscosity, and / or reaction rate. For example, if the dispenser 130 is dispensing co-reactive material at a constant rate, and the dispenser control unit 244 moves the dispenser at a faster rate during deposition, the resulting bead size will be smaller depending on the properties of the physical material. Similarly, the dispenser control unit 244 may cause the dispenser 130 to dispensing co-reactive material at a higher or lower rate based on a desired flow rate and / or bead size. Thus, the flow rate processing unit 242 can adjust the properties of co-reactive components in the material, and / or the dispenser control unit 244 can adjust the mechanical operation of the 3D printer 100 to achieve a desired flow rate and / or bead size. In some embodiments, a feedforward control mechanism is implemented to correct for inertia and other issues at the mechanical level based on the amount of print, speed, etc., to compensate during printing. In some embodiments, such compensation is based on the layers of the printed object rather than being bound by predetermined calculations.

[0043] In some configurations, the 3D printer 100 may be able to utilize multiple different types of materials to manufacture the target object 120. These different materials may contain different combinations of co-reactive components. For example, Figure 1 depicts one or more containers 152(a-e) of co-reactive components, each of which may contain different types of co-reactive components. Upon receiving a material index, the tool path generation unit 240 accesses the material properties from the material database 246. In some cases, the material index includes a specific mixture of co-reactive components, such as a specific mixture of co-reactive components provided by one or more containers 152(a-e) of co-reactive components. The material properties include various other attributes related to the viscosity and / or reactivity of the material. Using the information from the material database 246 and the process described above, the tool path generation unit 240 uses the material properties to determine the target flow rate and / or bead size.

[0044] Additionally, in some configurations, the co-reactive component may utilize external stimuli such as UV light during the reaction process. In such cases, the 3D printer 100 may be equipped with a UV light source controllable by a computer system 110. The 3D printer 100 may be configured to dispense the co-reactive material and cure the material with the UV light source. Various other stimuli can similarly be implemented by the computer system 110 so that the stimuli are applied to the co-reactive material during and / or after dispensing. In some embodiments, adjustments of other equipment may be implemented to adjust other properties of the co-reactive component. For example, viscosity properties may be changed by adjusting the pressure setpoint, fluidity may be changed by adjusting the pump rotation speed, gel time may be changed by adjusting the gantry speed, and fluidity or the geometric shape of the part may be changed by adjusting the nozzle diameter and mixing configuration, etc. For example, in the case of a progressive cavity pump-based extruder, different materials require the extruder motor to pump more slowly or faster to achieve the same target pump speed. In some embodiments, the motor's rotational speed may also be a material-dependent pumping attribute.

[0045] Now, returning to the dynamic control of printing parameters within the thermosetting 3D printer 100, the user can input an index in the computer system 110. The index indicates one or more thermosetting materials to be used by the thermosetting 3D printer 100 to print the target object. In some configurations, the index may further include the ratio of one or more thermosetting materials used by the thermosetting 3D printer 100.

[0046] In response to receiving an index, the 3D printing design software 200 can access a material attribute dataset 246. The material attribute dataset 246 describes different material properties of one or more thermosetting materials during printing. Since one or more materials are co-reactive components, the material attribute dataset 246 may contain different material properties of one or more materials after they have been mixed, reacted, and / or partially reacted with each other. In some cases, different ratios of one or more thermosetting materials are used. In some embodiments, material properties may include (but are not limited to) at least one of the following: abrasion resistance, density, thermal expansion, thermal conductivity, chemical resistance, glass transition temperature (Tg), elongation at break, surface energy, or electrical conductivity. In some configurations, a particular extrusion configuration is the primary factor in the length of coasting while printing the target 3D object. In several other configurations, a particular extrusion configuration is the primary factor in the printing speed while printing the target 3D object.

[0047] For example, different material properties of one or more thermosetting materials during printing may include different fluid qualities of one or more thermosetting materials during printing. In some cases, different fluid qualities of one or more thermosetting materials during printing may cause a particular extrusion configuration to be the primary factor in the influence of different fluid qualities on the height and width of the layers of the extruded thermosetting material. In other cases, different fluid qualities of one or more thermosetting materials during printing may cause a particular extrusion configuration to be the primary factor in the length of coasting during printing of the target 3D object.

