3D Printing Support Body Segmentation for Rapid Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional object manufacturing methods require significant time to remove support bodies due to complex shapes, especially when structures have uneven surfaces, leading to potential meshing issues that hinder rapid extraction.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating slice data with weakened parts to divide the support body into multiple sections, allowing for easier removal by determining support required regions and using weaker materials for these sections, which can be dissolved or manually removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the support body is made as a single continuous structure to provide sufficient structural strength, then the support strength is improved, but the removal time increases significantly and the structure may mesh with the support body making extraction difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The support body is divided into multiple discrete support portions rather than being a single continuous structure. These support portions are arranged at intervals along the support direction and can be removed independently, significantly reducing the total removal time while maintaining sufficient structural support during the shaping process
Solution Approach 2:
The support portions are designed to be extractable from the three-dimensional object after shaping is complete. By segmenting the support body into removable portions, the support structure can be fully extracted without meshing issues that would occur with a continuous support structure
2Reliability
If the support body is designed with complex shape to support uneven surface structures, then the support capability is improved, but the support body cannot be easily extracted due to meshing with the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The support body is segmented into multiple support portions that can be independently removed. This segmentation prevents meshing between the continuous support structure and the complex-shaped three-dimensional object, allowing easy extraction of each support portion without interfering with the detailed surface features of the supported structure
Solution Approach 2:
The spaced arrangement of support portions acts as an intermediary solution that provides necessary support for complex shapes while maintaining extraction capability. The gaps between support portions prevent complete meshing with the structure's uneven surfaces
3Stability of the object's composition
If the support body is made continuous and strong to prevent deformation during shaping, then the structural stability is improved, but the manufacturing time increases due to difficult support body removal
Solution Approach 1:
The support body is divided into multiple discrete support portions arranged at intervals. This segmentation maintains structural stability during shaping by providing adequate support at key locations, while enabling rapid removal of individual portions after shaping, thus improving overall manufacturing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing continuous support throughout the entire support body, support is provided at discrete intervals with multiple support portions. This partial support approach is sufficient to prevent deformation during shaping while dramatically reducing removal time compared to a continuous support structure
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object, the method comprises, a step of forming the three-dimensional object including a structure and a support body; a step of removing the support body from the three-dimensional object; wherein the step of forming the three-dimensional object comprising: a step of generating slice data of the three-dimensional object; a step of stacking a structural material constituting the structure and a support material constituting the support body based on the slice data; and the support material which is stacked based on the slice data has weakened parts dividing the support body into a plurality of parts.