Formlabs has patented a technique for calibrating an optical system in additive fabrication devices by imaging calibration features on the build surface. The system directs light onto the material, generates an image, determines corrections, and fabricates parts. GlobalData’s report on Formlabs gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Formlabs, Additive manufacturing monitoring sensors was a key innovation area identified from patents. Formlabs's grant share as of May 2024 was 27%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Calibrating optical system in additive fabrication device
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US12011881B2) discloses an additive fabrication device designed to fabricate parts from a source material. The device includes an optical system that directs light onto the source material, an image sensor to capture the light produced, at least one processor, and computer-readable instructions. These instructions control the optical system to create calibration features on the source material, generate an image of these features, determine optical corrections based on their positions, and subsequently fabricate parts by operating the optical system accordingly. The calibration process ensures precise fabrication by adjusting the optical system based on the calibration features' feedback.
Furthermore, the patent includes claims for a method of calibrating the optical system of the additive fabrication device. This method involves controlling the optical system to create calibration features, capturing an image of these features, determining optical corrections based on their positions, and using this information to fabricate parts accurately. The method also includes detecting fiducial targets attached to the device within the calibration features' image, allowing for additional adjustments to the optical system. By consolidating regions of the source material to create calibration features and mapping optical control values, this calibration process enhances the additive fabrication device's precision and efficiency in producing parts from source material.
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