Compression Roller Tracking in Additive Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CNC additive manufacturing tool-path generating software lacks the capability to integrate compression-roller tracking control, leading to rough operation and axis-coordination issues when attempting to maintain a continuous orthogonal relationship between the compression roller and the nozzle during 3D printing.
Innovation Solution
A discrete servo-control loop is used to independently monitor and adjust the position of the compression roller relative to the tool path, ensuring it remains orthogonal to the nozzle's motion, thereby eliminating the need for offline programming and reducing rough operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If compression roller tracking control is integrated into CNC tool-path software, then the compression roller can maintain orthogonal relationship with nozzle, but servo interactions cause rough operation and coordination issues
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two independent parts: the CNC tool-path generating software and the compression roller tracking control. The tracking control operates as a separate function that receives nozzle position data and independently calculates roller positioning, avoiding integration conflicts and servo interactions that cause rough operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression roller tracking control acts as an intermediary between the CNC controller and the roller actuator. It translates nozzle trajectory information into appropriate roller positioning commands, mediating the control signals to maintain orthogonal relationship without direct integration into the tool-path software, thereby preventing coordination issues.
2Manufacturing precision
If compression roller tracking control is integrated into CNC tool-path software, then orthogonal relationship can be maintained, but programming complexity increases and offline programming is required
Solution Approach 1:
The compression roller tracking control functionality is extracted from the CNC tool-path generating software. This separate tracking control receives necessary position information and independently manages roller positioning, eliminating the need for complex integrated programming and reducing offline programming requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The separate tracking control system is designed to work with various tool-paths and compression roller configurations through a universal interface. It can adapt to different nozzle trajectories and roller positions without requiring custom programming for each case, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure are drawn to additive manufacturing methods. An exemplary method may include determining x and y coordinates for a tool path of an additive manufacturing machine, and calculating an angle of the tool path. The method may also include determining a position of a compression roller relative to the angle of the tool path, and moving the compression roller to position the compression roller relative to the angle of the tool path.