Two improved scanning path planning algorithms and a 3D printing control system with circular motion controller

Purpose This paper aims to improve the infilling efficiency and the quality of parts forming. It proposes two improved scanning path planning algorithm based on velocity orthogonal decomposition. Design/methodology/approach The algorithms this paper proposes replace empty paths and corners with circular segments, driving each axis synchronously according to the SIN or COS velocity curve to make the extruder always moves at a constant speed at maximum during the infilling process. Also, to support the improved algorithms, a three-dimensional (3D) printing control system based on circular motion controller is also designed. Findings The simulation and experiment results show that the improved algorithms are effective, and the printing time is shortened more significantly, especially in the case of small or complex models. What’s more, the optimized algorithm is not only compact in shape but also not obvious in edge warping. Research limitations/implications The algorithms in this paper are not applicable to traditional motion controllers. Practical implications The algorithms in this paper improve the infilling efficiency and the quality of parts forming. Social implications There are no social implications in this paper. Originality/value The specific optimization method of parallel-line scanning algorithm based on velocity orthogonal decomposition is replacing the empty paths with arc corners. And the specific optimization method of contour offsetting algorithm based on velocity orthogonal decomposition is to add connection paths between adjacent contours and turn all straight corners into arcs. What’s more, the 3D printing control system based on the circular motion controller can achieve multi-axis parallel motion to support these two improved path scanning algorithms.

Динамическая коррекция чувствительности дефектоскопических каналов при высокоскоростном контроле рельсов

The article is aimed at increasing the reliability of high-speed ultrasonic monitoring of long-dimensional objects, in particular, railway rails. The technical documentation for the control does not take into account the features of high-speed rail monitoring, is focused on compliance with the initially set parameters and cannot provide the required reliability of defect detection. The factors that manifest themselves at high scanning speeds and negatively affect the quality of control are considered. Most of these factors cannot be quantified and accounted for in order to adjust the control parameters. An estimate of the number of undetected defects was made when working according to current documents. To ensure reliable control at high speeds, it is proposed to evaluate the current sensitivity of the control using signals from standard design reflectors of the controlled object. As such reflectors, when monitoring rails, it is proposed to use standard holes in the area of bolted joints that are regularly encountered along the scanning path. An expression is obtained for determining the value of the correction of the control sensitivity depending on the scanning speed and the measured size of the signals from the holes. An algorithm for dynamic adjustment of the parameters (sensitivity) of the control is proposed, which increases the reliability of detecting defects in high-speed scanning conditions.

Fast Fabrication of Conductive Copper Structure on Glass Material Using Laser-Induced Chemical Liquid Phase Deposition

Glass is a very stable material at room temperature and has good resistance to gas, bacteria, and organisms. Due to the development of the electronic industry, the industrial demand for creating a conductive pattern on glass is increasing rapidly. To create conductive circuit patterns on the glass surface, non-contact methods based on high energy sources or chemical methods are generally used. However, these methods have disadvantages such as low conductivity, high cost, and size limitations. Processes such as LCLD (laser-induced chemical liquid phase deposition) have been widely studied to solve this problem. However, it has a fatal disadvantage of being slow. Therefore, in this study, various process changes were attempted to improve productivity and conductivity. In particular, sufficient thermal energy was supplied with high laser power for a stable chemical reduction, and the scanning path was changed in various shapes to minimize the ablation that occurs at this time. Through this, it was possible to disperse the overlapped laser energy of high power to widen the activation area of the reduction reaction. With this proposed LCLD process, it is possible to achieve good productivity and fabricate conductive circuit patterns faster than in previous studies.

Eye Tracking—An Innovative Tool in Medical Parasitology

The innovative Eye Movement Modelling Examples (EMMEs) method can be used in medicine as an educational training tool for the assessment and verification of students and professionals. Our work was intended to analyse the possibility of using eye tracking tools to verify the skills and training of people engaged in laboratory medicine on the example of parasitological diagnostics. Professionally active laboratory diagnosticians working in a multi-profile laboratory (non-parasitological) (n = 16), laboratory diagnosticians no longer working in this profession (n = 10), and medical analyst students (n = 56), participated in the study. The studied group analysed microscopic images of parasitological preparations made with the cellSens Dimension Software (Olympus) system. Eye activity parameters were obtained using a stationary, video-based eye tracker Tobii TX300 which has a 3-ms temporal resolution. Eye movement activity parameters were analysed along with time parameters. The results of our studies have shown that the eye tracking method is a valuable tool for the analysis of parasitological preparations. Detailed quantitative and qualitative analysis confirmed that the EMMEs method may facilitate learning of the correct microscopic image scanning path. The analysis of the results of our studies allows us to conclude that the EMMEs method may be a valuable tool in the preparation of teaching materials in virtual microscopy. These teaching materials generated with the use of eye tracking, prepared by experienced professionals in the field of laboratory medicine, can be used during various training, simulations and courses in medical parasitology and contribute to the verification of education results, professional skills, and elimination of errors in parasitological diagnostics.