Additive Manufacturing Build Volume Manager for Dynamic Object Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Additive manufacturing techniques are often slow and inefficient, requiring significant time to generate three-dimensional objects, leading to potential losses if the process is cancelled or if objects are not fully generated within a build volume.
Innovation Solution
A build volume manager system that dynamically manages the spatial arrangement and processing of virtual objects within a build volume, allowing for real-time modification of the manufacturing process, including object addition, cancellation, or modification, by generating and sending control data to the additive manufacturing system based on criteria such as object priority, spatial optimization, and available space within the build volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additive manufacturing processes are run to completion for entire build volumes, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but productivity and time efficiency deteriorate due to the inability to make dynamic changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically manages the build volume by allowing real-time modifications to the manufacturing process. Objects can be added, removed, or modified during the additive manufacturing process through updated control data, transforming a static batch process into a dynamic flexible system that can adapt to changing requirements without completing the entire build volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The build volume is divided into processable segments that can be independently managed. The system processes objects in layers and allows modification at different stages of the manufacturing process, enabling selective continuation or cancellation of specific objects while maintaining overall process control and efficiency.
2Manufacturing precision
If the entire build volume is processed to ensure complete manufacturing, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time and material increases when changes are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic modification of the build volume contents during processing. Users can add, remove, or modify objects by updating control data sent to the additive manufacturing system, enabling real-time adjustments without wasting time on completed portions that need to be discarded due to cancellations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares and manages control data in advance that defines the build volume and object arrangements. This preliminary preparation allows for quick modifications and adjustments before actual manufacturing begins or during early stages, reducing time losses associated with cancellations or changes.
3Manufacturing precision
If the entire build volume is processed to ensure complete manufacturing, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of material increases when objects are not fully generated
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the manufacturing process by allowing objects to be added, removed, or modified during additive manufacturing. This dynamic control prevents material waste by enabling cancellation or modification of specific objects before the entire build volume is completed, avoiding waste of build material on unwanted or changed objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables selective discarding of objects or portions of objects that are no longer needed by updating control data during the manufacturing process. This allows the system to discard only the necessary portions rather than completing entire build volumes, reducing build material waste while maintaining precision for objects that are actually needed.
4Reliability
If additive manufacturing systems process complete build volumes, then reliability of process completion is improved, but adaptability to change deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms the static additive manufacturing process into a dynamic system that accepts real-time modifications. Control data can be updated during manufacturing to add, remove, or modify objects in the build volume, providing high adaptability while maintaining reliable process completion through systematic layer-by-layer manufacturing and continuous control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where control data is continuously managed and updated based on manufacturing progress and changing requirements. This feedback loop allows the system to adapt to changes while maintaining reliable process completion through systematic monitoring and adjustment of the manufacturing process.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one example, there is provided a system for managing the generation of three-dimension objects by an additive manufacturing system. The system comprises a processor to receive one or multiple virtual objects, to generate a spatial arrangement of those objects within a virtual build volume, to control an additive manufacturing system to process the virtual build volume, to modify the virtual build volume in response to a request, and to control the additive manufacturing system to process the modified virtual build volume.