[go: up one dir, main page]

NL2036266B1 - Additive manufacturing device using in-line print bed level measurement - Google Patents

Additive manufacturing device using in-line print bed level measurement Download PDF

Info

Publication number
NL2036266B1
NL2036266B1 NL2036266A NL2036266A NL2036266B1 NL 2036266 B1 NL2036266 B1 NL 2036266B1 NL 2036266 A NL2036266 A NL 2036266A NL 2036266 A NL2036266 A NL 2036266A NL 2036266 B1 NL2036266 B1 NL 2036266B1
Authority
NL
Netherlands
Prior art keywords
build plate
nozzle
distance
nozzle tip
additive manufacturing
Prior art date
Application number
NL2036266A
Other languages
Dutch (nl)
Inventor
Marx Sanne
Original Assignee
Ultimaker Bv
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ultimaker Bv filed Critical Ultimaker Bv
Priority to NL2036266A priority Critical patent/NL2036266B1/en
Priority to PCT/NL2024/050618 priority patent/WO2025105958A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of NL2036266B1 publication Critical patent/NL2036266B1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C64/00—Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering
    • B29C64/10—Processes of additive manufacturing
    • B29C64/106—Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material
    • B29C64/118—Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material using filamentary material being melted, e.g. fused deposition modelling [FDM]
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C64/00—Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering
    • B29C64/20—Apparatus for additive manufacturing; Details thereof or accessories therefor
    • B29C64/227—Driving means
    • B29C64/232—Driving means for motion along the axis orthogonal to the plane of a layer
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C64/00—Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering
    • B29C64/30—Auxiliary operations or equipment
    • B29C64/386—Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing
    • B29C64/393—Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B33—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
    • B33Y—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3-D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3-D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING
    • B33Y10/00—Processes of additive manufacturing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B33—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
    • B33Y—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3-D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3-D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING
    • B33Y30/00—Apparatus for additive manufacturing; Details thereof or accessories therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B33—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
    • B33Y—ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3-D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3-D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING
    • B33Y50/00—Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing
    • B33Y50/02—Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing for controlling or regulating additive manufacturing processes

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to an additive manufacturing device (1) comprising an electronic proximity sensor (20) arranged to create measurement signals indicative of a distance between the sensor and a build plate. A controlling system (30) is arranged for receiving the measurement signals from the at least one proximity sensor and for forming a height-map of the build plate (2) using the distance between the nozzle tip and the build plate at the nozzle tip location. This is done during the printing of a first layer. During printing, also the distance between the nozzle and the build plate is constantly adjusted, using information of the height- map. [Figure 4]

