Shared Build Plane Control for Multi-User 3D Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Additive manufacturing processes for individual or small quantities of three-dimensional objects are costly for users due to inefficient use of the build plane, leading to significant material waste and high costs per object.
Innovation Solution
A method where multiple users can share the same apparatus by transmitting object data through a communication interface, allowing simultaneous manufacturing of different objects on the same build plane, with costs divided proportionally based on the area used, using a selective irradiation and consolidation process with an energy beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additive manufacturing is used to manufacture individual objects or small quantities, then manufacturing flexibility and customization are improved, but the occupancy rate of the build plane deteriorates leading to high costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent manufacturing jobs from different users into a single shared manufacturing process. The build plane is divided into multiple build regions, each processing different objects for different users simultaneously, thereby merging previously separate manufacturing operations into one efficient process that maximizes build plane utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing apparatus is transformed into a multi-functional system that serves multiple users and processes various types of objects simultaneously. The build plane functions as a shared resource that can be dynamically allocated to different users' manufacturing needs, making the system universal rather than dedicated to a single user or object type.
2Manufacturing precision
If the entire build plane is allocated to a single user for manufacturing individual objects, then manufacturing precision and quality control are improved, but the cost per object increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple users' manufacturing jobs are merged into a single shared process where the build plane is collectively utilized. This merging allows the fixed costs of the manufacturing apparatus to be distributed across multiple users and multiple objects, significantly reducing the cost per object while maintaining quality control through standardized processing parameters for each build region.
3Productivity
If multiple users share the same build plane simultaneously, then the occupancy rate and cost efficiency are improved, but the complexity of managing multiple manufacturing processes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shared build plane is segmented into multiple independent build regions, each assigned to process specific objects for specific users. This segmentation allows independent management and control of each user's manufacturing process while utilizing the shared build plane, reducing the complexity of coordinating multiple processes by creating spatially separated, independently controllable zones.
Solution Approach 2:
A control system acts as an intermediary between multiple users and the manufacturing apparatus. This intermediary manages the allocation of build regions, coordinates the manufacturing schedules, and monitors the progress of multiple simultaneous processes, thereby reducing the direct management complexity for individual users while enabling efficient shared utilization of the build plane.
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 approach reduces costs for individual users by optimizing the occupancy rate of the build plane, making the manufacturing of individual or small quantities of three-dimensional objects more affordable by allowing multiple users to share the costs and resources.
Implementation Method 1
additively manufacturing of three-dimensional objects by means of successive layerwise selective irradiation and consolidation of layers of a build material which can be consolidated by means of an energy beam
Implementation Method 2
A respective energy beam can be a laser beam or an electronic beam
Implementation Method 3
consolidation of layers of a build material which can be consolidated by means of an energy beam
Implementation Method 4
a stream generating device which is adapted to generate a gaseous fluid stream at least partly streaming through the process chamber with given streaming properties
Data Source
AI summary
Method for operating at least one apparatus (1) for additively manufacturing of three-dimensional objects (2-4) by means of successive layerwise selective irradiation and consolidation of layers of a build material (5) which can be consolidated by means of an energy beam (6), wherein a communication interface (10) connected or connectable with the at least one apparatus (1) is adapted to receive at least a first data set (15-17) comprising object data from at least a first user (12-14), relating to at least one object (2-4) to be built, and at least a second data set (15-17) comprising object data from at least a second user (12-14), wherein a manufacturing process of at least two objects (2-4) is controlled dependent on the data sets (15-17) of the at least two users (12-14).