Additive Manufacturing Authorization Control for Remote Quality Consistency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operating additive manufacturing apparatuses for three-dimensional object production across remote sites is challenging due to the need for thorough control of multiple parameters to ensure high-quality output and complete documentation, particularly in industries like automotive, aviation, and medical, where quality standards are stringent.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling additive manufacturing apparatuses through authorization data transmitted from an external source, which configures and authorizes the operation of functional units, ensuring that only authorized changes can be made to operational parameters, allowing remote monitoring and documentation of additive manufacturing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additive manufacturing apparatuses are operated at remote sites with multiple parameters to be controlled, then production flexibility and distribution are improved, but quality consistency and documentation control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a centralized control system that receives status information from remote additive manufacturing apparatuses and sends back control commands. This feedback loop enables real-time monitoring and adjustment of process parameters, ensuring quality consistency across distributed sites while maintaining production flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system serves multiple functions: it authenticates users, manages process parameters, collects status information, and ensures documentation compliance. This multi-functional approach allows a single centralized system to maintain quality control across multiple remote apparatuses without requiring separate control systems at each location.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple process parameters are controlled to ensure high quality standards, then manufacturing precision is improved, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized control system as an intermediary between operators and the additive manufacturing apparatuses. This intermediary manages the complexity of multiple process parameters by providing a unified interface and automated control, reducing the operational burden on users while maintaining high manufacturing precision through systematic parameter management.
3Reliability
If complete documentation of each additive manufacturing process is required, then traceability and quality assurance are improved, but administrative burden and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically collects status information from the additive manufacturing apparatuses and generates documentation without requiring manual intervention. This self-service approach to documentation ensures complete traceability and quality assurance while eliminating the time-consuming manual documentation process.
4Extent of automation
If remote monitoring and control of additive manufacturing apparatuses is implemented, then centralization of control is improved, but communication requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to perform multiple functions including authentication, parameter management, status monitoring, and documentation through a single integrated platform. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate communication systems for each function, thereby managing system complexity while achieving extensive automation and centralized control.
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 method ensures consistent quality and documentation across remote additive manufacturing sites by enforcing authorized operation parameters, allowing operators to manage and document processes effectively, thereby meeting stringent industry standards.
Implementation Method 1
additively manufacturing of three-dimensional objects by means of successive layerwise selective irradiation and consolidation of layers of a powdered build material which can be consolidated by means of an energy beam
Implementation Method 2
typically an electron- or laser beam
Implementation Method 3
typically an electron- or laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
Method for controlling operating of at least one additive manufacturing apparatus (1) for additively manufacturing of three-dimensional objects is provided by means of successive layerwise selective irradiation and consolidation of layers of a powdered build material which can be consolidated by means of an energy beam, embodiments including exemplary steps of: supplying authorization data (AD) which contains at least one authorization parameter that authorizes the operation of at least one additive manufacturing apparatus (1) or at least one functional unit (2-7) of the at least one additive manufacturing apparatus (1) from an external data supply source (10), transmitting the authorization data (AD) from the external data supply source (10) to a control unit (8) of the at least one additive manufacturing apparatus (1), and controlling operation of the additive manufacturing apparatus (1) or the at least one functional unit (2-7).