A multi-material 3D printing system and model-based layer-to-layer control algorithm for ink-jet printing process

Authors
Zheng, Jian
ORCID
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Other Contributors
Mishra, Sandipan
Julius, Anak Agung
Sanderson, A. C. (Arthur C.)
Wu, Wencen
Issue Date
2014-05
Keywords
Electrical engineering
Degree
MS
Terms of Use
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States
This electronic version is a licensed copy owned by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY. Copyright of original work retained by author.
Full Citation
Abstract
To address this issue, we propose a model-based feedback control law for ink-jet 3D printing that uses a height sensor for measuring profile height after each layer for determining the appropriate layer patterns for subsequent layers. Towards this goal, a simple model describing the relationship between profile height change and droplet deposition in the layer building process is first proposed and experimentally identified. Based on this model, a closed-loop layer-to-layer control algorithm is then developed for the ink-jet printing process. Specifically, the proposed algorithm uses a model prediction control algorithm to minimize the difference between the predicted height and the desired height and the predicted surface unevenness after a fixed number of layers. Experimental and simulation results show that the algorithm is able to achieve more consistent shapes between layers, reduced edge shrinking of the part, and smoother surface of the top layer.
The objective of this thesis is to develop a novel, multi-material 3D printing system to manufacture laminated nano-composite structures with consistent layer height and satisfactory top surface evenness. The 3D printing technology presented in this paper integrates ink-jet printing of ultraviolet curable materials and deposition of nano-fibers. As the key process of this multi-material 3D printer, the performance of ink-jet 3D printing largely determines the overall performance of the multi-material 3D printing system. However, in traditional ink-jet 3D printing, the part is built up by depositing droplets layer upon layer in an open-loop manner. Droplet and edge dimensions are typically predicted experimentally and are assumed to remain constant through the printing process. But there is no guarantee of consistency of droplet shape and dimensions or the smoothness of the finished parts due to uncertainties in the manufacturing process.
Description
May 2014
School of Engineering
Department
Dept. of Electrical, Computer, and Systems Engineering
Publisher
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY
Relationships
Rensselaer Theses and Dissertations Online Collection
Access
CC BY-NC-ND. Users may download and share copies with attribution in accordance with a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License. No commercial use or derivatives are permitted without the explicit approval of the author.