3D Fabrication Quote Generation With Automated Print Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional manufacturing methods, including both traditional fabrication and additive manufacturing, face challenges in reducing overhead costs due to the need for skilled labor and complex configuration of manufacturing settings, especially when dealing with part orientation and auxiliary material usage in 3D printing.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for generating a quote for part fabrication that includes receiving a 3D model file and descriptive information, extracting features, and automatically generating a quote for cost and time, which also automates the configuration of printer settings and part orientation, reducing the need for skilled labor and optimizing manufacturing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If additive manufacturing is used to eliminate template components, then overhead costs are reduced, but skilled labor is still required to configure manufacturing settings
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically extracts features from the 3D model file and descriptive information, generates quotes, and configures manufacturing settings without requiring manual intervention. The computer system performs self-service by autonomously processing design requests and determining fabrication parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration processes with automated computational systems. The computer system uses algorithms to extract features, calculate quotes, and determine manufacturing settings, substituting human labor with automated digital processing.
2Manufacturing precision
If part orientation is manually configured to optimize printing, then manufacturing precision is improved, but labor time and overhead costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary automated analysis of the 3D model to determine optimal part orientation and manufacturing settings before fabrication begins. By pre-configuring these parameters automatically, the system eliminates the need for manual optimization during the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The computer system automatically adjusts manufacturing parameters including part orientation, layer thickness, and support material requirements based on feature extraction from the 3D model. This dynamic parameter optimization replaces manual configuration while maintaining precision.
3Productivity
If multiple copies are printed simultaneously to increase productivity, then output is improved, but part orientation and auxiliary material usage become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides a universal automated configuration process that handles both single-part and multi-part printing requests through the same feature extraction and parameter determination workflow. The computer system adapts to different printing scenarios without requiring separate manual configuration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from automatic feature extraction to determine optimal part orientation and support material requirements for multiple copies. By continuously analyzing the 3D model features and adjusting parameters accordingly, the system simplifies the configuration process for complex multi-part printing scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for generating a quote for fabrication of a part to be fabricated includes receiving, from a customer device associated with a customer, a design request for a part to be fabricated by a fabrication process, the design request including a three-dimensional model file representing the part to be fabricated and descriptive information including a descriptive datum. The method includes extracting a first feature from the 3D model file, wherein the first feature represents a geometry of the part to be fabricated. The method includes extracting a second feature from the descriptive information, wherein the second feature represents the descriptive datum. The method includes generating, as a function of the first and second features, a quote for fabrication for the part to be fabricated, the quote for fabrication including a cost and time to fabricate the part to be fabricated and sending the quote for fabrication to the customer.