Scanning Axis Compensation for 3D Printing Precision
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional rapid prototyping and manufacturing techniques using linear solidification devices face inaccuracies due to variations in solidification energy travel distance, rotational speed, and geometry, leading to inconsistencies in the dimensions and geometry of the final product.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of scanning axis compensation and dynamic offsetting of solidification energy source event data to adjust time values for activating and deactivating the solidification energy source, ensuring precise alignment with the original three-dimensional object data by accounting for variations in scanning length per unit time and position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If linear solidification device is used to rapidly manufacture three-dimensional objects, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to variations in solidification energy travel distance, rotational speed, and geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing compensation values in a lookup table before the manufacturing process. The system determines the required compensation for each scanning position and solidification energy parameter in advance, then applies these pre-computed corrections during rapid manufacturing to maintain dimensional accuracy without real-time computation delays
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting solidification energy source event data parameters (such as energy duration, intensity, and timing) based on the scanning position and detected variations in travel distance or rotational speed. This allows the system to compensate for physical variations while maintaining high-speed manufacturing capabilities
2Manufacturing precision
If solidification energy source event data is used to control the linear solidification device, then manufacturing precision can be improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for scanning axis compensation and dynamic offsetting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by creating and storing a lookup table that contains pre-computed compensation values based on the ideal scanning path and solidification parameters. Instead of implementing complex real-time calculation mechanisms, the system copies and applies pre-determined correction values from the lookup table during manufacturing, simplifying the control architecture while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element in the form of a lookup table that mediates between the solidification energy source control and the scanning device operation. The lookup table stores pre-calculated compensation data that translates desired dimensional accuracy into actionable control parameters, eliminating the need for complex direct control mechanisms
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 method enhances the accuracy of three-dimensional object manufacturing by compensating for variations in scanning length and position, resulting in more precise and dimensionally correct final products.
Implementation Method 1
a solidification energy source such as a UV or IR laser diode
Implementation Method 2
photohardenable resin...solidification energy is selectively scanned on an exposed surface of a solidifiable material
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2D
AI summary
An apparatus and method for making a three-dimensional object from a solidifiable material using a linear solidification device and contourless object data is shown and described. A voxel matrix is superimposed over an object model defined by three-dimensional object data to determine active voxels that intersect at least a portion of the object model. The active voxels are related to a path generation reference frame of an apparatus for making a three-dimensional object to generate solidification energy source event data that defines scanning (y) axis locations and/or solidification times at which a linear solidification device supplies solidification energy to a solidifiable material.