3D Mesh Partitioning by Build Direction for Multi-Axis Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing additive manufacturing techniques for multi-axis 3D printers are laborious and inefficient, particularly for objects with nonplanar interfaces, as they require laborious human intervention and separate component manufacturing, which is cumbersome and unsuitable for complex geometries.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automatic or semi-automatic build direction-based segmentation of surface meshes into buildable segments and correlated directions, using a volumetric segmentation engine to partition the mesh into buildable and non-buildable segments, reducing the need for human intervention and optimizing resource consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automatic build direction-based segmentation is implemented, then productivity and efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the surface mesh into multiple buildable segments based on build direction analysis. The system automatically identifies overhang faces, determines buildable versus non-buildable regions, and partitions the mesh into segments that can be constructed in sequence, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining construction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automated build direction determination and segment identification. The volumetric segmentation engine autonomously analyzes the surface mesh, correlates build directions with buildable segments, and generates construction sequences without human input, allowing the system to serve itself in the segmentation process.
2Loss of time
If build direction-based partitioning is used, then loss of time is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-determining build directions and identifying overhang faces before actual construction. The system performs advance segmentation and correlates build directions with buildable segments in advance, eliminating time-consuming manual preparation during the construction phase while maintaining precision through algorithmic boundary determination.
3Ease of operation
If volumetric segmentation engine is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical segmentation operations with computational algorithms. The volumetric segmentation engine uses computer-based mesh analysis, overhang detection, and build direction correlation to automate the segmentation process, substituting human manual work with computational processes that reduce physical effort while managing energy consumption through efficient algorithms.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods may support build direction-based partitioning for construction of a physical object through additive manufacturing. In some implementations, a system may access a surface mesh representative of a 3D object and an initial build direction for construction of the object using additive manufacturing. The system may partition the surface mesh into an initial buildable segment and a non-buildable segment based on the initial build direction. The system may iteratively determine subsequent build directions and partition off subsequent buildable segments from the unbuildable segment until no portion of the non-buildable segment remains. The determined buildable segments and correlated build directions may be provided to a multi-axis 3D printer for construction of the represented 3D object through additive manufacturing.