Additive Manufacturing Tool Paths From Abstract Geometry
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processes for generating tool path data in additive manufacturing are computationally intensive, fail to utilize the full resolution of the manufacturing apparatus, and result in inferior material and structural properties compared to traditional methods.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves projecting and connecting layer points or lines to generate tool path data, allowing for a more abstract and parametric representation of objects, reducing computational intensity and improving resolution and implementation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If existing processes are used to generate tool path data from volumetric representation, then complete object coverage is achieved, but computational intensity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the object representation from volumetric (STL) to skeletal (lines and curves), dividing the complex data structure into manageable components that require less computational processing while maintaining essential geometric information for tool path generation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential structural elements (lines and curves) from the complete volumetric model, removing redundant data while preserving the critical geometric features needed for additive manufacturing tool path generation
2Manufacturing precision
If existing slicing methods are used, then all build layers are covered, but the full resolution of the additive manufacturing apparatus is not utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D contour-based tool paths to 3D parametric curve representations, allowing the tool to operate in an additional dimensional space that enables finer resolution utilization while reducing overall path complexity through continuous mathematical descriptions
3Strength
If traditional tool path generation is used, then material deposition is achieved, but material and structural properties are inferior compared to established processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of tool path representation from discrete point/contour data to continuous parametric equations, enabling smoother material deposition paths that improve material properties while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through optimized traversal algorithms
Data Source
AI summary
Generating tool path data for use in additive manufacturing comprises providing object design data in which at least part of the object is represented abstractly using lines and/or surfaces. The lines and/or surfaces can then be used to provide tool path data for the build layers of an additive manufacturing apparatus. The tool paths can be reconfigured to reduce the overall distance travelled and/or travel time when the additive manufacturing apparatus implements the tool path data. An additive manufacturing parameter for a structural feature of the object can also be selected based on the geometry of the structural feature and specified in the tool path data.