3D Printing Infill Pattern Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in specifying and generating 3D infill patterns and texture patterns in CAD software due to the need for detailed specifications, resulting in large and slicer-specific files, which are not easily adaptable across different printers and materials, making it challenging to achieve desired bulk properties in 3D printed objects.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that generate a slicer description language (SDL) file with separate sections for 3D infill and texture patterns, allowing for the specification of user-desired bulk properties, which are then used to determine print parameters based on the printing material and hardware, enabling the printing of 3D shapes with consistent and desired structural properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If users specify every detail of 3D infill patterns and texture patterns in CAD software, then the resulting files contain complete printing instructions, but the files become very large and difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the printing instruction file into two distinct parts: (1) pattern definition data that describes the geometric patterns themselves, and (2) pattern application data that specifies where and how to apply those patterns. This segmentation allows the pattern definitions to be stored once and referenced multiple times, significantly reducing overall file size while maintaining complete printing instructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses reference copying where defined patterns are stored as templates and then referenced multiple times throughout the printing instructions. Instead of repeating the full pattern definition each time a pattern is applied, the system copies only the reference identifier, reducing redundancy and file size while preserving complete manufacturing information.
2Manufacturing precision
If users specify detailed 3D infill patterns and texture patterns in CAD software, then complete printing instructions are generated, but the process becomes difficult and complex
Solution Approach 1:
By separating pattern definition from pattern application, the patent simplifies the user interface and workflow. Users can define patterns once in a library and then simply reference them in their designs, reducing the complexity of pattern specification while maintaining complete manufacturing instructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-defining patterns in a library before they are applied to specific objects. This allows patterns to be standardized, validated, and stored as reusable templates, simplifying the subsequent design process and reducing the complexity of generating complete printing instructions.
3Manufacturing precision
If files are generated with complete 3D infill pattern specifications, then printing instructions are detailed, but re-generation is required for different slicers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal pattern definition format that can be referenced by multiple different slicers. By separating the pattern definitions from slicer-specific processing instructions, the same pattern library can be used across different slicing software, improving adaptability while maintaining detailed printing instructions.
4Strength
If users specify 3D infill patterns and texture patterns with specific bulk properties, then desired structural properties can be achieved, but the specification process becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing the bulk properties (such as density, strength characteristics) of defined patterns in the pattern library. When users apply these patterns, the bulk properties are automatically associated with the pattern application, making it easy to specify desired structural properties without complex calculations or detailed parameter tuning.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for three-dimensional (3D) printing. The method includes: obtaining a native file of a computer-aided design (CAD) application; identifying, within the native file, a first 3D shape associated with a 3D infill pattern; generating a slicer description language file including: a first section specifying the 3D infill pattern; and a second section including instructions to print the first 3D shape filled with multiple instances of the 3D infill pattern by referencing the first section, where the first section and the second section are separate in the slicer description language file; and sending the slicer description language file to a 3D printer for printing the first 3D shape filled with the 3D infill pattern.