[0048] In another embodiment, the different material properties of one or more thermosetting materials during printing may also include the different gel properties of one or more thermosetting materials during printing. In some cases, the different gel properties of one or more thermosetting materials during printing may be the primary factor in the minimum mixing flow rate while printing a particular extrusion configuration. In some other cases, the different gel properties of one or more thermosetting materials during printing may be the primary factor in the printing speed while printing a particular extrusion configuration.

[0049] Based on the material attribute dataset 246, the 3D printing design software 200 can determine a specific extrusion configuration for one or more thermosetting materials and generate commands to cause the thermosetting 3D printer 100 to implement the specific extrusion configuration while printing the target 3D object. In some configurations, the specific extrusion configuration may include (but is not limited to) the nozzle cross-sectional diameter, the extrusion volume of each bead or droplet, and / or the extrusion rate. In some configurations, the specific extrusion configuration may further include (but is not limited to)

[0050] For example, Figure 3 illustrates side views of different bead sizes. In the example depicted, the first bead size 310 may correspond to the first extrusion configuration. The second bead size 320 is smaller than the first set of bead sizes and corresponds to the second extrusion configuration. Similarly, the third bead size 330 is smaller than the second bead size 320 and corresponds to the third extrusion configuration, and so on. In some configurations, the flow processing unit 242 can determine a specific extrusion configuration, which in turn determines one or more bead sizes based on one or more thermosetting materials used.

[0051] Figures 4A to 4D further illustrate different embodiments of the extrusion configuration. Figures 4A and 4B illustrate two embodiments of extrusion configurations 400A and 400B, where the nozzles have the same cross-sectional extrusion diameters 410A and 410B. However, the bead extrusion volume 420A of extrusion configuration 400A is greater than the bead extrusion volume 420B of extrusion configuration 400B. Therefore, the beads 430A extruded based on extrusion configuration 400A are greater than the beads 430B extruded based on extrusion configuration 400B. Furthermore, the extrusion speed 440A of extrusion configuration 400A may also differ from the extrusion speed 440B of extrusion configuration 400B.

[0052] Figures 4C and 4D further illustrate two embodiments of extrusion configurations 400C and 400D, in which the nozzles have cross-sectional extrusion diameters 410C and 410D that are smaller than the cross-sectional extrusion diameters 410A and 410B in configurations 400A and 400B in Figures 4A and 4B. Similarly, even though configurations 400C and 400D share the same extrusion diameter, extrusion configuration 400C has a larger extrusion volume per bead than configuration 400D. Also, the extrusion speed 440C of configuration 400C and the extrusion speed 440D of configuration 400D may be the same as or different from each other, and / or the extrusion speed 440A or 440B of configurations 400A and 400B.

[0053] As illustrated, after beads 430A, 430B, 430C, and 430D are extruded from the nozzle, the extruded beads 450A, 450B, 450C, and 450D fall onto surfaces 470A, 470B, 470C, and 470D, forming a portion of layers 460A, 460B, 460C, and 460D. Surfaces 470A, 470B, 470C, and 470D may be plates on which the 3D object is formed when the first layer of the target 3D object is formed. Alternatively, surfaces 470A, 470B, 470C, and 470D may be the layers before the target 3D object when the second layer of the target 3D object or subsequent layers of the target 3D object are formed.

[0054] As illustrated, the height and / or width of layers formed by one or more thermosetting materials may vary depending on the extrusion configuration of the 3D printer, the fluidity of one or more thermosetting materials, and / or the gel properties. In some configurations, a particular extrusion configuration involves dynamic modifications made to the mechanical components of the thermosetting 3D printer. For example, a particular extrusion configuration may involve dynamically changing the nozzle diameter of a particular dispenser 140. Thus, the principles described herein allow for dynamic control of the extrusion configuration of the 3D printer 100 to be the primary factor in the influence of different fluidity on the height and width of layers formed by one or more extruded thermosetting materials.

[0055] For example, if one or more thermosetting materials are highly fluid, the flow rate processing unit 242 may determine that a smaller cross-sectional extrusion diameter and / or a smaller extrusion volume is applicable. Alternatively, if two or more thermosetting materials have different fluidities, the flow rate processing unit 242 may determine the combined fluidity of a mixture of two or more thermosetting materials. Then, based on the combined fluidity of the mixture of two or more thermosetting materials, the flow rate processing unit 242 may determine a specific cross-sectional extrusion diameter and / or extrusion volume accordingly.

