3D Printed Object Evaluation for Post-Build Cleanability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Additive manufacturing of complex geometries often results in incomplete post-build processes due to intricate or enclosed regions, leading to unsuitable objects that cannot be effectively cleaned or painted, resulting in waste.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method simulates post-build processes on 3D models to identify regions of limited processability, allowing for material selection, design modifications, or process changes to ensure effective cleaning or painting, including the use of removable filler components to improve accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex geometries are manufactured using additive manufacturing, then design flexibility and object functionality are improved, but post-build process effectiveness deteriorates due to inaccessible enclosed regions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the object into multiple segments by introducing removable filler components that can be inserted into enclosed regions during printing. These fillers segment the internal space, allowing post-build processes to access and treat surfaces that would otherwise be inaccessible, while maintaining the overall complex geometry of the final object.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary action by inserting filler components into enclosed regions before the additive manufacturing process completes. This preliminary placement of fillers ensures that when the object is printed, the fillers occupy spaces that would otherwise prevent proper adhesion or cleaning, allowing post-build processes to effectively treat all surfaces.
2Manufacturing precision
If post-build cleaning processes are applied to complex objects, then surface quality is improved, but processing time increases due to multiple passes and access difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The filler components are inserted into enclosed regions before printing, performing a preliminary preparation that enables single-pass or reduced-pass cleaning operations. By pre-positioning fillers to open up enclosed spaces, the cleaning process can access all surfaces efficiently without requiring multiple time-consuming passes through complex geometries.
3Ease of operation
If filler components are added to improve processability, then post-build process accessibility is improved, but object complexity and manufacturing steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filler components serve multiple functions: they occupy enclosed regions during printing to enable proper layer adhesion, provide internal support structures, and act as temporary placeholders that improve accessibility for post-build processes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The filler components are designed to be temporary and removable after serving their purpose during and after printing. Once the object has been successfully manufactured and subjected to necessary post-build processes, the fillers are removed and discarded, leaving only the final object without the temporary support structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprises: obtaining object model data defining an object or objects to be built by a three-dimensional printing apparatus; determining an effect of carrying out a post-build process on the object or objects, wherein the determining uses the object model data and a computer-implemented evaluation of the post-build process and is carried out prior to building the object or objects, to identify portions of the object or objects that would not be processable by the cleaning process; and outputting an indication of non-processability of portions of the object or objects are determined not to be processable by the post-build process.