3D Print Packing Layout Using Reduced-Resolution Model Files
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mass production 3D printing systems face challenges in loading and processing large numbers of objects due to memory and processing limitations, leading to inefficient auto-packing and visualization issues, which hinder optimized configuration and practical display of packing arrangements.
Innovation Solution
The use of reduced resolution 3D model files for generating and visualizing packing arrangements, allowing for smaller file sizes that require less computing and memory resources, enabling efficient determination and display of packing arrangements for multiple objects while considering thermal considerations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If full resolution 3D model files are used for packing arrangement determination, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but memory usage and processing time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 3D model data into two distinct representations: a high-resolution model for final manufacturing and a low-resolution model for packing arrangement determination. This segmentation allows the system to use only the necessary resolution level for each specific task, thereby reducing memory usage during packing operations while preserving manufacturing precision when it is ultimately needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the resolution parameter of the 3D model files based on the operational context. For packing determination, the system uses low-resolution models with reduced geometric detail, while for actual manufacturing, it switches to high-resolution models. This dynamic parameter adjustment optimizes computational resources without compromising final product quality.
2Measurement precision
If full resolution 3D model files are used for visualization, then visualization precision is improved, but processing time and computational intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments visualization requirements into two stages: preliminary packing arrangement visualization using low-resolution models for rapid display and manipulation, and final detailed visualization using high-resolution models only when necessary. This staged approach significantly reduces processing time during iterative packing operations while maintaining visualization precision when final confirmation is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by providing just sufficient visualization detail for each operational stage. During packing determination and manipulation, low-resolution visualization is sufficient and is used instead of full-resolution rendering. This partial visualization approach eliminates unnecessary computational overhead while maintaining adequate visual information for operational decision-making.
3Productivity
If a large number of objects are loaded into memory for packing optimization, then productivity increases, but memory capacity requirements exceed practical limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the object data representation based on operational needs. By using low-resolution models for the majority of objects during packing determination, the system can load and process a significantly larger number of objects within available memory capacity. High-resolution data is reserved only for the final manufacturing stage, enabling scalable processing of large object quantities without exceeding practical memory limits.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to examples, an apparatus may include a processor and a memory on which is stored machine readable instructions that when executed by the processor are to cause the processor to access a reduced resolution three-dimensional (3D) model file of an object to be built in a build bed of a 3D printing system, the reduced resolution 3D model file comprising a reduced resolution file of a first resolution 3D model file of the object. The instructions may also cause the processor to determine a packing arrangement for the object and a plurality of other objects to be built in the build bed through use of the reduced resolution 3D model file and output the determined packing arrangement for the 3D printing system to print the object and the other objects.