3D Printing Printhead Contour Trip Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 3D inkjet printing, the use of a printhead with a multi-nozzle array results in low printing efficiency due to the printhead being located in non-printing areas during the printing of irregularly shaped models, as the movement trajectory is not optimized to match the object's contour.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that determine the trip starting and ending points for each printhead trip based on the object's contour, reducing unnecessary movement and improving printing efficiency by matching these points with the object's shape during the printing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the printhead uses a fixed movement trajectory based on the minimum bounding cuboid for slicing, then the printing process is simple to implement, but the printhead moves through large non-printing areas resulting in low printing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the printing trajectory into multiple segments based on the object's contour features. Instead of using a single fixed trajectory for the entire layer, the path is segmented into multiple trips where each trip's starting and ending points are determined by the contour intersections. This segmentation allows the printhead to avoid non-printing areas while maintaining manageable trajectory control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic trajectory adjustment by determining trip starting and ending points based on the actual contour of the object being printed. The trajectory is not fixed but adapts to the object's shape, allowing the printhead to dynamically adjust its path to minimize non-printing movement while maintaining printing quality.
2Speed
If the slicing uses the minimum bounding cuboid dimensions, then the slicing process is straightforward, but the printhead spends most time in non-printing areas reducing overall printing speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the contour information from the object model and uses it to define the effective printing boundaries. By taking out the essential contour features and using them to determine trip starting and ending points, the system eliminates unnecessary movement through non-printing areas while preserving the complete printing path along the contour.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary contour analysis before generating the printing trajectory. The trip starting and ending points are predetermined based on contour intersections, allowing the system to pre-calculate the optimal path that minimizes non-printing movement. This preliminary action enables the printhead to immediately begin printing without unnecessary travel time.
3Productivity
If the printhead follows a complete rectangular path for each layer, then the printing coverage is comprehensive, but the overall trip length is excessive reducing printing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the trajectory design by determining different trip starting and ending points for each trip based on the contour shape. Instead of symmetric rectangular paths, the trajectory adapts to the asymmetric contour features, creating unequal trip segments that collectively cover the entire contour while minimizing total travel distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by making the trip ending point of one trip the starting point of the next trip along the contour. This continuity eliminates idle movement between trips and ensures that the printhead is always engaged in printing or transitioning directly to the next printing position, maximizing the proportion of useful printing time.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing method and a printing device are provided. The printing method includes: determining, according to layer printing data of an object to be printed, a trip starting point and/or a trip ending point in a scanning direction for each trip of multiple trips required for a print head to print a preset layer, where the trip starting point and/or a trip ending point of at least one trip matches a contour of the object to be printed in the trip (S101); and performing layer printing for the preset layer according to the trips (S102).