Camera-based monitoring system for 3-dimensional printing
US11673336B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 23, 2021 |
| Grant date | Jun 13, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 5, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P10/25
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A collection of camera-based monitoring sub-systems can be added to a composite-based additive manufacturing (CBAM) system to autonomously inspect the integrity of each layer and remediate issues in real time. Cameras are located at various stations throughout the process. Resulting images are analyzed to see if processed pages are within tolerance based on comparison with models. Cameras can be placed at the print platen, on a rear conveyor that conveys powdered pages to the stacker and in the stacker itself to make sure pages are stacked and aligned properly. The present invention provides quality assurance and quality control to validate the build process at the layer level. This reduces the amount of post-build labor to perform, and since it shows data internal to the part, it dramatically reduces the amount of destructive testing required.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.