[0056] In another embodiment, if one or more thermosetting materials both have tough gel properties, the flow rate processing unit 242 may determine that a higher extrusion rate is applicable. Similarly, if two or more thermosetting materials have different gel properties, the flow rate processing unit 242 may determine the combined gel properties of a mixture of two or more thermosetting materials. Then, based on the combined gel properties of the mixture of two or more thermosetting materials, the flow rate processing unit 242 may determine the extrusion rate accordingly.

[0057] Furthermore, in some configurations, a specific extrusion configuration may include slice parameters encoded within the print file. In some other configurations, a specific extrusion configuration may include slice parameters that are not encoded within the print file. Slice parameters are parameters that describe the cross-section of each layer of the 3D target 3D object being formed. For example, certain areas of a 3D object are susceptible to over-extrusion, such as corners and turns (but not limited to these). For such areas of a 3D object, the flow processing unit 242 may be configured to adjust the extrusion configuration to reduce the bead size. Similarly, certain areas of a 3D object are susceptible to under-extrusion. For such areas of a 3D object, the flow processing unit 242 may be configured to adjust the extrusion configuration to increase the bead size. The ability to control the extrusion configuration slice by slice improves the repairability and mechanical integrity of the printed part.

[0058] For example, 3D printing design software 200 may be configured to generate a print file based on user indicators. User indicators may include (but are not limited to) information associated with one or more thermosetting materials and target 3D objects (e.g., dimensions, shape, etc.). Based on the user indicators, 3D printing design software 200 may be configured to generate a print file readable by printer 100. The print file may include slice parameters configured to slice the target 3D object into layers. The slice parameters in the print file may or may not be encoded in a particular extrusion configuration. In some cases, a particular extrusion configuration may or may not be encoded in the print file. When a particular extrusion configuration is encoded in the print file, that configuration may include slice parameters of the target 3D object encoded in the print file. Alternatively, in some configurations, a particular extrusion configuration may not be encoded in the print file, and that configuration may include a different set of slice parameters than those encoded in the print file.

[0059] Figure 5A illustrates an embodiment of printing a target 3D object using a specific extrusion configuration that implements extrusion rates that vary based on the print file and / or one or more materials. As illustrated, the corner portions 510A of the target 3D object are set to have a smaller slice diameter, and the central portions 520A of the target 3D object are fed to have a larger slice diameter. Figures 5B–5C illustrate how the extruded material drops from Figure 5A merge together to form a target 3D object with a substantially flat surface.

[0060] The following discussion refers to several possible methods and actions of a method. Actions of a method may be considered in a specific order, or illustrated in a flowchart to occur in a specific order, but a specific order is not necessary unless otherwise specifically stated, or unless required because one action depends on another action being completed before it is performed.

[0061] Figure 6 illustrates a flowchart of steps for Method 600 for dynamically controlling a thermosetting printer to produce desired material attributes. Method 600 includes receiving an index (act 610). The index may be entered by a user in a computer system 110. The index includes one or more thermosetting materials 612 to be used by the thermosetting 3D printer to print a target object. The index may also include information associated with the target 3D object 514 (e.g., the shape and / or dimensions of the target 3D object). Method 500 further includes accessing a material attribute dataset (act 520). The material attribute dataset describes different material properties of one or more thermosetting materials during printing. Material properties may include (but are not limited to) fluid and / or gel properties. Method 600 further includes determining a specific extrusion configuration for one or more thermosetting materials based on a material attribute dataset and / or the shape and / or dimensions of a target 3D object (act 630), and generating a command to cause the thermosetting 3D printer to implement the specific extrusion configuration while printing the target object. In some embodiments, a feedforward control mechanism is implemented to compensate at the machine level for inertia, etc., based on print volume, speed, etc., for correction during printing. In some embodiments, such corrections are based on the layers of the printed object rather than being bound by predetermined calculations.

[0062] In some configurations, a particular extrusion configuration is the primary factor influencing the different fluidity properties of the extruded layers of one or more thermosetting materials. In some configurations, a particular extrusion configuration is the primary factor influencing the length and aspect ratio of the coasting phase while printing the target object. In some other configurations, a particular extrusion configuration is the primary factor influencing the printing speed while printing the target object.

