3D Printed Fabric Path Planning for Density-Variable Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fabrics are limited in design freedom due to their uniform density and structure, and existing 3D printing technologies are not applicable for fabric printing, restricting personalized and functional designs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for generating 3D printing data that includes selecting a texture plane, generating slice patterns with non-closed texture lines, and planning printing paths to create 3D printed fabrics with interlaced structures and density variations, using a 3D printing device to extrude or radiate materials along these paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional weaving process is used to prepare fibers, then fabric production is achieved, but design freedom is restricted due to uniform density and structure
Solution Approach 1:
The fabric structure is segmented into multiple layers with different density characteristics. Each layer can have independent density variations, allowing the top layer to be more dense for durability while the bottom layer is less dense for comfort. This segmentation enables diverse design possibilities while maintaining production feasibility through layer-by-layer 3D printing
Solution Approach 2:
The 3D printing process enables local quality variation within the fabric structure by controlling material deposition density at different spatial locations. The system can create regions of high density for structural integrity and regions of low density for flexibility or aesthetic purposes, all within a single fabric piece, thus achieving design freedom without compromising production
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing 3D printing technology is used, then printing on existing fabrics is possible, but the fabrics themselves cannot be 3D printed due to limitations in design tools and printing methods
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from 2D surface printing on existing fabrics to 3D volumetric printing that creates the fabric structure itself. By adding the third dimension of depth and density control, the system can manufacture entire fabric layers with varying densities, enabling personalized fabric creation rather than just surface decoration
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the fundamental printing parameters by controlling material deposition density as a variable parameter. Instead of binary print/no-print decisions, the system varies deposition density to create different fabric textures, densities, and structural properties, enabling personalized fabric manufacturing with diverse characteristics
3Productivity
If traditional slice patterns with closed contours are used, then complete coverage is achieved, but printing efficiency is reduced due to redundant paths and inability to optimize material deposition
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the redundant closed contour requirement from traditional slicing methods. By removing the necessity to complete closed loops at each slice level, the system can optimize printing paths to follow only the necessary material deposition routes, eliminating redundant movements while maintaining complete coverage through strategic path planning between slices
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary path planning that anticipates future slice requirements. By pre-calculating optimal deposition paths that consider multiple slices ahead, the system can plan efficient continuous paths that minimize redundant movements and optimize material deposition sequences, thereby improving printing efficiency without sacrificing coverage completeness
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
Enhances design freedom and functionality of fabrics by allowing for personalized and diversified structures, improving printing efficiency and quality through optimized path planning.
Implementation Method 1
sending the 3D printing data to a 3D printing device to print the to-be-printed object
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~3A
Figure 3B~3C
AI summary
A 3D printing data generation method, a path planning method, a system and a storage medium. The 3D printing data generation method comprises: generating at least one sliced pattern according to a projection contour of a model of an object to be printed, wherein each sliced pattern comprises at least one texture line, and the end point of each texture line in each sliced pattern is positioned on the projection contour; and generating 3D printing data according to the spatial position of each printed line in a cross-sectional layer determined based on each sliced pattern, wherein the printed line comprises the texture line. The 3D printing method realizes structural designs unachievable in traditional fabric, thereby enhancing freedom of fabric design in terms of appearance and function. Moreover, proper planning of the printing path during a printing process improves printing efficiency and printing quality. A product printed using the methods enables density changes in each part of the fabric structure and satisfies various personalized needs.