Authorization Data Control for Distributed Additive Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operating additive manufacturing apparatuses for three-dimensional object production is challenging due to the need for precise control of multiple parameters, especially in distributed networks where ensuring quality and documentation across remote sites is critical, particularly in industries like automotive, aviation, and medical, where high standards must be met.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves supplying authorization data from an external source to control units of additive manufacturing apparatuses, allowing only authorized operation and parameter changes, ensuring that each apparatus in a network operates within predefined and secure settings, including object, build material, process, and user parameters, thereby enabling remote control and documentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If authorization data is supplied from external sources to control additive manufacturing apparatuses, then quality and documentation control is improved across remote sites, but device complexity increases due to network integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
A centralized authorization server acts as an intermediary between external data sources and distributed additive manufacturing apparatuses. The server receives authorization data, processes it, and distributes it to multiple apparatuses, thereby improving quality control across the network while centralizing the complexity of data management rather than distributing it to each individual apparatus.
2Loss of information
If remote control of additive manufacturing apparatuses is implemented, then documentation capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to increased control steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated feedback mechanisms where the authorization server communicates process parameters and authorization data back to the additive manufacturing apparatuses. This automated feedback loop ensures complete documentation of manufacturing processes without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving documentation while maintaining ease of operation through automation.
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 and parameter settings, allowing operators to manage and document processes securely and efficiently, meeting high industry standards.
Implementation Method 1
A method is described which refers to supplying authorization data AD which contains at least one authorization parameter that authorizes operation of at least one additive manufacturing apparatus (1) or at least one functional unit (2-7) of the additive manufacturing apparatus from an external data supply source (10) to a control unit (8) of the additive manufacturing apparatus, and controlling operation of the additive manufacturing apparatus (1) or the at least one functional unit (2-7) of the additive manufacturing apparatus based on received authorization data AD
Implementation Method 2
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 3
selective irradiation and consolidation of layers of a powdered build material which can be consolidated by means of an energy beam, i.e. typically an electron- or laser beam
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
Method for controlling operating of at least one additive manufacturing apparatus (1) for 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, comprising the 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), the control unit (8) being configured to control operation of the additive manufacturing apparatus (1) or the at least one functional unit (2 - 7) of the additive manufacturing apparatus (1), - controlling operation of the additive manufacturing apparatus (1) or the at least one functional unit (2 - 7) of the additive manufacturing apparatus (1) based on the transmitted authorization data (AD).