Description

Additive manufacturing device using in-line print bed level measurement
Field of the invention
The present invention relates to an additive manufacturing device. The invention also relates to a method of printing a three-dimensional (3D) object with an additive manufacturing device, such as an FFF printer.
Background art
This invention relates to additive manufacturing and more specifically to fused deposition modelling (FDM®). FDMB® is a registered trademark of Stratasys, Inc. It relates to a material extrusion method of additive manufacturing where materials are extruded through a nozzle and joined together to create 3D objects. A specific example of FDM® is fused filament fabrication (FFF). FFF is a 3D printing process that uses a continuous filament of a thermoplastic material. Filament is fed from a filament supply through a moving, heated liquefier, and is deposited through a print nozzle onto an upper surface of a build plate. The liquefier may be moved relative to the build plate under computer control to define a printed shape. In certain FFF devices, the nozzle moves in two dimensions to deposit one horizontal plane, or layer, at a time. The work or the print nozzle is then moved vertically by a small amount to begin a new layer. In this way a 3D printed object can be produced made out of a thermoplastic material.
In order to guarantee that a first layer of a print is deposited correctly, preferably the level of the build plate is determined at multiple locations, and before each print. Currently, several build plate level measuring methods are used. A first method uses a mechanical probe arranged near the nozzle. The probe is moved relative to the build plate surface by means of a gantry, so as to probe multiple locations on the build plate surface. The information required from the probing process may be stored in a so-called heightmap which is used by the additive manufacturing device to adjust the distance between the nozzle tip and the build plate surface during the printing process.
Another method of build plate level measuring is described in patent EP3135460B1 owned by the company Ultimaker®. The described method is used in for example the well- known Ultimaker S5 and the Ultimaker S7. The Ultimaker S7 comprises an inductive sensor arranged to measure a distance between the sensor and the build plate surface. The inductive sensor together with the nozzle are first located at a certain location above the build plate, and then slowly moved towards the build plate until the nozzle touches the build plate. At that point the signal of the sensor is used to determine the level of the build plate which is then stored in a heightmap using absolute or relative values. The process is repeated for a number of further locations. In this way the build plate is scanned before the print process begins.
It is noted that the need for performing a scan of the build plate before a print is started, may take a significant pre-print time. This will increase the total print time for a certain object to be printed. To limit the print time, a user may skip the calibration process (i.e., the bed level measurement), and only perform the process every now and then. This may save some time but may well result in a suboptimal print quality if the bed level calibration data is outdated.
Summary of the invention
The aim of the present invention is to provide an improved additive manufacturing device that solves the problem of the current devices mentioned above.
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an additive manufacturing device comprising a build plate, a support plate arranged to support the build plate, and a liquefier comprising a nozzle having a nozzle tip. The device also comprises a liquefier holder arranged to hold the liquefier, and a gantry system arranged to move the liquefier holder relative to the build plate in three dimensions. At least one non-contact electronic proximity sensor is arranged to create measurement signals indicative of a distance between the sensor and the build plate. The device also comprises a controlling system arranged for: e receiving the measurement signals from the at least one proximity sensor; e controlling the gantry system so as to position the nozzle tip above the build plate at a start point; e bringing the nozzle to the build plate until the nozzle tip contacts the build plate; e while bringing the nozzle to the build plate, sampling the measurement signals received from the at least one proximity sensor, to obtain sample values; e storing the sample values and associated values of the distance between the nozzle tip and the build plate into a look-up table; e moving the nozzle tip away from the build plate to a distance equal to a first layer height; e printing one or more traces on the build plate;
+ while printing the one or more traces, repeatedly receiving the measurement signals, and converting the received measurement signals into a distance between the nozzle tip and the build plate at the nozzle tip location, using information from the look-up table; e forming a height-map of the build plate using the distance between the nozzle tip and the build plate at the nozzle tip location; + in-line adjusting the distance between the nozzle and the build plate during printing, using information of the height-map.
Instead of measuring the build plate height at multiple points before starting a print, the height measurement is done during the printing of the first layer. At the start of the print process, when the very first line of the print is to start, the controller positions the nozzle above the line starting point. It will then perform one build plate surface measurement by moving the build plate surface to the nozzle tip until they make contact. While decreasing the distance between the build plate and the nozzle tip, the measurement signals received from the proximity sensor are sampled. These measurement signals need to be calibrated.
This can be done by creating a mathematical function with the sensor signal value as a function of the z-height of the build plate. This function increases if the distance between the nozzle tip and the build plate decreases. This is because, if the nozzle tip comes closer tothe build plate, also the proximity sensor comes closer to the build plate and will generate a higher signal. The function will show a kink at the moment the nozzle tip contacts the build plate. The z-height of the build plate at the moment the nozzle contacts the build plate can be used to calculate values for populating a lookup-table that correlates the sensor value to the build plate to nozzle tip distance.
While printing the first layer, the controlling system will modify the nozzle to build plate distance based on those parts of the height-map it has already calculated. Due to this so-called in-line adjusting of the distance, there is no need for a pre-printing calibration step which will decrease the total printing time.
Optionally, the at least one non-contact electronic proximity sensor comprises two electronic proximity sensors, each being arranged on opposite sides of, and at equal distance from, the nozzle when viewed from the build plate side.
Optionally, the at least one non-contact electronic proximity sensor comprises three electronic proximity sensors, the proximity sensors being arranged in a triangular formation around, and at equal distance from, the nozzle when viewed from the build plate side.
Optionally, the at least one non-contact electronic proximity sensor comprises multiple electronic proximity sensors, the proximity sensors being arranged in a rectangular formation around, and at equal distance from, the nozzle when viewed from the build plate side.
Optionally, the at least one non-contact electronic proximity sensor comprises multiple electronic proximity sensors, the proximity sensors being arranged in a circular formation around, and at equal distance from, the nozzle when viewed from the build plate side.
Optionally, the at least one non-contact electronic proximity sensor comprises at least two electronic proximity sensors wherein the controlling system is arranged to average the measurement signals from the at least two of the proximity sensors, to obtain a sample value.
Optionally, the controlling system may be arranged to select one or more of the at least one sensor and to use sensor signals from the selected sensor(s) to adjust the distance between the nozzle and the build plate while printing.
Optionally, the controlling system is arranged to receive a resolution parameter, and to in-line adjust the distance between the nozzle tip and the build plate with a resolution in the plane of the build plate surface which resolution is equal to the received resolution parameter.
Optionally, the controlling system is arranged to discard the measurement signals if the nozzle tip and/or the at least one sensor is located above one or more predefined regions of the build plate. These predefined regions may be regions located above cavities in the support plate. The cavities may be arranged in the support plate below the build surface to place magnets in for magnetically fixing the build plate.
Optionally, the controlling system is arranged to estimate the build plate to nozzle distance by extrapolation using height-map values determined by the controlling system just before the nozzle tip enters the predetermined region.
Optionally, the at least one electronic proximity sensor is an inductive proximity sensor. This type of sensor is arranged for detection of a metal build plate and/or support plate. The sensing range of an inductive proximity sensor may depend on the type of metal being detected. Ferrous metals, such as iron and steel, allow for a longer sensing range, while nonferrous metals, such as aluminum and copper, may reduce the sensing range.
Alternatively, the proximity sensor may be a capacitive sensor, an echo-sonar sensor or an ultrasonic sensor.
