3D Printing Mask Generation for Planar Surface Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Printing systems face challenges in accurately printing on the planar surfaces of 3D-objects with non-rectangular shapes and openings, as they often print outside the intended area, leading to errors in the final outcome.
Innovation Solution
A printing system with a mask generation module that creates a mask from a 3D-model of the object, using a mesh model defined by 2D-faces, to control the printing and prevent it from occurring outside the planar surface, ensuring accurate printing on the desired area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional printing systems are used on 3D-objects with non-rectangular shapes and openings, then printing can be performed on the object surface, but printing errors occur outside the intended planar surface area
Solution Approach 1:
The mask generation module creates a digital mask representing the planar surface boundaries before printing begins. This preliminary action defines the printable area and prevents ink deposition outside the intended region, resolving the printing accuracy issue without requiring complex real-time adjustments during the printing process.
Solution Approach 2:
A mask is introduced as an intermediary element between the printing system and the 3D-object surface. The mask acts as a boundary definition layer that guides the printing process, allowing the conventional printing system to operate accurately on complex geometries by providing clear spatial constraints without modifying the printing system itself.
2Manufacturing precision
If the printing system attempts to print on complex planar surfaces with rounded parts and angles, then coverage of the desired area is attempted, but printing errors occur on openings and lateral sides
Solution Approach 1:
The mask generation module creates a digital copy or representation of the planar surface geometry from the 3D model. This copied geometric information is processed to generate the mask that defines printable boundaries, allowing complex shapes to be accurately reproduced without manual intervention and maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms geometric parameters from the 3D model into a 2D mask representation. By changing the parameter space from three-dimensional object coordinates to two-dimensional print plane coordinates with defined boundaries, the system simplifies the operation while maintaining accuracy on complex planar surfaces with rounded parts, angles, and openings.
Data Source
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AI summary
A printing system for printing on a substantially planar surface of a 3D-object, the printing system comprising: printing means for printing on the planar surface of the 3D-object; and control means configured to control printing of the printing means; wherein the printing system further comprises a mask generation module configured to generate a mask having the shape of the planar surface from a 3D-model (300) of the 3D-object and to provide the control means with the mask to prevent printing outside said planar surface according to the mask.