Method and apparatus for three dimensional printing of colored objects
AssigneeApple Inc.
InventorsGeoffrey Stahl, Howard A. Miller
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Systems, computer readable media, and methods for printing of 3D objects in color are disclosed. In general, a 3D object may be produced and colored by a 3D printer using the same digital 3D model. The digital model for a desired 3D object may be revised to include a process for coloring the object by the 3D printer. In one embodiment, this may involve coloring to the object after it has been made. In an alternative embodiment, color may be added as the object is being made. Because the 3D model provides knowledge of the surface, contours and all the coordinates of the 3D object being printed, the object can be colored using the same digital model.
Claims18
A non-transitory program storage device, readable by a processor and comprising instructions stored thereon to cause one or more processors to:
- receive a 3D information file having data representative of a 3D printable object for production using a 3D printing apparatus;
- update the 3D information file to include color information for the 3D printable object;
- update the 3D information file to account for performing a finishing operation prior to applying color when producing the 3D printable object, wherein the finishing operation applies finishing to correct imperfections detected between a produced 3D printed object and the 3D printable object;
- create a machine readable code sequence that is executable by the 3D printing apparatus based on the updated 3D information file that includes the color information and accounts for performing the finishing operation;
- and
- determine whether the produced 3D printed object matches the 3D printable object.
An apparatus, comprising:
- at least one processor;
- memory coupled to the at least one processor and having instructions stored thereon to cause the at least one processor to:
- receive a 3D information file having data representative of a 3D printable object for production using a 3D printing apparatus;
- update the 3D information file to include color information for the 3D printable object;
- update the 3D information file to account for performing a finishing operation prior to applying color during the production of the 3D printable object, wherein the finishing operation includes sanding, buffing, or both by the 3D printing apparatus to remove one or more detected imperfections between a produced 3D printable object and the 3D printable object;
- and
- create a machine readable code sequence that is executable by the 3D printing apparatus based on the updated 3D information file that includes the color information and accounts for performing the finishing operation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.