In an embodiment, the additive manufacturing device is a Fused Filament
Fabrication device. The FFF device may comprise a filament feeder arranged to feed filament through the liquefier.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method 5 of printing a three-dimensional object using an additive manufacturing device comprising at least one non-contact electronic proximity sensor arranged to create measurement signals indicative of a distance between the sensor and a build plate of the device, wherein the method comprises: * positioning a tip of a nozzle of the device above the build plate at a start point; « bringing the nozzle to the build plate until the nozzle tip contacts the build plate; + while bringing the nozzle to the build plate, sampling the measurement signals from at least one proximity sensor of the device, to obtain sample values; + storing the sample values and associated values of the distance between the nozzle tip and the build plate into a look-up table; « moving the nozzle tip away from the build plate to a distance equal to a first layer height; « printing one or more traces on the build plate; « while printing the one or more traces, repeatedly receiving the measurement signals, and converting the received measurement signals into a distance between the nozzle tip and the build plate at the nozzle tip location, using information from the look-up table; + forming a height-map of the build plate using the distance between the nozzle tip and the build plate at the nozzle tip location; + in-line adjusting the distance between the nozzle and the build plate during printing, using information of the height-map.
Brief description of the drawings
These and other aspects of the invention are apparent from and will be elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. In the drawings,
Figure 1 schematically shows an additive manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 shows a side view of a part of the embodiment of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a graph showing an example of the values S received from the sensor as a function of the z-level of the upper surface of the build plate;
Figure 4 shows a side view of a part of the embodiment of Figure 1, wherein the nozzle tip, after having touched the surface of the build plate, is withdrawn to a distance h1 relative to the surface of the build plate;
Figure 5 shows an example of a height map generated by the controlling system according to an embodiment wherein a rectangular shaped first layer of an object has been printed;
Figures 6A-6F show bottom views of a liquefier holder according to embodiments of the invention;
Figure 7 shows a top view of the carrier plate according to an embodiment wherein the carrier plate comprises a number of cavities which can be filled with respective magnets, and
Figure 8 shows a flow chart of a method of printing a three-dimensional object with an additive manufacturing system according to an embodiment.
It should be noted that items which have the same reference numbers in different
Figures, have the same structural features and the same functions, or are the same signals.
Where the function and/or structure of such an item has been explained, there is no necessity for repeated explanation thereof in the detailed description.
Detailed description of embodiments
Figure 1 schematically shows an additive manufacturing device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The device 1, also referred to as 3D printer 1, comprises a build plate 2 and a support plate 3 arranged to support the build plate 2. The device 1 further comprises a liquefier 4 comprising a nozzle 5 having a nozzle tip 6. A liquefier holder 7 is arranged to hold the liquefier 4. A gantry system is arranged to move the liquefier holder 7 relative to the build plate 2 in three dimensions. In this embodiment, the gantry system comprises a guide 11 and a driver 12 to move the liquefier holder 7 along the X-direction.
Similarly, the device may comprise a guide (not shown) and a further driver (not shown) to move the liquefier holder 7 along the Y-direction perpendicular to the X-direction. Figure 1 also shows a guide 8 arranged to guide the support plate 3 along the Z-direction perpendicular to the X and Y-direction.
In the embodiment of Figure 1, a filament 14 is fed into the liquefier 4 by means of a feeder 13. Part of the filament 14 is stored in a filament storage which could be a spool 18 rotatably arranged onto a housing (not shown) of the 3D printer, or rotatably arranged within a container (not shown) containing one or more spools. The 3D printer 1 comprises a controller 30 arranged to control the feeder 13 and the movement of the liquefier holder 7, and thus of the liquefier 4 and its nozzle 5. The controller 30 may also be arranged to communicate with a heat controller (not shown) which is arranged to control heat supplied tothe liquefier 4. The controller 30 may comprise one or more processing units 37 arranged to execute the print instructions. The print instructions may comprise the print speed data and material type data, the temperatures, as well as instructions for the gantry how to manipulate the liquefier holder 7.
In this embodiment, the 3D printer 1 further comprises a Bowden tube 19 arranged to guide the filament 14 from the feeder 13 to the liquefier 4. It is noted that the invention is not restricted to Bowden type 3D printers, and that the accompanying claims also include direct drive additive manufacturing devices.
The 3D printer 1 further comprises a non-contact electronic proximity sensor 20 arranged to create measurement signals indicative of a distance between the sensor 20 and an upper surface of the build plate 2. In an embodiment, the proximity sensor 20 is an inductive sensor 20 arranged to create electric currents in the support plate 3 and/or build plate 2 depending on the materials used to manufacture the plates 2,3. In an embodiment, the build plate 2 comprises a steel plate and the support plate comprises iron. In this case, the inductive sensor 20 will pick up magnetic fields from both the build plate 2 and the support plate 2.
The controlling system 30 is arranged to receive the measurement signals from the proximity sensor 20. The controlling system may comprise (or communicate with) one or more memories (not shown) to store the data coming from the sensor 20. The stored data can be used for calibration purposes and for bed level adjustments as will be explained below.
Figure 2 shows a side view of a part of the embodiment of Figure 1. In the situation shown in Figure 2, the nozzle tip 6 is positioned above the build plate 3 at a start point with a distance D between the nozzle tip 6 and a top surface of the build plate 3. At this time, the controlling system 30 does not have information on the exact value of the distance D.
Here it is assumed that the Z-level of the upper surface of the build plate 2 is at level z=z1, see also Figure 3.
Figure 3 is a graph showing an example of the values S received from the sensor 30 as a function of the z-level of the upper surface of the build plate 2. The controlling system 30 will now activate the Z-gantry to move up the support plate 2 and thus the build plate 2. The build plate 3 is moved to the nozzle tip 6 until the nozzle tip 6 contacts the build plate. The moment the nozzle tip 6 contacts the build plate can be determined in several ways. In an embodiment, the controlling system 30 uses a method similar to the one described in the patent EP3135460 B1. The nozzle 5 is slowly moved towards the build plate 3, and a measured sensor value is repeatedly compared to an expected value. This expected value is a value determined by extrapolating a curve as shown in Figure 3. If at a certain z-level, see z=z4, a measured value s4 differs from an expected value, then the controlling system 30 will stop moving up the build plate 3, and it will conclude that at the previous value (i.e., z=z3) the nozzle tip 6 has first contacted the build plate 3. This z-level z3 is then used for calibration purposes, wherein the z-level values are translated to build plate to nozzle distances D. For example, the sensor value s3 relates to D=0 and the sensor value s1 relates to D=D1, where D1= z3-z1.
This ‘nozzle probing’ could be repeated for multiple other locations, so as to create a height map of the surface of the build plate. However, probing at those multiple other locations will result in a significant pre-print time, which is unwanted. So according to an embodiment of the present invention, this nozzle probing is only performed once, which is at the start location of a first trace of the first layer to be printed. It is noted that this first trace may be part of a bottom layer of the 3D object, but alternatively, the first trace may be a part of a brim or a skirt, or a part of a support structure supporting parts of the 3D object.
It is noted that nozzle probing works fine for devices wherein the liquefier 4 is spring biased in the liquefier holder 7 and/or the build plate 3 is spring biased on a frame which is coupled to the Z-gantry. Using such spring biased elements will allow for the nozzle tip to move beyond the surface of the build plate 3 without damaging the build plate. Alternatively, the probing may be performed using a separate probe next to the nozzle, wherein the probe will touch the build plate to detect the surface of the build plate.
The sample values and associated values of the distance between the nozzle tip and the build plate are stored into a so-called look-up table. For example, when using the example of Figure 3, the controller may store the values D1, D2, ..., 0 and the signal values s1, s2, .. s3 into a table. This look-up table can then be used by the controlling system 30 to convert a certain sensor signal value into a certain distance value if the nozzle is moved to another location during printing.
