3D Printing Parameter Optimization for Property-Compliant Tool Paths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 3D printing methods do not consider properties like weight, mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, and electrical conductivity when generating tool paths, leading to suboptimal results in applications such as aerospace and Oil & Gas industries.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilize a property analysis module to optimize slicing parameters and tool paths by comparing computed object properties with user-specified requirements, adjusting parameters, and selecting appropriate materials to meet these requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional slicing engine generates tool path without property analysis, then manufacturing process is simple and fast, but the resulting object does not meet specific property requirements like weight, strength, thermal conductivity, and electrical conductivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproperty requirement complianceVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The property analysis module performs preliminary analysis of the 3D object model before actual printing to predict properties like weight, strength, thermal conductivity, and electrical conductivity. This allows optimization of slicing parameters in advance to ensure the printed object meets required property specifications without requiring complex real-time adjustments during printing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback loop where the property analysis module computes predicted properties of the filament object model, compares them with user-specified requirements, and automatically adjusts slicing parameters to minimize mismatches. This closed-loop control ensures property requirement compliance while managing system complexity through automated iteration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Strength

If slicing parameters are optimized for property requirements, then object strength and performance improve, but manufacturing time and computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The property analysis module focuses computational efforts on critical regions of the 3D object where property requirements are most stringent. Rather than uniformly optimizing all areas, the system identifies and prioritizes regions requiring enhanced strength or specific properties, reducing overall computational time while maintaining necessary performance levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple iterations of slicing parameter modification are performed, then property requirements are better met, but computational time and processing resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproperty analysis accuracyVSAvoidprocessing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs property analysis and slicing parameter optimization selectively on critical regions rather than uniformly processing the entire object through multiple iterations. This targeted approach maintains high property analysis accuracy for important areas while reducing overall computational burden and processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The automated feedback loop enables the system to self-correct slicing parameters based on property analysis results without requiring manual intervention. The system automatically iterates through parameter modifications, evaluates property improvements, and converges on optimal settings, reducing the need for extensive manual processing while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11123930B2Method and a system to optimize printing parameters in additive manufacturing process
Publication Date: 2021.09.21 STRATASYS INC
  • US11123930B2 patent drawing
  • US11123930B2 patent drawing
  • US11123930B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a system and a method for optimizing printing parameters, such as slicing parameters and tool path instructions, for additive manufacturing. The present invention comprises a property analysis module that predicts and analyses properties of a filament object model, representing a constructed 3D object. The filament object model is generated based on the tool path instructions and user specified object properties. Analysis includes comparing the predicted filament object model properties with the user specified property requirements; and further modifying the printing parameters in order to meet the user specified property requirements.