3D Indicator Objects for Print Bed Condition Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 3D printing, there is a need for a method to accurately determine the properties of production parts and operating conditions of 3D fabricating devices without damaging the actual parts, especially when conditions vary across the printing bed, and to identify issues such as printhead functionality and energy application.
Innovation Solution
The use of 3D indicator objects with simpler geometries and predefined color patterns, which can be fabricated at different locations on the printing bed, allowing for the determination of properties and operating conditions by comparing captured images against templates, and physical testing to infer properties of production parts and device performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If 3D indicator objects with predefined color patterns are fabricated at different locations on the printing bed, then measurement precision of production part properties and device operating conditions is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional fabrication and comparison processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses 3D indicator objects as simplified copies or representations of actual production parts. These indicator objects contain predefined color patterns that replicate the essential printing characteristics without requiring full production part fabrication. By analyzing these copied objects, the system can determine production part properties and device operating conditions with high precision while avoiding the complexity of working with actual production parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by varying the color patterns in predefined sequences within the indicator objects. Different color patterns represent different printing conditions or parameters. By comparing the actual printed color patterns against the predefined templates, the system can precisely measure deviations in printing parameters such as printhead functionality, energy application, and material properties without complex measurement equipment.
2Reliability
If physical testing is performed on 3D indicator objects to infer production part properties, then reliability of quality control is improved, but loss of the indicator object occurs due to damage during testing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent treats 3D indicator objects as disposable, low-cost test specimens that can be deliberately damaged during physical testing. These objects are fabricated with simpler geometries and are intended to be sacrificed for quality control purposes. The predefined color patterns and known properties allow reliable quality assessment, while the objects themselves can be discarded after testing without significant loss, as they are much cheaper than actual production parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The 3D indicator objects serve as intermediaries between the printing process and quality control analysis. They are deliberately damaged or tested to infer properties of the actual production parts without directly testing the valuable production parts themselves. This intermediary approach allows reliable quality control while preserving the integrity of actual production parts.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple 3D indicator objects are fabricated at different locations on the printing bed, then manufacturing precision of thermal condition assessment is improved, but loss of time increases due to additional fabrication and analysis steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the printing bed into multiple locations and places 3D indicator objects at each location to assess local thermal conditions. Each indicator object serves as an independent measurement point, allowing precise mapping of thermal variations across the printing bed. The segmented approach enables parallel analysis of multiple locations simultaneously, reducing the overall time required compared to sequential measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates the fabrication of 3D indicator objects into the preliminary stages of the printing process. The indicator objects are printed alongside or before actual production parts, allowing thermal condition assessment to be performed in advance. The predefined color patterns are established before printing, enabling rapid comparison and analysis without adding significant time to the overall manufacturing process.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an example, an apparatus may include a processor and a memory on which is stored instructions that are to cause the processor to identify features for a three-dimensional (3D) indicator object to be fabricated by a 3D fabricating device, in which the identified features define a shape and a pattern of colors for the 3D indicator object. The instructions may also cause the processor to instruct the 3D fabricating device to fabricate the 3D indicator object to have the identified features, in which the 3D indicator object has a shape having a plurality of surfaces on which a plurality of colors are arranged in a certain pattern as defined by the identified features, and in which each of the plurality of surfaces has the same certain pattern of the plurality of colors and determine properties of the fabricated 3D indicator object.