Local Composition Control in Solid Freeform Fabrication

该研究项目解决了局部成分控制（LCC）的潜力的广泛探索的主要障碍-在一个组件内的组成的表示和设计所需的信息路径，并通过固体自由成形制造（SFF）实现。 希望开发一个支持局部组成控制的信息通道，为设计人员提供充分探索这一有趣功能所需的访问权限。 SFF技术的巨大潜在优势之一是能够控制部件的内部成分，这是传统机械制造工艺所不具备的能力。 虽然一些引人注目的应用，如药物输送装置和透镜，其功能是通过局部控制折射率，正在开发中，但很可能潜力在很大程度上尚未开发。拟议的工作设想了一套组合设计功能，设计师可以单独或组合使用，以指定复杂的组件的组成。 每个构图设计特征都将直接与设计的几何形状相关，通常依赖于用户交互来指定几何形状的关键方面。 例如，特征可以指定子体积的组成或子体积之间的组成的过渡。 构成设计特征的表示将是分析性的，因此是简洁的。 只要有可能，本项目的工作将保持一般适用于SFF技术。 如果必须选择特定的过程来集中工作，三维打印将被用作SFF技术的原型。 3D打印非常适合局部成分控制，因为可以通过多个喷墨喷嘴打印多种材料，从而实现真正的3D成分控制。

This research project addresses the central impediment to the wide-spread exploration of the potential of Local Composition Control (LCC) - the information pathway required for the representation and design of composition within a component and its realization by Solid Freeform Fabrication (SFF). It is hoped that the development of an information pathway to support Local Composition Control will provide designers with the access they need to fully explore this intriguing capability. One of the great potential benefits of SFF technology is the ability to control the internal composition of components, a capability not shared by conventional mechanical manufacturing processes. While several compelling applications such as Drug Delivery Devices and Lenses which function by local control of the index of refraction, are under development, it is likely that the potential is largely untapped. The proposed work envisions a suite of Composition Design Features which the designer can use singly or in combination, to specify the composition of complex components. Each composition design feature will relate directly to the geometry of the design, often relying on user interaction to specify critical aspects of the geometry. For example, features can specify the composition of sub-volumes or the transition of composition between sub-volumes. The representations underlying the composition design features will be analytic and therefore concise. Wherever possible, the work on this project will be kept generically applicable to SFF technologies. Where a specific process must be chosen to focus the work, Three Dimensional Printing will be used as the prototypical SFF technology. 3D Printing is well suited to local composition control as multiple materials may be printed through multiple inkjet nozzles, thereby achieving true 3-D composition control.