3D Print Slice Encoding for Voxel Material Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional additive manufacturing systems provide limited control over the internal structure of three-dimensional objects, restricting end-users' ability to design complex internal layers, which can lead to partial control over the internal design of fabricated objects.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a graphical user interface (GUI) to allow end-users to design and control the structure of individual slices, assigning specific building materials to each voxel based on user-defined patterns, enabling the creation of complex internal structures through a data structure stored in a computer-readable format and transmitted to the additive manufacturing system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional additive manufacturing systems are used, then the manufacturing process is simple and automated, but the control over internal structure of three-dimensional objects is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The internal structure of the three-dimensional object is divided into multiple planar segments, allowing independent design and control of each segment's internal pattern. This segmentation enables precise control over internal structures without requiring complete system redesign, as each segment can be configured separately through the GUI.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of control by allowing pattern definition in planar segments that can be oriented at different angles and positions within the three-dimensional object. This dimensional approach enables complex internal structures to be built up from two-dimensional patterns, achieving high manufacturing precision through layered pattern assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If end-users design complex internal layers, then the customization capability is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to the complexity of controlling individual slices
Solution Approach 1:
A graphical user interface (GUI) acts as an intermediary between the end-user and the complex slice control system. The GUI provides intuitive tools for selecting planar segments, defining patterns, and assigning materials, thereby enabling users with limited technical expertise to create complex internal structures without directly manipulating complex manufacturing parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows users to define patterns once and automatically apply or replicate them across multiple planar segments. This copying capability enables consistent internal structures to be reused throughout the object, reducing the operational complexity while maintaining high customization capability.
3Manufacturing precision
If user-defined patterns and material assignments are implemented for each voxel, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the productivity decreases due to the detailed control required
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple planar segments with similar internal patterns are merged into a single configurable unit. By defining patterns at the segment level rather than individual voxel level, and by allowing replication across segments, the system achieves voxel-level manufacturing precision while reducing the total number of control operations required, thereby maintaining productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of encoding data for additive manufacturing comprises: displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) having at least a planar segment selector control, a pattern shaping control, and a material selection control. The method also comprises displaying on the GUI a cross-section of a three-dimensional object at a position corresponding to a specific planar segment selected by the planar segment selector control. A planar pattern having nested contours is displayed over the cross-section, wherein each contour is shaped according to an input received by the pattern shaping control and is associated with at least one building material according to an input received by the material selection control. A data structure describing the planar pattern is stored in a computer storage.