3D Printing Orientation Selection for Minimal Overhang Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D printing technologies face inefficiencies in optimizing the orientation of 3D printed objects to minimize overhang volumes, leading to increased material consumption and complexity in support structure design, which affects the quality and material waste in the printing process.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method determines optimal orientations for 3D printing by computing overhang volumes for a finite discrete set of orientations, identifying orientations with minimal overhang volume, and optionally considering snapping orientations to further reduce overhang volume, thereby minimizing the need for support material and improving print quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If the orientation of the 3D printed object is not optimized, then the support structure volume increases, but the material consumption and printing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the orientation angles (alpha and beta) of the 3D model relative to the build plate. By computing overhang volumes across a discrete set of orientations and selecting the optimal orientation that minimizes overhang volume, the method reduces material consumption for support structures while simplifying support design complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-computing the overhang volume for multiple discrete orientations before actual printing. This allows the system to identify the optimal orientation in advance, thereby minimizing material consumption and simplifying support structure requirements before the printing process begins
2Productivity
If the overhang volume is not minimized, then the support structure volume increases, but the printing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orientation parameters (alpha and beta angles) to minimize overhang volume. By evaluating multiple discrete orientations and selecting the optimal one, the method reduces support material waste while improving printing efficiency through optimized build configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback by computing the overhang volume for each candidate orientation and using this computed information to select the optimal orientation. This feedback loop ensures that the selected orientation minimizes support material requirements while maximizing printing efficiency
3Measurement precision
If a continuous optimization approach is used for orientation, then the precision increases, but the computational complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the continuous orientation space into a finite discrete set of orientations. By segmenting the parameter space and evaluating only discrete orientations, the method achieves sufficient precision while dramatically reducing computational time compared to continuous optimization approaches
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by evaluating a discrete subset of orientations rather than performing exhaustive continuous optimization. This partial evaluation approach provides sufficiently precise results for practical printing applications while avoiding the excessive computational time required for complete continuous optimization
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention notably relates to a computer-implemented method for orienting 3D printing of a real object. The method comprises providing (S10) a 3D modeled object that represents the real object. The method also comprises determining (S40, S56) one or more orientations of the 3D modeled object for which an overhang volume is optimal. This improves 3D printing.