Interactive 3D Slicing for Segment-Level Toolpath Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D printing technologies lack the ability to specify printing parameters at a granular level within a 3D model, limiting the customization and control of the printing process, as parameters can only be set globally, making it difficult to achieve high accuracy and precise control over the printed part.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of interactive slicing systems that allow users to specify parameters at a sub-slice level, enabling fine-grained control of printing configurations for arbitrary portions of a 3D object by partitioning the model into segments and generating customized printing instructions based on user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If global parameters are used for printing, then the printing process is simple to control, but the manufacturing precision and customization capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the 3D model into multiple slices, and further divides each slice into multiple segments. This hierarchical segmentation allows parameters to be specified at different levels (global, slice-level, segment-level), enabling precise control over specific regions without requiring complete reconfiguration of the entire printing process. Users can modify parameters for individual segments while maintaining global settings for other areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables different printing parameters to be applied to different segments within the same 3D model. This allows local optimization where specific regions can have customized parameters (such as infill density, layer height, or printing speed) tailored to their functional requirements, while other regions maintain different settings. This resolves the contradiction by providing both precision control where needed and simplicity where not required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If parameters are specified globally for the entire part, then the operation is easy, but the adaptability to different regions is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic parameter specification system where the level of parameter customization can be adjusted based on user needs. Users can specify parameters at multiple hierarchical levels (global, slice, segment) and can selectively apply customization to specific regions. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt between simple global control and detailed local control, providing versatility without forcing complexity on all operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional parameter control system that can operate at multiple levels simultaneously. The same slicing system handles both global parameter application and localized parameter customization. This universal system can serve simple printing jobs with global parameters while also handling complex jobs requiring region-specific parameters, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing operational complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the model is divided into fine segments for precise control, then the manufacturing precision improves, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a hierarchical segmentation strategy where the model is divided into slices first, then selected slices are further divided into segments. This two-level segmentation provides fine-grained control capability when needed, while allowing users to avoid segmenting entire models when global control suffices. The system only processes segments for regions requiring precise control, thereby reducing overall processing time compared to segmenting the entire model.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables users to apply detailed segmentation and parameter customization only to specific portions of the model where high precision is required, rather than processing the entire model at the finest granularity. This partial action approach achieves the necessary control accuracy for critical regions while minimizing the computational overhead and processing time associated with fine-grained segmentation of the whole model.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides methods and systems for printing a three-dimensional part. The method comprises: receiving in computer memory a digital model of said three-dimensional object; using one or more computer processors to partition said digital model of said three-dimensional part into a plurality of partitions, wherein a given partition of said plurality of partitions comprises a plurality of slices, and wherein a given slice of said plurality of slices comprises a plurality of segments; receiving, from a user, one or more parameters that specify a printing configuration for at least one segment of said plurality of segments; and generating printing instructions based at least in part on said one or more parameters, which printing instructions are usable by a print head to print said three-dimensional object.