3D Print Job Pausing with Alignment Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Three-dimensional printing is complex and time-consuming, often requiring uninterrupted processes, but work schedules, material shortages, and other factors can prevent continuous printing, leading to misalignment issues when resuming paused jobs.
Innovation Solution
A computer program that allows pausing 3D print jobs, encoding information such as job identification and state into barcodes or unique identifiers on the incomplete object, enabling resumed printing without duplication of construction, using the same material and ensuring alignment markers for accurate reorientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a 3D print job is paused and resumed later, then operational flexibility is improved, but alignment precision deteriorates due to potential misalignment of the incomplete object
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by printing alignment markers and encoding pause state information onto the incomplete object before pausing. When resuming, these pre-printed markers and encoded data enable the system to automatically re-align and continue from the exact pause point, preventing misalignment issues that would otherwise occur during interruption and resumption cycles
2Ease of operation
If a 3D print job is paused to replace filament or stop work, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of time increases due to interruption of the printing process
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically encoding the pause state information and alignment markers onto the incomplete object itself. When resuming, the printer reads this encoded information and automatically re-aligns without requiring manual intervention or setup, enabling operators to pause for filament replacement or breaks without significant time loss while maintaining operational flexibility
3Manufacturing precision
If alignment markers are printed on the incomplete object during pausing, then manufacturing precision is improved for resumption, but device complexity increases due to additional encoding and printing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple functions into a single integrated process: the alignment markers are printed using the same extrusion mechanism that builds the object, and the pause state information is encoded directly onto the object surface during the same printing operation. This consolidation avoids requiring separate alignment devices or complex external encoding systems, achieving precise resumption capability while minimizing additional device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A computer program product includes computer readable program code embodied on a computer readable storage medium. The computer program product comprises computer readable program code for beginning a print job on a three-dimensional printer to manufacture an object, computer readable program code for pausing the print job while the object is incomplete, computer readable program code for determining the state of the print job when the print job was paused, and computer readable program code for printing information onto the incomplete object, wherein the information includes an identification of the print job. The information preferably takes the form of a matrix barcode printed on a surface of the incomplete object that will later be overwritten.