Multi-Extruder 3D Printing Toolpath Generation via Closed Contour Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for generating toolpaths for fabrication apparatuses with multiple extruders struggle to optimize printing time and produce high-quality three-dimensional objects, often resulting in wasted material and fragile objects due to discontinuous tool paths.

Innovation Solution

A computing device computes closed contour two-dimensional polygons for each segment associated with a particular extruder, generating a tool path based on these polygons to control the movement of a fabrication apparatus, thereby creating continuous and efficient paths for multi-extruder three-dimensional object fabrication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If conventional toolpath generation methods are used for multi-extruder fabrication, then the fabrication process can be completed, but material waste increases and fabrication time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial wasteVSAvoidfabrication time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the fabrication layers into two-dimensional segments associated with specific extruders, then computes closed contours for each segment. This segmentation allows optimized toolpath generation that reduces material waste while maintaining efficient fabrication timing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If conventional toolpath generation methods are used for multi-extruder fabrication, then the fabrication process can be completed, but the resulting objects are fragile due to discontinuous tool paths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject strengthVSAvoidtoolpath continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent generates continuous toolpaths by computing closed contours that ensure uninterrupted material deposition. This continuity eliminates weak points in the fabricated object, enhancing structural strength while maintaining ease of manufacture through automated path generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary computation of closed contours and toolpaths before fabrication begins. This preliminary action ensures that continuous, optimized paths are established in advance, preventing discontinuities that would compromise object strength during the fabrication process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If closed contour computation is performed for each segment, then continuous tool paths are achieved, but computational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetoolpath continuityVSAvoidcomputational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the computational task into segments by associating two-dimensional segments with specific extruders and computing closed contours for each segment separately. This segmentation reduces overall computational complexity while ensuring toolpath continuity through systematic recombination of segment contours.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10452056B2Three-dimensional object fabrication using multiple extruders

Publication Date: 2019.10.22 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

Described herein is a system and method system for fabricating a three-dimensional object using a plurality of extruders. Information including two-dimensional segments of a layer of a three-dimensional object to be fabricated using the plurality of extruders is received. Closed contour, two-dimensional polygons are computed based on the two-dimensional segments. Tool path(s) are generated based on the computed closed contour two-dimensional polygons. The generated tool path(s) are provided to a fabrication apparatus.