A Review of the Control System of a 3D Printer

Abstract

Background: Three-dimensional printing technology is widely applied in the medical, aviation, automotive, construction, and consumer goods industries because of its characteristics of forming without mold, not limited by part complexity and fully digitalization control. The control system, a core element of a three-dimensional printer, controls the orderly working procedure of all elements of the printer and plays a vital role in the printing efficiency and printing quality of the three-dimensional printing. Therefore, the development trend of the control system of the three-dimensional printer has been paid increasingly attention. Objective: To obtain the latest technology of 3D printer control system, We are highly motivated to evaluate the existing 3D printer control system in terms of improving printing accuracy and printing efficiency. Without losing the generality of our discussion, the open loop control system and closed loop control system of 3D printer are discussed emphatically. As the conclusion, the future research direction of 3D printer control system is discussed. Methods: This paper reviews the current various representative patents related to the control system of 3D printer. Results: Through investigating a large number of patents on the control system of 3D printer, the closed-loop control system and the opened-loop control system of 3D printer are analyzed, and the development trend of 3D printer control system is discussed. Conclusion: The optimization of the control system of 3D printer is conducive to increasing printing efficiency and printing quality in the 3D printing process. More relevant patents will be invented in the future.