Automated Photo-Shaping System for 3D Powder Sintering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photo-shaping methods for manufacturing three-dimensional objects using powder material are labor-intensive and prone to operator errors, especially when calculating and executing removal processes during repetitive sintered layer formation, as they require manual generation and entry of numerous processing paths, leading to increased time and labor.
Innovation Solution
A photo-shaping method and system that utilize databases and computational processes to generate and execute light beam irradiation and removal paths based on three-dimensional CAD model data, reducing operator intervention by automating the generation of driving programs for both light beam irradiation and removal processes, including the selection of appropriate tools and timing for efficient removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual calculation and entry of processing paths is used for removal process, then processing can be executed, but operator labor and time increase significantly and errors are likely to occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic path generation and processing execution without requiring operator intervention for path calculation and entry. The computing device autonomously calculates removal paths based on three-dimensional model data and automatically executes the removal process, eliminating manual labor and reducing errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (operator calculation and entry of paths) with automated computational processes. The computing device uses algorithms to automatically generate removal paths from three-dimensional model data, substituting human manual work with computer-based automation.
2Extent of automation
If automatic path generation is implemented, then operator labor is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computing device serves multiple functions: it stores three-dimensional model data, automatically calculates removal paths, determines processing parameters, and executes both light beam irradiation and removal processes. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a single integrated device.
Solution Approach 2:
The computing device acts as an intermediary between the three-dimensional model data and the physical processing operations. It translates model data into automated processing paths and coordinates the light beam irradiating means and removal processing means, simplifying the overall system architecture through a central control unit.
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
This approach significantly reduces operator labor and time, enhances processing efficiency, and minimizes errors by automating the generation of precise paths for both light beam irradiation and removal processes, allowing for more efficient manufacturing of three-dimensional objects.
Implementation Method 1
a light beam irradiating means for irradiating a light beam to a specified position of a powder material layer to sinter a desired part of the powder material
Implementation Method 2
irradiating a light beam to a specified position of a powder material layer to sinter a desired part of the powder material
Data Source
AI summary
In photo-shaping a target object executed by a photo-shaping machine (10) along with a computing device (1), a first path (P1) is generated as a light beam irradiation path on the basis of contour data of each section sliced at a specified pitch of three-dimensional CAD model data of the target object desired to be formed, and the first parameter data. A second path (P2) is generated as a removal processing path on the basis of the three-dimensional CAD model data, the second parameter data, and removing timing data showing a timing of executing the removal process. Driving programs (P3) are generated for executing the photo-shaping process including the light beam irradiation and the removal process, on the basis of the first path data, second path data and removing timing data, thereby performing the photo-shaping and removal process according to the driving programs.