Build Plate Layout Using 2D Packing for Faster Part Fabrication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional manufacturing methods, including 3D printing, face inefficiencies due to the need for skilled labor to configure manufacturing settings and optimize part orientation, which increases overhead costs and time, especially when printing multiple copies of parts on a build plate.
Innovation Solution
An automated layout process using a factory server that generates a 2D footprint for each part instance and applies a two-dimensional packing algorithm to arrange them efficiently on the build plate, reducing the need for manual intervention and computational intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a 3D packing process is used to place part instances on the build plate, then the layout optimization is improved, but the computational intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the 3D packing problem into a 2D packing problem by projecting part instances onto the build plate plane. This dimensionality reduction maintains the essential layout optimization functionality while significantly decreasing computational complexity, as 2D packing algorithms are less computationally intensive than 3D packing algorithms.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual manipulation of part instances is used to create layout, then the process is simple to implement, but the time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automates the layout creation process by having the factory server automatically generate 2D footprints and perform packing algorithms to arrange part instances on the build plate. This eliminates the need for manual operator intervention while significantly reducing the time required to create optimized layouts compared to manual manipulation.
3Manufacturing precision
If skilled labor is used to configure manufacturing settings, then the manufacturing quality is improved, but the overhead costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual skilled labor with an automated computer-based system that performs layout optimization using 2D packing algorithms. This substitution maintains high manufacturing quality through algorithmic optimization while eliminating the overhead costs associated with skilled labor configuration, as the automated system can process layouts rapidly without human intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of generating fabrication parameters for fabrication of a part is disclosed. The method comprises receiving from a computer device a 3D file representing the part to be fabricated. A three-dimensional model stored in the three-dimensional model file is converted to manufacturing instructions. The three-dimensional model includes the geometrical layout of the part, and the three-dimensional model includes mesh surface data. A cost as well as a time associated with the manufacturing of the part are generated. The cost and time to manufacture the part are outputted to a customer device. A system for generating fabrication parameters for fabrication of a part is also disclosed.