3D Printer Build Control for Mid-Process Object Addition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D printing technologies require users to reissue forming instructions if they want to create additional objects during an ongoing printing process, leading to inefficiencies and increased processing time.
Innovation Solution
A forming control apparatus that allows for the receipt of instructions to form additional objects during the printing process, determining if the new object can be formed in the available three-dimensional space, and issuing commands to the forming unit to complete both objects simultaneously, enabling 'delayed join' processes either in parallel or sequentially.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single forming instruction is issued for multiple objects before the forming process starts, then the forming time period is reduced and productivity is improved, but the system lacks flexibility to accommodate additional forming requests during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically accepts additional forming requests during the forming process and dynamically determines whether to form additional objects based on available space and resource availability. The forming control apparatus continuously monitors the forming state and can issue additional forming control commands without restarting the entire process, making the system adaptable while maintaining efficient batch processing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the forming process is restarted to accommodate additional objects, then all requested objects can be formed, but the overall completion time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary determination of available three-dimensional space and forming capabilities before accepting additional forming requests. By pre-assessing whether the forming unit can accommodate additional objects during the current process, the system avoids time-consuming process restarts while ensuring that additional objects can be successfully formed.
Solution Approach 2:
The forming process continues without interruption or restart when additional objects are requested. The forming control apparatus issues additional forming control commands that integrate with the ongoing forming process, allowing the forming unit to continuously produce multiple objects in sequence or parallel without losing productive time.
3Productivity
If multiple objects are formed in a single process, then productivity increases and time is reduced, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system segments the forming process into independent forming control commands, each targeting specific objects or groups of objects. This modular approach allows the system to manage multiple objects through discrete, manageable control units rather than requiring complex monolithic control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The forming control apparatus automatically determines whether additional objects can be formed by analyzing available three-dimensional space and forming unit capabilities. The system self-manages the complexity of coordinating multiple objects through automated space calculation and process state monitoring, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention control a forming unit of a 3D printer so as to additionally form a second object in a free space in the forming unit when receiving an instruction to form the second object and forming data in the middle of a forming process for a first object by the forming unit.