3D Printing Monitoring with Segmented Depth Imaging Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current three-dimensional printing technologies face challenges in ensuring quality conformity during the printing process, particularly in maintaining consistent quality across layers and achieving high precision in large fields of view, which is critical for industrial and medical applications.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a three-dimensional high-precision nondestructive imaging system into the printing device for real-time monitoring, using technologies like OCT, MPM, and CM for longitudinal-depth segmented scanning and transverse splicing, allowing for full-longitudinal-depth imaging and guiding printing parameter optimization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional printing monitoring methods are used, then the device complexity is low, but the manufacturing precision and quality conformity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting quality conformityVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring system is segmented into multiple functional modules: a detection module that captures printing process data, a processing module that analyzes the data, and a control module that adjusts printing parameters. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high manufacturing precision while managing device complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection and analysis of printing parameters before actual printing occurs. By pre-processing and pre-adjusting parameters based on detected data, the system ensures quality conformity from the start of printing, reducing the need for complex post-processing and rework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If real-time full-volume imaging is implemented, then the measurement precision improves, but the loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging precisionVSAvoidprinting process time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous full-volume imaging, the system performs periodic detection at key stages of the printing process. The detection module captures images at intervals, and the processing module analyzes these periodic snapshots to monitor printing quality, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining measurement precision through strategic sampling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs detection on critical regions and key parameters rather than exhaustive full-volume imaging at every stage. By focusing detection resources on the most important printing parameters and potential defect areas, the system achieves sufficient measurement precision with reduced time investment compared to complete volumetric scanning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3459716B1On-line monitoring method and system for three-dimensional printing
Publication Date: 2022.02.16 HANGZHOU REGENOVA BIOTECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • EP3459716B1 patent drawingFigure 1-1~1-2
  • EP3459716B1 patent drawingFigure 1-3~2
  • EP3459716B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Provided are a three-dimensional printing on-line monitoring method and system, relating to the technical field of three-dimensional printing, so as to solve the technical problem that the existing three-dimensional printing on-line monitoring systems are limited in imaging volume and cannot realize full-longitudinal-depth imaging. In the three-dimensional printing on-line monitoring method, full-longitudinal-depth imaging monitoring of the whole printing process is achieved by longitudinal-depth segmented scanning of a printing solidified layer and based on a longitudinal automatic splicing algorithm, and synchronous micro-tomography imaging on-line monitoring of the printing is achieved by guiding printing parameter optimization and control of a next depth-increased segment by using in real time a result feedback of the longitudinal-depth segmented being scanned; and at the same time of completing the manufacturing of the printed product, a three-dimensional high-resolution global image of an internal structure of the printed product is acquired, thereby completing quality control.