Figure 4 shows a side view of a part of the embodiment of Figure 1, wherein the nozzle tip 6, after having touched the surface of the build plate 3, is withdrawn to a distance h1 relative to the surface of the build plate 3. The distance h1 is equal to a predetermined height of the first layer to be printed, referred to as the first layer height. The controlling system 30 is arranged to initiate the printing of a first trace 41, as is shown in Figure 4.
While printing the trace 41, the controlling system 30 will repeatedly receive and store measurement signals from the sensor 30. These signals are translated to local height using the look-up table and will be used together with information on the positions/locations of the nozzle 5 to determine a height-map of the build plate 3, see for example Figure 5.
Figure 5 shows an example of a height map generated by the controlling system 30 according to an embodiment wherein a rectangular shaped first layer of an object has been printed. The height map in this example is defined using a delta-z value which is a local deviation from an average (height) value or a reference value. It is noted that in general, the height map will only be calculated at locations where the nozzle has printed traces. So, the height map will not be determined at locations outside the area of the first layer of the 3D object, and of the optional brim or skirt.
The controlling system 30 is arranged to adjust the distance between the nozzle 5 and the build plate 3 during printing, using information of the height-map built so far. This is referred to as in-line adjustment of the distance. So, while generating the height-map, the height-map is immediately used to adjust the distance. So, let's assume a trace is deposited along a first location L1, followed by a location L2 and then followed by a location L3, etcetera. At the first location referred to as LO, the height of the build plate surface is exactly measured using the probing method described above. The nozzle is brought to a distance h1 as mentioned before, and the deposition of the trace between LO and L1 will start. Let's assume that the surface of the build plate 3 at L1 is 0.02 mm higher than the height at location LO due to a non-flat surface of the build plate, or due to a tilted build plate. This height difference will result in a slightly smaller distance between the nozzle tip and the build plate surface because the build plate z-level is not adjusted yet. This smaller distance could ultimately lead to an over extrusion or to a wider trace. But at location L2, the controlling system 30 will repeat the distance measurement by reading a value from the proximity sensor, translate this value to a distance using the look-up table, and adjust the z level of the build plate 3. So, when arriving at location L2, which might have a yet higher level, part of this error is already corrected at the previous location L1. In short, in case the build plate surface is not completely flat and horizontal, the nozzle may be too close or too far from the surface of the build plate, but due to the repeated correction of the z level of the build plate, using the height map, the error is limited.
The additive manufacturing device may comprise multiple non-contact electronic proximity sensors. Figures 8A-6D show bottom views of a liquefier holder 7 according to some embodiments of the invention. Figure 6A shows the nozzle 5 and two sensors 101, 102. The sensors may be arranged on opposite sides of, and at equal distance from, the nozzle 5 when viewed from the build plate side. Figure 6B shows the nozzle 5 and three sensors 103, 104, 105. In this example, the three sensors are arranged in a triangular formation around, and at equal distance from, the nozzle 5, when viewed from the build plate side.
Figure 6C shows the nozzle 5 and four sensors 106, 107, 108, 109. The four sensors are arranged in a rectangular formation around, and at equal distance from, the nozzle 5 when viewed from the build plate side. Figure 6D shows the nozzle 5 and eight sensors 110. The sensors 110 are arranged in a circular formation around, and at equal distance from, the nozzle 5 when viewed from the build plate side.
The non-contact electronic proximity sensors may be inductive sensors. The inductive sensors may comprise coils acting as transceivers, which coils are coupled to electronic circuitry to control the coils. In an embodiment, the coils are arranged around the nozzle, like the circles shown in Figure 6A-6D, while the other circuitry of the sensors may be located in a suitable location in the liquefier holder 7.
In an embodiment, the device comprises at least two electronic proximity sensors wherein the controlling system 30 is arranged to average the measurement signals from the at least two of the proximity sensors, to obtain a sample value. By averaging the measurement signals, signal noise can be cancelled out, resulting in a more reliable measurement during the bed probing procedure discussed with reference to Figure 3.
It is noted that averaging of the sensor values can also be performed while printing and in-line adjusting the distance between the nozzle 5 and the build plate 3. This will also result in noise cancelling. Alternatively or additionally, the controlling system 30 may be arranged to select one or more of the multiple sensors and to use sensor signals from the selected sensors to adjust the distance between the nozzle and the build plate while printing. For example, when in the example of Figure 6A the nozzle 5 (and thus the sensors 101, 102) move to the right relative to the build plate (not visible), indicated by arrow 78, only the sensor 102 may be selected to measure the distance between the nozzle and the build plate. As compared to the sensor 101, the sensor 102 will be able to give more accurate measurements for a change of build plate height since it is arranged right from the nozzle 5. Similarly, the two sensors 107, 108 of Figure 6C can be selected to measure the distance between the nozzle and the build plate in case the nozzle (and sensors) move to the right, see arrow 79. In case of selecting multiple sensors, their signals may be averaged to get better results, and also lower noise levels. It is noted that instead of averaging the sensor signals, the signal may be weighted to get a weighted sum of the sensor signals, wherein some (more relevant) sensors contribute more to the total measurement value than others.
Figure 6E shows a bottom view of a liquefier holder 7 according to a further embodiment of the invention. Figure 8E shows the nozzle 5 and one sensor 111. The sensor may be arranged around the nozzle 5. As mentioned above the sensor may comprise a coil, so the element 111 shown may be a coil of an inductive sensor. The sensor 111 arranged around the nozzle 5 will pick up a signal from the build plate that is representative for a distance between the nozzle 5 and the build plate 3 at the location direction under the nozzle 5. So, this will give optimal results when performing the initial bed probing step for filling the look-up table.
Figure 6F shows a bottom view of a liquefier holder 7 according to yet a further embodiment. Figure 6F shows two nozzles 5, 55 and four sensor 111, 112, 113,114. The sensors may be arranged in a rectangular configuration wherein each of the two nozzles lies between two sensors. It should be clear to the skilled person that many other configurations are conceivable, using one or more nozzles, each of them being accompanied by one or more sensors. It is also noted that instead of arranging the sensor at the bottom of the liquefier holder 7, they may be arranged at the side walls of the liquefier holder 7, also depending on the size and shape of the liquefier holder and the sensors.
In an embodiment, the controlling system 30 is arranged to receive a resolution parameter. This resolution parameter may be input from a user when generating the print instructions using a slicing software program. So, in that case, the resolution parameter may be part of the print instructions (e.g. G-code) sent to the 3D printer. In this embodiment, the controlling system 30 will adjust the distance between the nozzle tip and the surface of the build plate with a resolution in the plane of the build plate surface which resolution is equal to the received resolution. So for example, if the received resolution parameter has a value of 0.5 mm, then the controller will measure and adjust a difference between the nozzle tip and the surface of the build plate with a resolution of 0.5 mm in the X,Y-plane. This means that during printing of a trace with a length of 1 cm, the height map is calculated and used 20 times during the printing of that trace.
In an embodiment, the controlling system 30 is arranged to discard the measurement signals of the sensor 30 if the nozzle tip 6 and/or the sensor is located at (i.e. above) one or more predefined regions of the build plate 3. The predefined regions may be regions located above cavities in the support plate 2 which are occupied by magnets. The
AM device 1 may comprise a memory for storing data about the specific regions. This memory will then be read by the controlling system 30.
Figure 7 shows a top view of the carrier plate 2 according to an embodiment wherein the carrier plate 2 comprises a number of cavities 71, 72 which can be filled with respective magnets (see magnet 74 in cavity 71). The magnets will attract the build plate 3 when it is placed on the carrier plate 2. As a result, the build plate 3 can be firmly attached to the carrier plate 2 without using other means, such as clamps. However, due to the cavities and the magnets, an inductive sensor may not provide reliable measurements. So, in this embodiment, the controlling system 30 uses information on the size and location of the cavities 71, 72 to decide when to use an alternative for determining the height of the build plate 3. The controlling system 30 may be arranged to estimate a height of the build plate for predefined regions 75, 76 by extrapolation using height values determined by the controlling system 30 just before the nozzle tip 6 enters one of the predetermined regions.