[0063] Furthermore, in some other configurations, a particular extrusion configuration includes slice parameters encoded in the print file. In some configurations, a particular extrusion configuration includes slice parameters that are not encoded in the print file. In some other configurations, a particular extrusion configuration includes dynamic changes made to the mechanical components of the thermosetting 3D printer (e.g., nozzle diameter), as well as dynamic pressure control.

[0064] While the subject matter is described using language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that the subject matter as defined in the attached claims is not necessarily limited to the described features or actions, or the order of the described actions, as described above. Rather, the described features and actions are disclosed as exemplary forms that implement the claims.

[0065] The present invention may include, or may utilize, a dedicated or general-purpose computer system, including, for example, one or more processors and system memory, which are computer hardware. Configurations within the scope of the present invention also include physical and other computer-readable media for transporting or storing computer-executable instructions and / or data structures. Such computer-readable media may be any available media accessible by a general-purpose or dedicated computer system. A computer-readable medium that stores computer-executable instructions and / or data structures is a computer storage medium. A computer-readable medium that transports computer-executable instructions and / or data structures is a transmission medium. Therefore, as examples rather than being limiting, configurations of the present invention may comprise at least two distinctly different types of computer-readable media, namely computer storage media and transmission media.

[0066] A computer storage medium is a physical storage medium that stores computer executable instructions and / or data structures. A physical storage medium includes computer hardware such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, solid-state drives ("SSD"), flash memory, phase-shift memory ("PCM"), optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other hardware storage device(s) that can be used to store program code in the form of computer executable instructions or data structures, which can be accessed and executed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer system to implement the functionality disclosed in this invention.

[0067] A transmission medium can be used to carry program code in the form of computer executable instructions or data structures and may include a network and / or data links accessible by a general-purpose or dedicated computer system. “Network” is defined as one or more data links that enable the transfer of electronic data between computer systems and / or modules and / or other electronic devices. When information is transferred to or provided to a computer system via a network or another communication connection (either wired, wireless, or a combination of wired and wireless), the computer system may consider the connection to be a transmission medium. The above combinations should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0068] Furthermore, upon reaching various computer system components, program code in the form of computer executable instructions or data structures can be automatically transferred from the transmission medium to the computer storage medium (or vice versa). For example, computer executable instructions or data structures received via a network or data link may be buffered in RAM within a network interface module (e.g., a "NIC") and then ultimately transferred to the computer system's RAM and / or less volatile computer storage medium within the computer system. Therefore, it should be understood that computer storage medium may be included within computer system components that also utilize (or primarily utilize) the transmission medium.

[0069] Computer executable instructions consist of instructions and data that, when executed on one or more processors, cause a particular function or group of functions in a general-purpose computer system, a dedicated computer system, or a dedicated processing device to be executed. Computer executable instructions can be, for example, binary, intermediate format instructions such as assembly language, or even source code.

[0070] Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be put into practice in network computing environments having many types of computer system configurations, including personal computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, message processors, handheld devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, mobile phones, PDAs, tablets, pagers, routers, switches, and the like. The present invention can also be put into practice in distributed system environments where both local and remote computer systems linked through a network (by hardwired data links, wireless data links, or a combination of hardwired and wireless data links) perform tasks. Thus, in a distributed system environment, the computer system may comprise multiple configured computer systems. In a distributed system environment, program modules may reside in both local and remote memory storage devices.

[0071] Those skilled in the art will also understand that the present invention can be practiced in a cloud computing environment. A cloud computing environment can be distributed, but is not required. When distributed, a cloud computing environment may have components that are internationally distributed within an organization and / or held across multiple organizations. In this specification and the following claims, “cloud computing” is defined as a model for enabling on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services). The definition of “cloud computing” is not limited to any of the many other benefits that can be obtained from such a model when properly deployed.

[0072] Cloud computing models can comprise a variety of characteristics, including on-demand self-service, extensive network access, resource pooling, rapid adaptability, and measured service. Cloud computing models can also be presented in the form of various service models, such as Software as a Service ("SaaS"), Platform as a Service ("PaaS"), and Infrastructure as a Service ("IaaS"). Cloud computing models can also be deployed using different deployment models, such as private clouds, community clouds, public clouds, and hybrid clouds.

