3D Printing Model Compensation for Location-Based Shrinkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Three-dimensional printing processes suffer from inhomogeneous shrinkage and distortion due to temperature gradients and other printing artefacts, leading to dimensional modifications in the printed objects.
Innovation Solution
Adjusting the object model using dimensional modification compensation factors based on the location within the printing volume to generate a printable object model that compensates for expected shrinkage and distortion, thereby producing a more accurate physical object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If standard 3D printing processes are used, then manufacturing speed is maintained, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inhomogeneous shrinkage and distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and applying dimensional modification compensation factors to the 3D model before printing. The system determines compensation factors based on the object's location within the printing volume and applies them to adjust the model's surface coordinates, thereby compensating for expected shrinkage and distortion before the printing process begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by applying different dimensional modification compensation factors to different regions of the printing volume. The system divides the printing volume into multiple regions and assigns specific compensation factors to each region based on the object's location, allowing for localized compensation of shrinkage and distortion effects that vary across the printing space.
2Manufacturing precision
If dimensional modification compensation is applied, then manufacturing precision improves, but the complexity of the printing process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the dimensional parameters of the 3D model through the application of compensation factors. The system adjusts the surface coordinates of the model by multiplying them with compensation factors that account for expected shrinkage and distortion, thereby changing the model's dimensions to compensate for printing-induced variations.
3Manufacturing precision
If temperature gradients are present during printing, then printing speed is maintained, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inhomogeneous shrinkage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of temperature gradients into a beneficial compensation mechanism. Instead of attempting to eliminate temperature gradients, the system measures and quantifies their effect on shrinkage and distortion, then uses this information to calculate compensation factors that reverse the dimensional deviations caused by the temperature gradients.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The adjusted printable object model results in a printed object that closely resembles the original design by mitigating shrinkage and distortion, enhancing the accuracy and fidelity of the 3D printing process.
Implementation Method 1
Example 3D printers may use powder bed fusion technologies in which fusion (sintering or melting) between some particles of a plastic or metal powder is performed one layer at a time.
Implementation Method 2
Example 3D printers may use powder bed fusion technologies in which fusion (sintering or melting) between some particles of a plastic or metal powder is performed one layer at a time.
Implementation Method 3
Temperature gradients and other printing artefacts can lead to inhomogeneous shrinkage of the fused particles which can cause shrinkage, distortion, warping and other dimensional modification of the object.
Implementation Method 4
Temperature gradients and other printing artefacts can lead to inhomogeneous shrinkage of the fused particles which can cause shrinkage, distortion, warping and other dimensional modification of the object.
Data Source
AI summary
Example implementations relate to compensating for shrinkage in 3D printing. One example implementation receives an object model to print a corresponding object in a three-dimensional (3D) printer, the object model having a plurality of surface coordinates. A plurality of dimensional modification compensation factors are determined dependent on respective locations within a printing volume of the 3D printer. The object model is adjusted at the plurality of surface coordinates using respective dimensional modification compensation factors depending on the location of the surface coordinates within the printing volume in order to generate a printable object model.