3D Build Volume Segmentation for Color-Strength Tradeoffs
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 3D printing, there is a trade-off between achieving strong mechanical properties and vibrant colors, as high thermal energy required for fusing layers often results in objects with lower density and mechanical strength, especially when using colorants like cyan, magenta, or yellow, which have lower absorptance compared to carbon black, leading to unintended color shifts and reduced color gamut.
Innovation Solution
The technique involves segmenting a 3D object into core, inner peripheral, and outer peripheral regions, where the core uses a high-absorptance fusing agent like carbon black for strength, and the peripheral regions use lower-tint fusing agents with colorants to achieve desired colors, with intermediate segments masking the core's color for a gradual transition of properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If high thermal energy is applied to fuse layers for strong mechanical properties, then object strength is improved, but color gamut deteriorates due to lower density and unintended color shifts
Solution Approach 1:
The object is divided into a core segment and a peripheral segment, each receiving different print agent applications. The core segment uses a first print agent while the peripheral segment uses a second print agent, allowing different regions to have optimized properties for either strength or color accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Different print agents are applied to different segments of the object based on local requirements. The core segment receives a print agent optimized for mechanical strength, while the peripheral segment receives a print agent optimized for color gamut, allowing each region to have locally optimized quality.
2Manufacturing precision
If colorants like cyan, magenta, or yellow are used for vibrant colors, then color gamut is improved, but mechanical strength deteriorates due to lower absorptance compared to carbon black
Solution Approach 1:
The object is divided into a core segment and a peripheral segment, each receiving different print agent applications. The peripheral segment uses a second print agent with colorants for vibrant colors, while the core segment uses a first print agent that provides better mechanical strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Different print agents are applied to different segments of the object based on local requirements. The peripheral segment receives a print agent optimized for color gamut, while the core segment receives a print agent optimized for mechanical strength, allowing each region to have locally optimized quality.
3Device complexity
If a single print agent is used for the entire object, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to optimize different regions for different properties
Solution Approach 1:
The object is divided into a core segment and a peripheral segment, each receiving different print agent applications. The core segment uses a first print agent while the peripheral segment uses a second print agent, allowing different regions to have optimized properties for either strength or color accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Different print agents are applied to different segments of the object based on local requirements. The core segment receives a print agent optimized for mechanical strength, while the peripheral segment receives a print agent optimized for color gamut, allowing each region to have locally optimized quality.
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 allows for the creation of colorful 3D objects with enhanced mechanical strength by optimizing the distribution of fusing agents and colorants across different segments, maintaining a high color gamut while minimizing the visual impact of the core's color on the object's appearance.
Implementation Method 1
high thermal energy required for fusing layers often results in objects with lower density and mechanical strength, especially when using colorants like cyan, magenta, or yellow, which have lower absorptance compared to carbon black
Implementation Method 2
three-dimensional objects may be formed, for example, by the selective solidification of successive layers of a build material
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a virtual build volume comprising a representation of at least a part of an object to be generated in additive manufacturing is segmented into a plurality of nested segments comprising a core segment, an inner peripheral segment and an outer peripheral segment. Additive manufacturing control instructions may be generated for the nested segments. The control instructions for the core segment may provide a first region of the object corresponding to the core segment and having a first color. The control instructions for the outer peripheral segment may provide a second color for a second region of the object corresponding to the outer peripheral segment. The control instructions for the inner peripheral segment may provide a third color for a third region of the object corresponding to the inner peripheral segment, wherein a color of the third region is determined so as to at least partially visually mask the first region.