It is noted that instead of extrapolating values, interpolation algorithms may be used in case height values are already known for locations around the borders of the regions and extrapolated values can be replaced by interpolated values when values around an extrapolated value are measured. Additionally, a previously determined height map can be used to aid in interpolation or extrapolation.
Figure 8 shows a flow chart of a method of printing 700 a three-dimensional object with an additive manufacturing system according to an embodiment. The method 700 can be performed on a 3D printing device comprising at least one non-contact electronic proximity sensor, such as sensor 20, arranged to create measurement signals indicative of a distance between the sensor and an upper surface of a build plate of the device. The method comprises positioning 701 a tip of a nozzle of the device above the build plate 2 at a start point. The method further comprises bringing 702 the nozzle to the build plate until the nozzle tip contacts the build plate. While bringing the nozzle to the build plate, the method also comprises sampling 703 the measurement signals from at least one proximity sensor of the device, to obtain sample values. The method also comprises storing 704 the sampled values and associated values of the distance between the nozzle tip and the build plate into a look-up table. Next the method comprises moving 705 the nozzle tip away from the build plate to a distance equal to a first layer height, and then printing 708 one or more traces on the build plate. While printing, the method also comprises repeatedly receiving 707 the measurement signals, and converting the received measurement signals into a distance between the nozzle tip and the build plate at the nozzle tip location, using information from the lock-up table. The distance between the nozzle tip and the build plate at the nozzle tip location is used for forming 708 a height-map of the build plate. The method also comprises in-line adjusting 709 the distance between the nozzle and the build plate during printing, using information of the height-map.
It is noted that in Figure 8 the blocks building up the flow of the method are shown as following each other. But as should be clear to the skilled reader, some of the steps of the method are, or can be, performed in parallel.
In view of the above, the present invention can now be summarized by the following embodiments:
Embodiment 1. An additive manufacturing device (1), the device comprising: - a build plate (2); - a support plate (3) arranged to support the build plate; - a liquefier (4) comprising a nozzle (5) having a nozzle tip (6); -aliquefier holder (7) arranged to hold the liquefier; - a gantry system (11,12) arranged to move the liquefier holder (7) relative to the build plate in three dimensions; - at least one non-contact electronic proximity sensor (20) arranged to create measurement signals indicative of a distance between the sensor and the build plate; - a controlling system (30) arranged for: es receiving the measurement signals from the at least one proximity sensor; e controlling the gantry system so as to position the nozzle tip above the build plate at a start point; e bringing the nozzle to the build plate until the nozzle tip contacts the build plate; e while bringing the nozzle to the build plate, sampling the measurement signals received from the at least one proximity sensor, to obtain sample values; e storing the sample values and associated values of the distance between the nozzle tip and the build plate into a look-up table;
e moving the nozzle tip away from the build plate to a distance equal to a first layer height; e printing one or more traces on the build plate; e while printing the one or more traces, repeatedly receiving the measurement signals, and converting the received measurement signals into a distance between the nozzle tip and the build plate at the nozzle tip location, using information from the look-up table; e forming a height-map of the build plate using the distance between the nozzle tip and the build plate at the nozzle tip location; + in-line adjusting the distance between the nozzle and the build plate during printing, using information of the height-map.
Embodiment 2. The additive manufacturing device according to embodiment 1, wherein the at least one non-contact electronic proximity sensor (20) comprises two electronic proximity sensors, each being arranged on opposite sides of, and at equal distance from, the nozzle when viewed from the build plate side.
Embodiment 3. The additive manufacturing device according to embodiment 1, wherein the at least one non-contact electronic proximity sensor (20) comprises three electronic proximity sensors, the proximity sensors being arranged in a triangular formation around, and at equal distance from, the nozzle when viewed from the build plate side.
Embodiment 4. The additive manufacturing device according to embodiment 1, wherein the at least one non-contact electronic proximity sensor (20) comprises multiple electronic proximity sensors, the proximity sensors being arranged in a rectangular formation around, and at equal distance from, the nozzle when viewed from the build plate side.
Embodiment 5. The additive manufacturing device according to embodiment 1, wherein the at least one non-contact electronic proximity sensor (20) comprises multiple electronic proximity sensors, the proximity sensors being arranged in a circular formation around, and at equal distance from, the nozzle when viewed from the build plate side.
Embodiment 6. The additive manufacturing device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the at least one non-contact electronic proximity sensor (20)
comprises at least two electronic proximity sensors wherein the controlling system (30) is arranged to average the measurement signals from the at least two of the proximity sensors, to obtain a sample value.
Embodiment 7. The additive manufacturing device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the controlling system (30) may be arranged to select one or more of the at least one sensor and to use sensor signals from the selected sensor(s) to adjust the distance between the nozzle and the build plate while printing.
Embodiment 8. The additive manufacturing device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the controlling system (30) is arranged to: - receive a resolution parameter; - in-line adjust the distance between the nozzle tip and the build plate with a resolution in the plane of the build plate surface which resolution is equal to the received resolution parameter.
Embodiment 9. The additive manufacturing device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the controlling system is arranged to discard the measurement signals if the nozzle tip and/or the at least one sensor is located above one or more predefined regions of the build plate.
Embodiment 10. The additive manufacturing device according to embodiment 9, wherein the predefined regions are regions located above cavities in the support plate.
Embodiment 11. The additive manufacturing device according to embodiment 9 or 10, wherein the controlling system is arranged to estimate the build plate to nozzle distance by extrapolation using height-map values determined by the controlling system just before the nozzle tip enters the predetermined region.
Embodiment 12. The additive manufacturing device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the at least one electronic proximity sensor is an inductive proximity
Sensor.
Embodiment 13. The additive manufacturing device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the device is a Fused Filament Fabrication device.
Embodiment 14. A method of printing a three-dimensional object using an additive manufacturing device (1) comprising at least one non-contact electronic proximity sensor (20) arranged to create measurement signals indicative of a distance between the sensor and a build plate of the device, wherein the method comprises: e positioning a tip of a nozzle of the device above the build plate (2) at a start point; e bringing the nozzle to the build plate until the nozzle tip contacts the build plate; e while bringing the nozzle to the build plate, sampling the measurement signals from at least one proximity sensor of the device, to obtain sample values; e storing the sample values and associated values of the distance between the nozzle tip and the build plate into a look-up table; e moving the nozzle tip away from the build plate to a distance equal to a first layer height; e printing one or more traces on the build plate; e while printing the one or more traces, repeatedly receiving the measurement signals, and converting the received measurement signals into a distance between the nozzle tip and the build plate at the nozzle tip location, using information from the look-up table; e forming a height-map of the build plate using the distance between the nozzle tip and the build plate at the nozzle tip location; + in-line adjusting the distance between the nozzle and the build plate during printing, using information of the height-map.
The present invention has been described above with reference to a number of exemplary embodiments as shown in the drawings. Modifications and alternative implementations of some parts or elements are possible as long as they are included in the scope of protection as defined in the appended claims. It should be noted that the above- mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim.
The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.
The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims (14)

