3D Printer Automatic Calibration System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual calibration of 3D printer bases is tedious and inaccurate due to the need for multiple trial and error verifications, often resulting in incorrect printouts and potential damage to the print head.
Innovation Solution
An automatic calibration system that measures the printer table's surface deviations using at least three base points connected by an electric wire to the print head, storing 'X', 'Y', 'Z' coordinates and adjusting the printout base to compensate for these deviations, eliminating the need for manual verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual calibration is performed using mechanical retainers and feeler gauges, then the calibration process can be completed, but the process is tedious, time-consuming, and highly inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical calibration system (feeler gauges and mechanical retainers) with an automated electronic measurement system. The probe with contact detection circuit automatically measures the printer table surface at multiple points, eliminating the need for manual intervention and significantly improving both accuracy and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system performs self-measurement by automatically moving the probe to predetermined points on the printer table and detecting surface deviations without human assistance. The system independently completes the entire calibration process, from measurement to compensation calculation.
2Reliability
If manual calibration verification is performed through trial and error, then calibration results can be checked, but the process becomes overly complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic feedback by measuring the printer table surface at multiple points, comparing the measurements against the ideal plane, and automatically calculating compensation values. This closed-loop feedback mechanism eliminates trial-and-error verification and ensures reliable calibration results.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurement and compensation calculation before actual printing begins. By pre-characterizing the printer table surface geometry and calculating necessary compensations in advance, the system eliminates the need for repeated trial-and-error adjustments during the printing process.
3Productivity
If the printout base is not properly levelled, then printing can proceed quickly, but incorrect printouts and damage to the print head may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs comprehensive surface measurement and compensation calculation before printing begins. By pre-leveling the virtual printout base according to measured deviations, the system ensures printing safety and prevents collisions while maintaining high printing speed during actual operation.
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 system automates the calibration process, reducing manual errors and ensuring precise alignment between the print head and the base, preventing collisions and improving print quality.
Implementation Method 1
When the contact detection circuit is closed the 'X', 'Y', 'Z' coordinates are stored in the printer memory
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The system for preparing a 3D printer printout base characterized in that on the printer table (1) at least three base points (2) are located, which are connected with each other by an electric wire (3), which connects to (head 5) nozzle (4) by a power supply (6), creating a contact detection circuit (7). The head (5) is connected sequentially with the head (5) drive (8), head (5) controller (9) and printer controller (10) and the printer controller (10) is equipped with a coordinate recorder (11) and a memory (12). The contact detection circuit (7) is connected by a potential signalling line (13) with the printer recorder (11) or the contact detection circuit (7) is equipped with an element (14) detecting current flow connected by a line (15) with the printer recorder (11), and the printer table (1) is connected with the table drive (16), table drive controller (17) and printer controller (11).The upper surface of table (1) and the surface of the base points (2) form a uniform plane. The method of preparing a 3D printer printout base characterised by the measurement of the location of the printer table (1) being conducted in the vertical axis "Z" with the established locations of the printer head in the "X", "Y" plane over at least 3 base points (2), and in the moment the contact detection circuit (7) is closed the "X, Y, Z" coordinates are stored in the printer memory, and based on the obtained coordinates describing the table surface, the printout base (18) is printed, that is, the raft.