6ffm70
commented
4 years ago Even more convenient, complete and more accurate than a digital caliper, but not as well available: deviation input by 3d scanner.
Combined with NFC/QR-code filament identification, the number of datapoints should be vast!
Now, the combination of an NFC-equipped and 3d-scan-equipped printer and AI-featured and networked slicer should make parameter woes history.
Context No printed part comes out of the printer in nominal dimensions; there is always shrinkage/warping that has an impact depending on the requirements on the part printed.
The values I have witnessed are mostly <1%, but there can be deviations around 5%.
The shrinkage depends on material, geometry and print parameters - all of these definitions are present in the Slicer when slicing the part.
Feature This is a big one. PrusaSlicer asks the user to measure certain dimensions of the printed part, while its source 3mf file is open. It does so by showing the requested dimensions in the 3D view. By means of a digital caliper with data interface, the user measures the lengths, and sends them to the interface PrusaSlicer is listening to, USB for example.
The distances to measure are selected by PrusaSlicer on criteria that is a) critical to the fit of the part b) influenced by parameters known to PrusaSlicer c) easy to measure with common digital calipers
PrusaSlicer records the actual dimensions and compares the to nominal dimensions, and computes corrections, and adjusts parameters/geometry that are stored in the material definition file. The next time a part is printed in this material, these are applied when slicing, and PrusaSlicer requests measurements again to reproduce the effectiveness of the corrections, and computes further corrections.
Benefit More accurate parts with every correction loop and improved parameters by automation.