2D Slicing Polyline Support Structure for 3D Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D printing methods struggle with accurately calculating support positions for 3D models, leading to issues such as meaningless support positions, detachment of support tips from the model, and mesh errors due to overlapping models.
Innovation Solution
A method for creating support structures based on polyline information of 2D layers generated by slicing a 3D model, which involves detecting overhang areas, segmenting them, calculating support tip positions and angles, and creating supports at these calculated positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If support positions are calculated based on face information of 3D model, then support structure can be created, but support positions become meaningless and detach from actual printed layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 3D face-based support calculation to 2D layer-based support calculation. By projecting 3D model faces onto 2D layers and calculating support positions in the 2D domain, the method ensures support positions align with actual printed layers, resolving the detachment issue between calculated and real support positions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates 2D copies of 3D model layers through slicing, then performs support position calculations on these 2D representations. This copying approach allows support positions to be accurately determined based on actual layer geometries rather than abstract 3D face information, ensuring meaningful and accurate support placement
2Reliability
If support is inserted into 3D model to prevent detachment, then support attachment improves, but mesh errors such as face overlapping or self-intersection occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts support position calculation from the 3D model insertion approach and relocates it to the 2D layer domain. By calculating support positions on 2D layer representations and then applying them to the 3D model, the method achieves reliable support attachment without inserting supports into the model, thereby avoiding mesh errors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves mesh errors by performing support calculations in 2D space rather than 3D space. This dimensional change allows support positions to be determined without interfering with the 3D model's mesh structure, eliminating face overlapping and self-intersection issues while maintaining reliable support attachment
3Manufacturing precision
If 3D model is sliced into 2D layers for tool path generation, then real output data is obtained, but support positions calculated from 3D faces do not match sliced layer positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the position mismatch by performing support calculations in the same 2D domain as the sliced layers. By projecting 3D model faces onto 2D layers and calculating support positions on these 2D representations, the method ensures support positions are consistent with both the sliced layers and the actual printed output
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a unified 2D-based approach that serves multiple functions: generating tool paths and calculating support positions. By using 2D layer representations for both purposes, the method ensures consistency between tool path accuracy and support position matching, eliminating the discrepancy between the two processes
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method for creating a 2D slicing polyline based support structure for 3D printing. A method for creating a support structure according to an embodiment of die present invention comprises: slicing a 3D model into a plurality of 2D layers; comparing the 2D layers to calculate a support position for each of the 2D layers; and creating supports at the calculated positions. As a result, the supports can be created at precise and meaningful positions, a stable output is possible, and additional slicing work is not necessary on the created supports, whereby improvement of speed can be expected.