Print Agent Coverage Calibration for Uniform 3D Part Properties
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Solution Overview
Problem
Additive manufacturing techniques face challenges in achieving consistent physical properties of generated objects due to inhomogeneities within the fabrication chamber, leading to variations in temperature and extent of fusion across different regions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the generation of calibration objects to measure physical properties, followed by determining calibrated print agent coverage amounts using maps and correction coefficients to modify print agent deposition, thereby reducing variability in object properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If uniform print agent coverage is applied across the fabrication chamber, then the manufacturing process is simple and fast, but the physical properties of generated objects vary due to chamber inhomogeneities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by determining different print agent coverage amounts for different regions within the fabrication chamber. A map is created that assigns specific coverage amounts to specific regions based on measured physical properties of calibration objects, allowing each region to be compensated for its unique inhomogeneities rather than applying a uniform coverage across the entire chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by generating calibration objects and measuring their physical properties before actual manufacturing. This calibration process creates a reference map that is used to adjust print agent coverage in subsequent manufacturing operations, preventing property variations before they occur rather than correcting them afterward.
2Manufacturing precision
If calibration objects are generated and measured to determine region-specific print agent coverage, then object property consistency improves, but the manufacturing process time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration process is performed once beforehand to create a reusable map of print agent coverage amounts for different regions. This preliminary calibration eliminates the need for repeated measurements during normal manufacturing operations, as the established map can be applied consistently across multiple production cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital representation (map) of the fabrication chamber's inhomogeneities based on physical measurements of calibration objects. This digital map serves as a copy or model that can be used to determine print agent coverage without requiring physical calibration objects to be present during actual manufacturing, separating the calibration phase from production phase.
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
The method effectively reduces variations in object properties by adjusting print agent coverage based on measured physical properties, ensuring more consistent and targeted object generation across the fabrication chamber.
Implementation Method 1
Additive manufacturing techniques may generate a three-dimensional object through the solidification of a build material
Implementation Method 2
the solidification method may include heating the layers of build material to cause melting in selected regions
Implementation Method 3
heating the layers of build material to cause melting
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a method includes generating a plurality of calibration objects, each in a different region of a fabrication chamber of an additive manufacturing apparatus. In some examples the method further includes obtaining a measurement of a physical property of each calibration object. The method may include determining, by processing circuitry, calibrated print agent coverage amounts for each region based on the measured physical properties of the calibration objects wherein the calibrated print agent coverage amounts are to be used in a subsequent object generation operation.