3D Printing Ink Allocation for Color Integrity and Waste Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional three-dimensional object manufacturing systems face inefficiencies in ink consumption and expiration, leading to potential discarding of ink due to expiration and high manufacturing costs, especially when the amount of ink is insufficient for completing the object as per original manufacturing data.
Innovation Solution
The system modifies the manufacturing process by using different inks for internal layers than those specified in the original data, ensuring efficient ink consumption and reducing waste by prioritizing inks with earlier expiration dates or lower prices, while maintaining the outer appearance's color integrity through strategic ink allocation and ejection control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If color ink is used to form the color layer of the target shaped object, then the outer appearance color is achieved, but the color ink has a high possibility of being discarded due to expiration because the amount used is extremely small compared to other inks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different ink types for different regions of the three-dimensional object. Specifically, color ink is used only for the color layer on the outer surface where color is needed, while white ink or clear ink is used for the interior layers where color is not required. This regional differentiation ensures that color ink is not wasted in areas where it cannot be observed, thereby reducing expiration waste while maintaining the desired color appearance.
2Reliability
If the entire three-dimensional object is formed with color ink according to original manufacturing data, then the color integrity is maintained, but the manufacturing cost increases and ink expiration waste occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by strategically allocating color ink only to the color layer region where it contributes to the outer appearance, while using cost-effective white ink or clear ink for the interior layers. This approach maintains color integrity in visible areas while reducing overall ink consumption and manufacturing costs in non-visible interior regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies this principle by substituting expensive color ink with cheaper white ink or clear ink in the interior layers of the three-dimensional object. Since the interior layers are not visible from the outside, using less expensive ink materials in these regions reduces overall manufacturing cost without affecting the final product's appearance quality.
3Ease of manufacture
If ink is allocated strictly according to original manufacturing data, then the manufacturing process is simple, but ink expiration waste occurs and completion is not guaranteed when ink supply is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a flexible ink allocation system that can adapt during the manufacturing process. The ejection control unit dynamically determines whether to eject color ink or substitute with white/clear ink based on real-time conditions such as remaining ink quantities and expiration dates. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize ink usage, prevent expiration waste, and ensure manufacturing completion even when original ink supplies are insufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the ink ejection parameters dynamically. The ejection control unit changes the ink type parameter (from color ink to white ink or clear ink) based on the manufacturing progress and ink availability conditions. This parameter modification enables the system to maintain manufacturing continuity while optimizing ink consumption and preventing expiration waste.
Data Source
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AI summary
A 3D printer for manufacturing a three-dimensional object including a target shaped object serving as a target and a support portion for supporting the target shaped object at the time of shaping of the target shaped object with an ink including a color ink for forming a color layer for realizing the color of the outer appearance of the target shaped object and a non-color ink that is not the color ink for forming at least one of the target shaped object excluding the color layer and the support portion fills at least one of the interior of the target shaped object and the interior of the support portion that is not the color layer preferentially with the ink whose expiration date is closest among the plurality of color inks.