Camera-based monitoring system for 3-dimensional printing

A camera monitoring subsystem for a composite-based additive manufacturing (CBAM) process comprising:

• a print platen monitor configured to observe page placement of a sheet on a CBAM print platen, said print platen monitor comprising a first camera system adapted to determine at least one of:
• a) whether there is single page on the print platen, b) whether the position and angle of the single page are within tolerance, c) whether registration holes in the single page are of correct shape and in a correct position, and d) whether chads from the punched alignment holes are properly removed;
• a rear conveyor monitor configured to analyze single pages exiting a CBAM powdering system, said rear conveyor monitor comprising a second camera system adapted to determine at least one of:
• a) whether a printed image is placed within tolerance of the punched holes on the single sheet, b) whether there were any print problems with the printed image, c) whether the punched holes are in a proper position, d) whether the punched holes are properly shaped, e) whether the chads for the punched holes have been properly removed, and f) whether powder deposition on the single sheet is within tolerance;
• a stacker monitor comprising a third camera located at a CBAM stacker configured to inspect whether the single page is properly stacked onto registration pins, and if not, which pins were missed.

A corrective action method for a composite-based additive manufacturing (CBAM) process comprising:

• using camera monitors at one or more of the platen, conveyor or stacker locations within a CBAM system to make an automatic determination whether a page traveling through the CBAM system is within tolerance;
• if the determination is that the page is not within tolerance, performing corrective action comprising:
• (1) Determining if automated correction is possible, and if not, pausing a print job and notifying an operator while waiting for the operator to indicate if an issue is resolved;
• (2) If automated correction is possible, performing the automated correction, performing tests to determine if the issue is corrected, clearing the affected sheet from the CBAM system, and restarting printing.