3D Printed Object Labels Using Displacement Maps for Traceability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing additive manufacturing techniques face challenges in maintaining traceability of 3D printed objects, as labels included in digital models can become unclear or unreadable due to renderization processes, leading to loss of fine details.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a label displacement map is applied to the digital model, defining the location, size, and shape of the label, which is then embossed or engraved on the object surface, using a processor to generate unique identifier codes like barcodes or QR codes, and adjusting dimensions for material properties to ensure clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If digital models are converted into print instructions with transformations applied to voxelize the model, then the 3D object can be manufactured, but the label details become unclear or unreadable
Solution Approach 1:
The label is embedded into the digital model before the voxelization process, ensuring that the label geometry is integrated into the mesh structure and will be printed with the object rather than being lost during conversion to print instructions
Solution Approach 2:
The label embedding process segments the label geometry from the rest of the model, allowing it to be positioned and scaled independently on the object surface while maintaining its integrity through the manufacturing process
2Reliability
If labels are applied to 3D printed objects, then traceability is enabled, but the labels may become unreadable due to fine detail loss
Solution Approach 1:
The label is prepared and positioned on the digital model before manufacturing, ensuring that the label features are defined at the appropriate scale and will maintain readability when printed with the object
Solution Approach 2:
The label geometry parameters are adjusted to account for the printing process and material properties, ensuring that the label features remain sufficiently large and clear to be read after the object is manufactured
Data Source
AI summary
In an example a method comprises receiving at a processor, a digital model representing an object to be produced by additive manufacturing. The method may comprise receiving, at the processor, a selected location on a surface of the object, where a label is to be formed. The method may further comprise defining a label displacement map associated with the selected location, applying the label displacement map to the digital model, and rendering the digital model including the label displacement map into voxels for additive manufacturing.