CONCLUSIESCONCLUSIONS 1. Een inrichting voor additieve productie (1), waarbij de inrichting omvat: - een bouwplaat (2); - een steunplaat (3) die is ingericht om de bouwplaat te ondersteunen; - een vloeibaarmaker (4) omvattende een mondstuk (5) met een mondstukpunt (6); - een vloeibaarmakerhouder (7) ingericht om de vloeibaarmaker vast te houden; - een portaalsysteem (11,12) ingericht om de vloeibaarmaakhouder (7) ten opzichte van de bouwplaat in drie dimensies te verplaatsen; - ten minste één contactloze elektronische nabijheidssensor (20), ingericht om meetsignalen te creëren die indicatief zijn voor een afstand tussen de sensor en de bouwplaat; - een besturingssysteem (30) ingericht voor: *» het ontvangen van de meetsignalen van de ten minste ene nabijheidssensor; «het besturen van het portaalsysteem om de punt van het mondstuk op een startpunt boven de bouwplaat te positioneren; + het mondstuk naar de bouwplaat brengen totdat de punt van het mondstuk contact maakt met de bouwplaat; » het, terwijl het mondstuk naar de bouwplaat wordt gebracht, bemonsteren van de meetsignalen ontvangen van de ten minste ene nabijheidssensor, om monsterwaarden te verkrijgen; +» het opslaan van de monsterwaarden en de bijbehorende waarden van de afstand tussen de spuitmondtip en de bouwplaat in een opzoektabel; + het verplaatsen van de spuitmondpunt weg van de bouwplaat naar een afstand gelijk aan de hoogte van de eerste laag; « het printen van één of meerdere sporen op de bouwplaat; » het tijdens het printen van een of meer sporen, herhaaldelijk ontvangen van de meetsignalen, en het omzetten van de ontvangen meetsignalen in een afstand tussen de spuitmondtip en de bouwplaat op de spuitmondtiplocatie, met behulp van informatie uit de opzoektabel; + het vormen van een hoogtekaart van de bouwplaat met behulp van de afstand tussen de spuitmondtip en de bouwplaat op de locatie van de spuitmondtip; + het in-line aanpassen van de afstand tussen de spuitmond en de bouwplaat tijdens het printen, met behulp van informatie uit de hoogtekaart.1. An additive manufacturing apparatus (1), the apparatus comprising: - a build plate (2); - a support plate (3) adapted to support the build plate; - a liquefier (4) comprising a nozzle (5) having a nozzle tip (6); - a liquefier holder (7) adapted to hold the liquefier; - a gantry system (11,12) adapted to move the liquefier holder (7) relative to the build plate in three dimensions; - at least one non-contact electronic proximity sensor (20) adapted to create measurement signals indicative of a distance between the sensor and the build plate; - a control system (30) adapted to: *» receive the measurement signals from the at least one proximity sensor; «control the gantry system to position the nozzle tip at a starting point above the build plate; + advance the nozzle towards the build plate until the nozzle tip contacts the build plate; » sampling the measurement signals received from the at least one proximity sensor while moving the nozzle toward the build plate to obtain sample values; +» storing the sample values and the corresponding values of the distance between the nozzle tip and the build plate in a lookup table; + moving the nozzle tip away from the build plate to a distance equal to the height of the first layer; « printing one or more tracks on the build plate; » repeatedly receiving the measurement signals while printing one or more tracks, and converting the received measurement signals into a distance between the nozzle tip and the build plate at the nozzle tip location, using information from the lookup table; + forming a height map of the build plate using the distance between the nozzle tip and the build plate at the nozzle tip location; + in-line adjusting the distance between the nozzle and the build plate during printing, using information from the height map. 2. Inrichting voor additieve productie volgens conclusie 1, waarbij de ten minste ene contactloze elektronische nabijheidssensor (20) twee elektronische nabijheidssensoren omvat, elk aangebracht aan weerszijden van en op gelijke afstand van het mondstuk, gezien vanuit de kant van de bouwplaat.The additive manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one non-contact electronic proximity sensor (20) comprises two electronic proximity sensors, each disposed on either side of and equidistant from the nozzle as viewed from the build plate side. 3. Inrichting voor additieve productie volgens conclusie 1, waarbij de ten minste ene contactloze elektronische nabijheidssensor (20) drie elektronische nabijheidssensoren omvat, waarbij de nabijheidssensoren zijn gerangschikt in een driehoekige formatie rond en op gelijke afstand van het mondstuk, gezien vanaf de kant van de bouwplaat.The additive manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one non-contact electronic proximity sensor (20) comprises three electronic proximity sensors, the proximity sensors being arranged in a triangular formation around and equidistant from the nozzle as viewed from the build plate side. 4. Inrichting voor additieve productie volgens conclusie 1, waarbij de ten minste ene contactloze elektronische nabijheidssensor (20) meerdere elektronische nabijheidssensoren omvat, waarbij de nabijheidssensoren zijn gerangschikt in een rechthoekige formatie rond en op gelijke afstand van het mondstuk, gezien vanaf de kant van de bouwplaat.The additive manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one non-contact electronic proximity sensor (20) comprises a plurality of electronic proximity sensors, the proximity sensors being arranged in a rectangular formation around and equidistant from the nozzle as viewed from the build plate side. 5. Inrichting voor additieve productie volgens conclusie 1, waarbij de ten minste ene contactloze elektronische nabijheidssensor (20) meerdere elektronische nabijheidssensoren omvat, waarbij de nabijheidssensoren in een cirkelvormige formatie rond en op gelijke afstand van het mondstuk zijn gerangschikt, gezien vanaf de kant van de bouwplaat.The additive manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one non-contact electronic proximity sensor (20) comprises a plurality of electronic proximity sensors, the proximity sensors being arranged in a circular formation around and equidistant from the nozzle as viewed from the build plate side. 6. Inrichting voor additieve productie volgens één van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de ten minste ene contactloze elektronische nabijheidssensor (20) ten minste twee elektronische nabijheidssensoren omvat, waarbij het besturingssysteem (30) is ingericht om de meetsignalen van de ten minste twee van de nabijheidssensoren te middelen, om een monsterwaarde te verkrijgen.An additive manufacturing device according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one contactless electronic proximity sensor (20) comprises at least two electronic proximity sensors, the control system (30) being adapted to average the measurement signals from the at least two of the proximity sensors to obtain a sample value. 