Additive Manufacturing Build Data Segmentation for Object Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
In additive manufacturing, especially for series productions, it is challenging to generate unique identification information for each object without altering approved build data, which is necessary to verify quality requirements and link objects to specific manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
The method involves subdividing build data into locked and open sub-data sets, where the locked sets define the majority of the object's geometry and are unchangeable, and the open set allows for generating object-specific identification information, such as a serial number, in a specific region of the object during manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If build data are locked to maintain approved design integrity, then design quality and reliability are improved, but the ability to generate individual object identification information deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The build data are segmented into multiple sub-data sets, where at least one sub-data set is locked to maintain design integrity and other sub-data sets remain open for generating individual object identification information. This segmentation allows simultaneous preservation of approved design and customization for tracking purposes.
2Loss of information
If build data are changed to add identification information, then individual object tracking is improved, but the effort for verification and recalculations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The build data are prepared in advance with designated open sub-data sets that are pre-configured for receiving identification information. This preliminary structuring eliminates the need for extensive recalculations and verification when adding object-specific identifiers, as the framework is already in place.
3Productivity
If all build data are locked for series production, then manufacturing consistency is improved, but the ability to customize individual objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the build data are assigned different lock statuses based on their function. Critical design parameters are locked to ensure manufacturing consistency, while specific regions designated for identification information remain open for individual customization. This local differentiation enables both series production efficiency and individual object tracking.
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
This approach reduces the effort in individually marking and verifying each object, allowing for efficient identification and linking to the manufacturing process, while maintaining the integrity of the approved design and reducing recalculations of irradiation information.
Implementation Method 1
successive layerwise selective irradiation and consolidation of layers of a build material which can be consolidated by means of an energy source, e.g. an energy beam, in particular a laser beam
Implementation Method 2
a selective laser sintering apparatus
Implementation Method 3
a selective laser melting apparatus
Implementation Method 4
a selective electron beam melting apparatus
Implementation Method 5
irradiated with a suitable energy source, e.g. a UV light source
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Method for additively manufacturing three-dimensional objects (1) based on build data, in particular via successive layerwise selective irradiation and consolidation of layers of a build material which can be consolidated by means of an energy source, which build data define at least one part of an object (1) to be built in the additive manufacturing process, in particular a geometrical structure of the object (1), wherein - build data are generated comprising at least two sub-data sets (3, 4) relating to different geometrical parts of the object (1) - at least one sub-data set (3, 4) is defined as open sub-data set (4) - all sub-data sets (3) except the at least one open sub-data set (4) are locked, wherein the locked sub-data sets (3) are unchangeable and the at least one open sub-data set (4) is changeable - at least one three-dimensional object (1) is additively manufactured based on the build data.