3D Printing Slicing Method for Tolerance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing 3D printing technologies face a tolerance problem due to the staircase effect in the slicing quantization process, which leads to dimensional errors and loss of concavo-convex portions within the layer thickness.
Innovation Solution
A 3D model slicing method that examines the dimension of the layer thickness, corrects the size of the layer for slicing based on the width within the layer thickness, and slices the corrected 3D model to preserve the overall dimension or minimum width, depending on the data setting information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fixed slicing position is used for all layers, then the slicing process is simple and fast, but dimensional errors occur due to loss of concavo-convex portions within layer thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The slicing position is changed from a fixed static value to a dynamic value that varies per layer. The processor determines individual slicing positions for each layer based on the layer thickness and the position of concavo-convex portions, allowing the slicing position to adapt dynamically to the specific geometric features of each layer, thereby preventing dimensional errors while maintaining processing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The slicing position parameter is modified from a uniform fixed value to a variable value that changes according to layer-specific characteristics. By calculating and applying different slicing positions for different layers based on the model's geometric features, the system achieves both efficient processing and high dimensional accuracy
2Manufacturing precision
If the layer thickness is reduced to improve precision, then dimensional accuracy improves, but the number of layers increases and printing time extends
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly reducing layer thickness to improve precision, the system changes the slicing position parameter within the given layer thickness. By optimally positioning each slice to capture concavo-convex portions, the system achieves high dimensional accuracy without increasing the number of layers, thus avoiding extended printing time
3Manufacturing precision
If the slicing position is adjusted to preserve concavo-convex portions, then dimensional accuracy improves, but the slicing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically analyzing the 3D model data to identify concavo-convex portions and calculating optimal slicing positions without requiring manual intervention. The processor autonomously determines the slicing position for each layer based on the geometric features, simplifying the user's task while achieving high precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the 3D model analysis to dynamically adjust slicing positions. By continuously referencing the positional information of concavo-convex portions identified in the model data, the system automatically optimizes each slicing position to preserve geometric features, reducing the need for complex manual slicing configuration
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a method and a system for solving a tolerance problem which may occur in a slicing quantization (staircase effect) process of 3D printing which slices a 3D model and laminates layers one by one. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a 3D model slicing method includes the steps of: receiving, by a 3D model slicing system, an input of data of a 3D model to 3D print; examining, by the 3D model slicing system, a dimension of a layer thickness of the inputted 3D model; correcting, by the 3D model slicing system, a size of a layer for slicing, based on a result of the examining; and slicing, by the 3D model slicing system, the corrected 3D model. Accordingly, by preserving a dimension within a layer thickness, a problem that a concavo-convex portion is lost in a slicing quantization process of 3D printing according to a slicing position within a layer thickness, and a tolerance occurs is solved.