7. Inrichting voor additieve productie volgens één van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij het besturingssysteem (30) is ingericht om één of meer van de ten minste ene sensor te selecteren en om sensorsignalen van de geselecteerde sensor(en) te gebruiken om de afstand tussen het mondstuk en de bouwplaat tijdens het printen aan te passen.An additive manufacturing apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the control system (30) is configured to select one or more of the at least one sensor and to use sensor signals from the selected sensor(s) to adjust the distance between the nozzle and the build plate during printing. 8. Inrichting voor additieve productie volgens één van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij het besturingssysteem (30) is ingericht om: - een resolutieparameter te ontvangen; - in-line de afstand tussen de spuitmondtip en de bouwplaat aan te passen met een resolutie in het vlak van het bouwplaatoppervlak, welke resolutie gelijk is aan de ontvangen resolutie- parameter.8. An additive manufacturing apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the control system (30) is arranged to: - receive a resolution parameter; - adjust in-line the distance between the nozzle tip and the build plate with a resolution in the plane of the build plate surface, which resolution is equal to the received resolution parameter. 9. Inrichting voor additieve productie volgens één van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij het besturingssysteem is ingericht om de meetsignalen te negeren als de spuitmondpunt en/of de ten minste ene sensor zich boven één of meer vooraf gedefinieerde gebieden van de bouwplaat bevindt.9. An additive manufacturing device according to any preceding claim, wherein the control system is configured to ignore the measurement signals when the nozzle tip and/or the at least one sensor is located above one or more predefined areas of the build plate. 10. Inrichting voor additieve productie volgens conclusie 9, waarbij de vooraf gedefinieerde gebieden gebieden zijn die zich boven holten in de steunplaat bevinden.10. An additive manufacturing apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the predefined regions are regions located above cavities in the support plate. 11. Inrichting voor additieve vervaardiging volgens conclusie 9 of 10, waarbij het besturingssysteem is ingericht om de afstand van de bouwplaat tot het mondstuk te schatten door extrapolatie met behulp van hoogtekaartwaarden die zijn bepaald door het besturingssysteem vlak voordat de mondstukpunt het vooraf bepaalde gebied binnengaat.11. An additive manufacturing apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the control system is arranged to estimate the distance from the build plate to the nozzle by extrapolation using height map values determined by the control system just before the nozzle tip enters the predetermined area. 12. Inrichting voor additieve productie volgens één van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de ten minste ene elektronische nabijheidssensor eenn inductieve nabijheidssensor.12. An additive manufacturing device according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one electronic proximity sensor is an inductive proximity sensor. 13. Inrichting voor additieve productie volgens één van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de inrichting een inrichting voor filament-samensmelt-vervaardiging is.13. An additive manufacturing apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is a filament fusion manufacturing apparatus. 14. Een werkwijze voor het printen van een driedimensionaal object met behulp van een inrichting voor additieve productie (1) omvattende ten minste één contactloze elektronische nabijheids-sensor (20) die is ingericht om meetsignalen te creëren die indicatief zijn voor een afstand tussen de sensor en een bouwplaat van de inrichting, waarbij de werkwijze omvat: + het positioneren van een punt van een mondstuk van de inrichting boven de bouwplaat (2) op een startpunt;14. A method of printing a three-dimensional object using an additive manufacturing device (1) comprising at least one non-contact electronic proximity sensor (20) configured to create measurement signals indicative of a distance between the sensor and a build plate of the device, the method comprising: + positioning a tip of a nozzle of the device above the build plate (2) at a starting point; « het mondstuk naar de bouwplaat brengen totdat de punt van het mondstuk contact maakt met de bouwplaat; * het, terwijl het mondstuk naar de bouwplaat wordt gebracht, bemonsteren van de meetsignalen van ten minste één nabijheidssensor van de inrichting, om monsterwaarden te verkrijgen;« moving the nozzle towards the build plate until the tip of the nozzle contacts the build plate; * while moving the nozzle towards the build plate, sampling the measurement signals from at least one proximity sensor of the device to obtain sample values; + het opslaan van de monsterwaarden en de bijbehorende waarden van de afstand tussen de spuitmondtip en de bouwplaat in een opzoektabel; ° het verplaatsen van de spuitmondpunt weg van de bouwplaat naar een afstand gelijk aan de hoogte van de eerste laag;+ storing the sample values and the corresponding nozzle tip distance from the build plate values in a lookup table; ° moving the nozzle tip away from the build plate to a distance equal to the height of the first layer; «het printen van één of meerdere sporen op de bouwplaat; * het, tijdens het printen van een of meer sporen, herhaaldelijk ontvangen van de meetsignalen, en het omzetten van de ontvangen meetsignalen in een afstand tussen de spuitmondtip en de bouwplaat op de spuitmondpuntlocatie, met behulp van informatie uit de opzoektabel;«printing one or more tracks on the build plate; * repeatedly receiving the measurement signals while printing one or more tracks, and converting the received measurement signals into a distance between the nozzle tip and the build plate at the nozzle tip location, using information from the lookup table; «het vormen van een hoogtekaart van de bouwplaat met behulp van de afstand tussen de spuitmondtip en de bouwplaat op de locatie van de spuitmondpunt; ° het in-line aanpassen van de afstand tussen de spuitmond en de bouwplaat tijdens het printen, met behulp van informatie uit de hoogtekaart.«forming a height map of the build plate using the distance between the nozzle tip and the build plate at the location of the nozzle tip; ° adjusting the distance between the nozzle and the build plate in-line during printing, using information from the height map.
NL2036266A 2023-11-14 2023-11-14 Additive manufacturing device using in-line print bed level measurement NL2036266B1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NL2036266A NL2036266B1 (en) 2023-11-14 2023-11-14 Additive manufacturing device using in-line print bed level measurement
PCT/NL2024/050618 WO2025105958A1 (en) 2023-11-14 2024-11-14 Additive manufacturing device using in-line print bed level measurement