[0073] Some configurations, such as cloud computing environments, can consist of a system with one or more hosts, each capable of running one or more virtual machines. While running, a virtual machine emulates an operating system, and possibly one or more other applications as well. In some configurations, each host has a hypervisor that emulates the virtual resources of a virtual machine using physical resources abstracted from the virtual machine's perspective. The hypervisor also provides adequate isolation between virtual machines. Therefore, from the perspective of any given virtual machine, the hypervisor provides the illusion that the virtual machine is interfaced with physical resources, even though the virtual machine only interfaces with the physical resources (e.g., virtual resources). Examples of physical resources include processing power, memory, disk space, network bandwidth, media drives, etc.

[0074] The present invention is further defined by the following embodiments.

[0075] In a first aspect, a computer system is provided for dynamically controlling printing parameters in a thermosetting three-dimensional printer, comprising one or more processors and one or more computer-readable media storing executable instructions, wherein when an executable instruction is executed by one or more processors, the computer system is configured to perform at least the following: receive an index of one or more thermosetting materials to be used by the thermosetting three-dimensional printer to print a target object; access a material attribute dataset, wherein the material attribute dataset describes different material properties of one or more thermosetting materials in print; determine a specific extrusion configuration of one or more thermosetting materials based on the material attribute dataset; and generate a command to cause the thermosetting three-dimensional printer to implement a specific extrusion configuration while printing the target object.

[0076] According to a second embodiment of a system for dynamically controlling printing parameters in a thermosetting three-dimensional printer, as described in Embodiment 1, different material properties of one or more thermosetting materials during printing include different fluid properties of one or more thermosetting materials during printing.

[0077] According to a third embodiment of a system for dynamically controlling printing parameters in a thermosetting three-dimensional printer, as described in Embodiment 1 or 2, a particular extrusion configuration includes one or more motion control parameters, including at least one of acceleration, deceleration, jerk, or kill deceleration.

[0078] According to a fourth aspect of a system for dynamically controlling printing parameters in a thermosetting three-dimensional printer, as described in any of aspects 1 to 3, a particular extrusion configuration is primarily responsible for the influence of different fluid qualities on the height and width of the extruded layers of one or more thermosetting materials due to the different fluid qualities of one or more thermosetting materials during printing.

[0079] According to a fifth aspect of a system for dynamically controlling printing parameters in a thermosetting three-dimensional printer, as described in any of aspects 1 to 4, the different fluid qualities of one or more thermosetting materials during printing are the primary cause of the length of coasting during printing of a target object in a particular extrusion configuration.

[0080] According to a sixth aspect of a system for dynamically controlling printing parameters in a thermosetting three-dimensional printer, as described in any of aspects 1 to 5, different material properties of one or more thermosetting materials during printing include different gel properties of one or more thermosetting materials during printing.

[0081] According to a seventh aspect of a system for dynamically controlling printing parameters in a thermosetting three-dimensional printer, as described in any of aspects 1 to 6, the different gel properties of one or more thermosetting materials during printing make a particular extrusion configuration the primary factor in the minimum mixing flow rate while printing the target object.

[0082] According to an eighth aspect of a system for dynamically controlling printing parameters in a thermosetting three-dimensional printer, as described in any of aspects 1 to 7, the different gel properties of one or more thermosetting materials during printing make a particular extrusion configuration the primary factor in the printing speed and / or extrusion speed while printing a target object.

[0083] According to a ninth aspect of a system for dynamically controlling printing parameters in a thermosetting three-dimensional printer, as described in any of aspects 1 to 8, the material attribute dataset includes a dataset indicating the layer time and linear rate of time in the nozzle of the thermosetting three-dimensional printer.

[0084] According to a tenth aspect of a system for dynamically controlling printing parameters in a thermosetting three-dimensional printer, as described in any aspect or aspects 1 to 9, the material attribute dataset includes a dataset that specifies a configuration associated with the nozzle pressure of the thermosetting three-dimensional printer, or instructs the user to use a particular static nozzle.

[0085] According to an eleventh embodiment of a system for dynamically controlling printing parameters in a thermosetting three-dimensional printer, as described in any of embodiments 1 to 10, the material attribute dataset includes a dataset that indicates configurations associated with the gantry, pumping, or UV curing of the thermosetting three-dimensional printer.

