3D Printer Control Command Generation Using Common Reference Point

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing generative layered construction processes face challenges in accurately accounting for dimensional changes of objects during the manufacturing process, which can lead to size deviations and changes in the relative positions of objects within the build chamber.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilize a common reference point for defining the geometric description of multiple objects, allowing for coordinated modifications and compensating for dimensional changes through rotation and centric stretching relative to a common transformation reference point.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the computer-based three-dimensional representation of objects is adjusted in advance to account for size deviations, then the dimensional accuracy of individual objects is improved, but the relative positions of multiple objects change

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimensional accuracyVSAvoidrelative position
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a new coordinate reference system dimension by defining a common zero point that spans multiple objects. This allows dimensional adjustments to be made relative to this common reference, enabling compensation for size deviations while maintaining consistent relative positioning across all objects in the build chamber.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The common zero point acts as an intermediary reference that mediates between individual object coordinate systems and the build chamber coordinate system. By adjusting all objects relative to this common reference point, the system can compensate for dimensional changes without disrupting the relative positions between objects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If objects are arranged compactly in the build chamber to improve efficiency, then the productivity is improved, but the complexity of coordinating dimensional changes increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebuild chamber efficiencyVSAvoidcoordinate coordination
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the coordinate reference systems of multiple objects by defining a common zero point that serves all objects in the build chamber. This unification simplifies the coordination of dimensional changes, as all adjustments can be made relative to this single common reference rather than requiring separate coordinate transformations for each object.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3283985B1Method and control command generation unit for automatic generation of control commands for a 3D printer
Publication Date: 2025.06.11 EOS GMBH ELECTRO OPTICAL SYST
  • EP3283985B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3283985B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3283985B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for providing control commands for producing a number of three-dimensional objects by means of a generative layer construction device, wherein, in the generative layer construction device, the number of objects is produced layer by layer on a construction base, in that in each case a layer of a formless construction material is applied to the construction base or to an already present construction material layer and, at the points corresponding to the cross section of an object, is solidified by supplying energetic radiation or a binder to these points wherein said method comprises at least the following steps; a step of providing a computer-based model of the number of objects, which describes the objects geometrically, a step of amending the computer-based model in such a way that, for the geometric description of the number of objects, a location is defined as a common reference location, in particular as a common coordinate origin, a step of producing control commands for a control command set for controlling the production of the number of objects by means of the generative layer construction device, using the amended computer-based model as a basis.