3D Component Slice Printing for Multi-Copy Output Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D printing methods require significant time and resources to generate a single model of an entire component output, which increases with the number of copies to be fabricated, making the process inefficient for producing multiple copies of a component.
Innovation Solution
A method where a printing device receives a three-dimensional component model, segments it into a stack of slices, and outputs respective printing layers for each slice according to an output structure definition, allowing for the generation and output of multiple copies without creating a single model of the entire component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single model of the entire component output is generated to fabricate multiple copies via 3D printing, then the component can be reproduced accurately, but the time and computational resources required increase significantly with the number of copies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the component model into multiple slices along the build direction. Each slice is processed independently to generate printing layers, avoiding the need to generate a single comprehensive model for all copies. This segmentation reduces computational complexity and model generation time while maintaining printing accuracy for each component copy.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of generating one large model containing all copies, the patent creates individual slice representations that can be replicated and arranged according to the output structure definition. Each slice instance is a simplified copy that can be processed independently, reducing the overall computational burden while preserving the ability to produce multiple accurate copies.
2Manufacturing precision
If a single model of the entire component output is generated to fabricate multiple copies via 3D printing, then the component can be reproduced accurately, but the computational resources required increase significantly with the number of copies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the component model into discrete slices, allowing the printing system to process and generate layers for each slice independently. This segmentation reduces the computational complexity of model generation, as the system only needs to handle individual slice instances rather than a comprehensive model of all copies, while maintaining manufacturing precision through accurate slice-to-layer mapping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes slice instances as simplified copies that can be replicated and arranged according to the output structure definition. Each slice instance requires minimal computational resources compared to generating a complete model of all copies, thereby reducing overall device complexity and resource requirements while preserving component reproduction accuracy.
3Manufacturing precision
If successive layers are added to reproduce a component via 3D printing based on a complete model, then accurate component fabrication is achieved, but the printing process becomes inefficient for producing multiple copies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the printing process by processing individual slices independently. Each slice is converted to printing layers and arranged according to the output structure definition, allowing parallel or sequential processing of multiple slice instances. This segmentation enables more efficient production of multiple copies compared to processing a single comprehensive model, while maintaining component fabrication accuracy through precise layer generation for each slice.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multiple slice instances that can be arranged and processed efficiently. Each slice instance represents a copy of the component at a specific build layer, allowing the system to generate printing instructions for multiple copies simultaneously or in parallel, thereby improving productivity while maintaining manufacturing precision through accurate slice-to-component mapping.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method carried out by a printing device includes receiving a model of a three-dimensional component, receiving an output structure definition for the component, and segmenting the model of the component into a stack of slices. The method further includes, for each of the slices in the stack, outputting a respective printing layer comprising an arrangement of one or more slice instances of the slice according to the output structure definition.