Apparatus and methods for servicing 3D printers
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of creating a test pattern with a plurality of printheads of a three-dimensional printer, the method comprising:
- defining an area on a build surface for receiving the test pattern, by printing a contrast-enhancing sublayer on the build surface by (i) spreading a layer of build material on the area of the build surface, (ii) printing the area on the build material layer in a solid, high contrast color using at least one printhead and (iii) overlaying the printed area with at least one unprinted layer of build material;
selecting a reference printhead capable of printing with a high contrast;
printing a plurality of reference lines with the reference printhead on the unprinted layer of build material;
printing a plurality of test lines proximate to the reference lines with at least one of the remaining printheads; and
scanning the test and reference lines to determine a deviation of at least one of the test lines from a desired position by determining a harmonic content of the test and reference lines of at least one frequency.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The invention relates to apparatus and methods for producing three-dimensional objects and auxiliary systems used in conjunction with the aforementioned apparatus and methods. The apparatus and methods involve 3D printing and servicing of the equipment used in the associated 3D printer.
-
Citations
8 Claims
-
1. A method of creating a test pattern with a plurality of printheads of a three-dimensional printer, the method comprising:
-
defining an area on a build surface for receiving the test pattern, by printing a contrast-enhancing sublayer on the build surface by (i) spreading a layer of build material on the area of the build surface, (ii) printing the area on the build material layer in a solid, high contrast color using at least one printhead and (iii) overlaying the printed area with at least one unprinted layer of build material; selecting a reference printhead capable of printing with a high contrast; printing a plurality of reference lines with the reference printhead on the unprinted layer of build material; printing a plurality of test lines proximate to the reference lines with at least one of the remaining printheads; and scanning the test and reference lines to determine a deviation of at least one of the test lines from a desired position by determining a harmonic content of the test and reference lines of at least one frequency. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
-
Specification