Two improved scanning path planning algorithms and a 3D printing control system with circular motion controller

Purpose This paper aims to improve the infilling efficiency and the quality of parts forming. It proposes two improved scanning path planning algorithm based on velocity orthogonal decomposition. Design/methodology/approach The algorithms this paper proposes replace empty paths and corners with circular segments, driving each axis synchronously according to the SIN or COS velocity curve to make the extruder always moves at a constant speed at maximum during the infilling process. Also, to support the improved algorithms, a three-dimensional (3D) printing control system based on circular motion controller is also designed. Findings The simulation and experiment results show that the improved algorithms are effective, and the printing time is shortened more significantly, especially in the case of small or complex models. What’s more, the optimized algorithm is not only compact in shape but also not obvious in edge warping. Research limitations/implications The algorithms in this paper are not applicable to traditional motion controllers. Practical implications The algorithms in this paper improve the infilling efficiency and the quality of parts forming. Social implications There are no social implications in this paper. Originality/value The specific optimization method of parallel-line scanning algorithm based on velocity orthogonal decomposition is replacing the empty paths with arc corners. And the specific optimization method of contour offsetting algorithm based on velocity orthogonal decomposition is to add connection paths between adjacent contours and turn all straight corners into arcs. What’s more, the 3D printing control system based on the circular motion controller can achieve multi-axis parallel motion to support these two improved path scanning algorithms.

Contour Scanning Method With Inner Supports for Micro-Shell Structural Strengthening Strategy Based on Two-Photon Polymerization Technology

The traditional two-photon polymerization manufacturing technology encounters two difficulties in fabricating submillimeter/micron-scale structures: excessively long fabrication time and weak structural strength, causing collapse of the structure. To solve these problems, this research first develops a new laser scanning path planning strategy, namely, the contour scanning method with inner supports. The concept is to reduce the fabrication time by manufacturing only submillimeter/micron structural shells as well as to generate the support structure below the horizontal area of the shell to enhance the structural strength. In this study, a method for generating a laser scanning path is presented, and a simple micro-cuboid and a micro-calcaneus with complex shape are fabricated to verify the proposed method. The method can effectively reduce the fabrication time and prevent submillimeter/micron structure collapse.

A path planning method for a surface inspection system based on two-dimensional laser profile scanner

In this article, a method for two-dimensional scanning path planning based on robot is proposed. In this method, a section division algorithm based on neighborhood search method for scanning orientation determination is firstly produced. The scanning paths which meet constraints of the system are then generated. Finally, the experiment is carried out on robot-based scanning platform. The two-dimensional data from scanner and the robot position are combined to form three-dimensional surface data of measured workpiece. The experiment results verify the effectiveness of proposed method.

Hilbert Curve Fractal Stacking in the Application of Path Planning in the Molten Molding

The scanning process of fused deposition modeling is realizing the fill of certain region, Therefore, reasonable scanning path planning directly affects the forming efficiency and the precision of the work piece. The method of Hilbert curve fractal scanning path which basing on the characteristics of both partition and parallel scanning is put forward basing on the analysis of the existing scanning mode. Application of improved curve filling method for complex curved surface forming planning, according to the characteristics of the Hilbert curve and Hamilton circuit, combined with the characteristics of the scanned level scan path trajectory planning, generate a continuous and comprehensive function value which the weight minimum scanning track under the premise of ensuring the quality of scanning. In order to avoid the generation of island type trajectory, setting a decimal for each loop can easily distinguish between each circuit, finally obtains the scan trajectory. The method can be used to generate scanning track continuous greatly reducing the spray head start and stop times and improves the processing efficiency of the whole, not only to meet the accuracy requirements and can generate non scanning path interference but also high forming efficiency.

Scanning Path Planning in Laser Bending of Tube Based on Curvature

A method is presented based on geometric-curvature characteristics in which a scanning path planning for laser bending of a straight tube into a curve tube in a two- and three-dimensional space. In a two-dimensional (plane) bending, the steel tube is divided into several segments according to the extreme point and inflection point of the desired shape of the tube, taking the extreme point as the initial place of the path planning, using different scanning space for every segment in order to identify the scanning paths. For a tube bending in a three-dimensional space, a projection decomposition method is used, where the three-dimensional is decomposed into two two-dimensions, and respective scanning path planning and process parameters are thus acquired. By combining the data in the two-dimensional planes, the three-dimensional scanning path plan was obtained. Finally, an experimental verification is carried out to bend straight tubes into a two-dimensional sinusoidal and a three-dimensional helical coil-shaped tube. The results show that the proposed method of scanning path planning is effective and feasible.