[0086] A twelfth aspect of the computer implementation method for dynamically controlling a thermosetting printer to produce desired material attributes, the computer implementation method is executed on one or more processors, and the method includes: receiving an index of one or more thermosetting materials to be used by a thermosetting three-dimensional printer to print a target object; accessing a material attribute dataset, the material attribute dataset describing different material properties of one or more thermosetting materials in print; determining a specific extrusion configuration of one or more thermosetting materials based on the material attribute dataset; and generating a command to cause the thermosetting three-dimensional printer to implement a specific extrusion configuration while printing a target object.

[0087] According to a thirteenth aspect of a computer implementation method for dynamically controlling a thermosetting printer to produce desired material attributes, as described in aspect 12, different material properties of one or more thermosetting materials during printing include different fluid qualities of one or more thermosetting materials during printing.

[0088] According to a 14th aspect of a computer implementation method for dynamically controlling a thermosetting printer to produce desired material attributes, as described in aspect 12 or 13, a particular extrusion configuration includes one or more motion control parameters, including at least one of acceleration, deceleration, jerk, or kill deceleration.

[0089] According to a 15th aspect of a computer implementation method for dynamically controlling a thermosetting printer to produce desired material attributes, as described in any of aspects 12 to 14, a particular extrusion configuration is characterized by the influence of different fluid qualities on the height and width of the extruded layers of one or more thermosetting materials, due to the different fluid qualities of one or more thermosetting materials during printing.

[0090] According to a 16th aspect of a computer implementation method for dynamically controlling a thermosetting printer to produce desired material attributes, as described in any of aspects 12 to 15, the different fluid qualities of one or more thermosetting materials during printing make a particular extrusion configuration the primary cause of the length of inertia during printing of the target object.

[0091] According to a 17th aspect of a computer implementation method for dynamically controlling a thermosetting printer to produce desired material attributes, as described in any of aspects 12 to 16, different material properties of one or more thermosetting materials during printing include different gel properties of one or more thermosetting materials during printing.

[0092] According to an 18th aspect of a computer implementation method for dynamically controlling a thermosetting printer to produce desired material attributes, as described in any of aspects 12 to 17, the different gel properties of one or more thermosetting materials during printing make a particular extrusion configuration the primary factor in the minimum mixing flow rate while printing the target object.

[0093] According to a 19th aspect of a computer implementation method for dynamically controlling a thermosetting printer to produce desired material attributes, as described in any of aspects 12 to 18, the different gel properties of one or more thermosetting materials during printing make a particular extrusion configuration the primary factor in the printing speed while printing a target object.

[0094] A computer-readable medium comprising one or more physical computer-readable storage media storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed on a processor, cause a computer system to execute a method for dynamically controlling a thermosetting printer to produce desired material attributes, wherein the method includes: receiving an index of one or more thermosetting materials to be used by a thermosetting three-dimensional printer to print a target object; accessing a material attribute dataset, wherein the material attribute dataset describes different material properties of one or more thermosetting materials in print; determining a specific extrusion configuration of one or more thermosetting materials based on the material attribute dataset; and generating a command to cause the thermosetting three-dimensional printer to implement a specific extrusion configuration while printing a target object.

[0095] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. It should be considered that the configurations described are merely illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is indicated not by the foregoing description but by the appended claims. All modifications that fall within the equivalent meaning and scope of the claims shall be encompassed within that scope.

Claims

1. A computer system for dynamically controlling printing parameters within a thermosetting three-dimensional printer: One or more processors, A computer system comprising one or more computer-readable media storing executable instructions, wherein when the executable instructions are executed by the one or more processors, the computer system The thermosetting 3D printer receives an index of one or more thermosetting materials to be used to print a target object. Access a material attribute dataset that describes different material properties of one or more thermosetting materials being printed, Based on the material attribute dataset, multiple parameters are determined to control one or more of the dispenser's movement, fluidity, and geometric properties of the one or more thermosetting materials. The system is configured to generate commands to implement the multiple parameters in the thermosetting three-dimensional printer. The thermosetting three-dimensional printer is a computer system that dynamically adjusts the multiple parameters while printing the target object.

2. The computer system according to claim 1, wherein the different material properties of the one or more thermosetting materials during printing include different fluid properties of the one or more thermosetting materials during printing.

