Computer controlled selective hardening of 3-dimensional printed objects

• Main Author: Sarbajit K Rakshit
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 04.09.2024
• Subjects: AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDEDFOR; SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; TRANSPORTING; WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE, IN GENERAL

A method for variable hardness within three-dimensional (3D) printing. Metadata associated with a print object as a 3D printing copy of an original object is received, the metadata includes data indicating a level of hardness of a portion of the print object. During 3D printing set of parameters including a voltage and a duration are applied to the printing material, such that the level of hardness associated with the metadata of the original object is attained. During printing, the level of hardness is measured using an ultrasonic device, and responsive to determining the level of hardness of the portion of the print object differs from the metadata associated with the portion of the original object, the set of parameters for the portion of the print object are adjusted to attain a target level of hardness as indicated by the metadata of the original object.