A Review of the Control System of a 3D Printer

Background: Three-dimensional printing technology is widely applied in the medical, aviation, automotive, construction, and consumer goods industries because of its characteristics of forming shapes 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 increasing attention. Objective: To evaluate the latest technology in the 3D printer control system, we assess the existing 3D printer control system to improve printing accuracy and printing efficiency. In this review, the open-loop control system and closed-loop control system of the 3D printer are discussed emphatically. In conclusion, the future research direction of a 3D printer control system is discussed. Methods: This paper reviews the current various representative patents related to the control system of a 3D printer. Results: Through investigating a large number of patents on the control system of 3D printers, the closed-loop control system and the opened-loop control system of the 3D printer are analyzed, and the development trend of the 3D printer control system is discussed. Conclusion: The optimization of the control system of the 3D printer is conducive to increasing printing efficiency and printing quality in the 3D printing process. More relevant patents need to be invented in the future.