3. The computer system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of parameters include at least one of acceleration, deceleration, jerk, or kill deceleration of the dispenser.

4. The computer system according to claim 2, wherein the different fluid properties of the one or more thermosetting materials during printing cause the plurality of parameters to be the primary factors in the influence of the different fluid properties on the height and width of the layers of the one or more thermosetting materials.

5. The computer system according to claim 2, wherein the different fluid properties of one or more thermosetting materials during printing cause the plurality of parameters to be the primary cause of the length of coasting while printing the target object.

6. The computer system according to claim 1, wherein the different material properties of the one or more thermosetting materials during printing include different gel properties of the one or more thermosetting materials during printing.

7. The computer system according to claim 6, wherein the different gel properties of one or more thermosetting materials during printing cause the plurality of parameters to be the primary factors for the minimum mixing flow rate while printing the target object.

8. The computer system according to claim 7, wherein the different gel properties of one or more thermosetting materials during printing cause the plurality of parameters to be the primary factors of the printing speed and / or flow rate while printing the target object.

9. The computer system according to claim 1, wherein the material attribute dataset includes a dataset indicating the layer time and linear rate of time within the nozzle of the thermosetting three-dimensional printer.

10. The computer system according to claim 1, wherein the material attribute dataset includes a dataset that indicates a configuration associated with the pressure of the nozzle of the thermosetting three-dimensional printer, or instructs the user to use a specific static nozzle.

11. The computer system according to claim 1, wherein the material attribute dataset includes a dataset indicating configurations associated with the track, pumping, or UV curing of the thermosetting three-dimensional printer.

12. A computer implementation method for dynamically controlling a thermosetting printer to produce desired material attributes, wherein the computer implementation method is executed on one or more processors, and the computer implementation method: Receiving an index of one or more thermosetting materials to be used by a thermosetting 3D printer to print a target object, Accessing a material attribute dataset that describes different material properties of one or more thermosetting materials during printing, Based on the material attribute dataset, determine a number of parameters that control one or more of the movement, fluidity, and geometric properties of the dispenser of the one or more thermosetting materials. This includes generating a command to cause the thermosetting three-dimensional printer to implement the plurality of parameters, The thermosetting three-dimensional printer is a computer-implemented method that dynamically adjusts the multiple parameters while printing the target object.

13. The computer mounting method according to claim 12, wherein the different material properties of the one or more thermosetting materials during printing include different fluid properties of the one or more thermosetting materials during printing.

14. The computer implementation method according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of parameters include one or more motion control parameters, each including at least one of acceleration, deceleration, jerk, or kill deceleration of the dispenser.

15. The computer mounting method according to claim 13, wherein the different fluid properties of the one or more thermosetting materials during printing cause the plurality of parameters to be the primary factors influencing the height and width of the layers of the one or more thermosetting materials.

16. The computer implementation method according to claim 13, wherein the different fluid properties of one or more thermosetting materials during printing cause the plurality of parameters to be the primary cause of the length of coasting while printing the target object.

17. The computer mounting method according to claim 12, wherein the different material properties of the one or more thermosetting materials during printing include different gel properties of the one or more thermosetting materials during printing.

18. The computer-aided mounting method according to claim 17, wherein the different gel properties of one or more thermosetting materials during printing cause the plurality of parameters to be the main factors for the minimum mixing flow rate while printing the target object.

19. The computer mounting method according to claim 18, wherein the different gel properties of one or more thermosetting materials during printing cause the plurality of parameters to be the primary factors in the printing speed while printing the target object.

20. A computer-readable medium comprising one or more physical computer-readable storage media storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed on a processor, cause a computer system to execute a method for dynamically controlling a thermosetting printer to produce desired material attributes, wherein the method is: Receiving an index of one or more thermosetting materials to be used by a thermosetting 3D printer to print a target object, Accessing a material attribute dataset that describes different material properties of one or more thermosetting materials during printing, Based on the material attribute dataset, determine a number of parameters that control one or more of the movement, fluidity, and geometric properties of the dispenser of the one or more thermosetting materials. This includes generating a command to cause the thermosetting three-dimensional printer to implement the plurality of parameters, The thermosetting three-dimensional printer is a computer-readable medium that dynamically adjusts the multiple parameters while printing the target object.

Images