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NL2036266A NL2036266B1 (en) 2023-11-14 2023-11-14 Additive manufacturing device using in-line print bed level measurement

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
NL2036266B1 true NL2036266B1 (en) 2025-05-23

Family

ID=89158126

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
NL2036266A NL2036266B1 (en) 2023-11-14 2023-11-14 Additive manufacturing device using in-line print bed level measurement

Country Status (2)

Country Link
NL (1) NL2036266B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2025105958A1 (en)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20180194056A1 (en) * 2015-08-28 2018-07-12 Ultimaker B.V. Print bed levelling system and methods for additive manufacturing
US20210008790A1 (en) * 2018-03-31 2021-01-14 Aon3D Inc. 3d printer calibration
EP3135460B1 (en) 2015-08-28 2021-05-05 Ultimaker B.V. Print bed levelling system and method for additive manufacturing

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20180194056A1 (en) * 2015-08-28 2018-07-12 Ultimaker B.V. Print bed levelling system and methods for additive manufacturing
EP3135460B1 (en) 2015-08-28 2021-05-05 Ultimaker B.V. Print bed levelling system and method for additive manufacturing
US20210008790A1 (en) * 2018-03-31 2021-01-14 Aon3D Inc. 3d printer calibration

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2025105958A1 (en) 2025-05-22

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US10994462B2 (en) Planarizing build surfaces in three-dimensional printing
US10596803B2 (en) Calibration systems for calibrating recoater devices of additive manufacturing systems and related program products
CN102066872B (en) Method for calibrating thickness gauge
JP2903258B2 (en) Method for calibrating thickness measuring device and device for measuring or monitoring thickness of layers, tapes, foils, etc.
EP0683378B1 (en) Calibration of capacitance probes
NL2023591B1 (en) Method of determining a local height of a build surface
KR102003623B1 (en) Three-dimensional object manufacturing technique
US20080186022A1 (en) Method and apparatus for measuring object thickness
CN114905749A (en) Control method and device of printer, printer and readable storage medium
CN106181075A (en) Laser machine, the workpiece skew correction method of laser machine
EP3592560B1 (en) 3d printing nozzle calibration inside a heated chamber
CN204894524U (en) 3d printer
NL2036266B1 (en) Additive manufacturing device using in-line print bed level measurement
CN105150531A (en) Adjusting method for three-dimensional printing platform and three-dimensional printing machine
CN114719744A (en) Method for calibrating plane positions of printing head and workpiece
TWI762748B (en) Substrate processing apparatus and substrate processing method
CN107457121A (en) Position regulator and the sealant coater with position regulator
CN214120967U (en) Contact type detection tool for engine crankshaft core shaft
JP2024061366A (en) Three-dimensional modeling apparatus
US4604892A (en) Device for the automatic contactless measurement of the volume of a layer deposited on a substrate
NL2027138B1 (en) Infill structure with increased Z-strength
EP3592534A1 (en) Dosing mechanisms for 3d printers
JP2021170684A (en) Loading machine
US20240092031A1 (en) Topographic compensation for a three-dimensional dual printer head printer
JP2022003697A (en) Loading machine