Patents Assigned to Proto Labs, Inc.
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Patent number: 12282718Abstract: An apparatus for generating a manufacturability analysis is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least a processor and a memory communicatively connected to the at least a processor. The memory contains instructions configuring the at least a processor to receive a computer model that is representative of a part for manufacture, wherein the computer model comprises a plurality of model based definitions. The memory instructs the processor to transmit the computer model to a graphics processing unit (GPU). The memory instructs the processor to generate a manufacturability analysis as a function of the plurality of the model based definitions, wherein the manufacturability analysis is generated using the GPU. The memory instructs the processor to generate an adjusted computer model as a function of the manufacturability analysis and the computer model.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2023Date of Patent: April 22, 2025Assignee: Proto Labs, Inc.Inventors: Austin Perry, Joshua Knutson, Robert Ford, Samuel Bosak, Shuji Usui
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Patent number: 12202183Abstract: An apparatus for instantaneous generation of a pin placement quote in an injection molding process, the apparatus comprising at least a processor and a memory containing instructions configuring the at least a processor to receive part data related to at least a part from an entity, generate a pin placement schema as a function of the part data, provide a pin placement quote based on the pin placement schema, wherein providing the pin placement quote includes generating a projected part data by overlaying the pin placement schema onto the part data, determining a list of quote parameters, and formulating the pin placement quote by associating the list of quote parameters with the projected part data, and display the pin placement quote to the entity using a user interface at a display device.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2024Date of Patent: January 21, 2025Assignee: Proto Labs, Inc.Inventors: Shuji Usui, Jack Allan Rulander
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Patent number: 12197830Abstract: An apparatus for automatic pin placement in injection molding, the apparatus includes at least a processor and a memory containing instructions configuring the at least a processor to receive part data containing a part model, identify a set of part features as a function of the part data, determine a plurality of pin placement configurations, wherein determining the plurality of pin placement configurations includes determine a plurality of pin locations based on the set of part features and determine a desired pin diameter at each pin location of the plurality of pin locations, generate a pin placement schema as a function of the plurality of pin placement configurations, and integrating the pin placement schema into the part model.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2024Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Assignee: Proto Labs, Inc.Inventors: Shuji Usui, Jack Allan Rulander
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Publication number: 20240411291Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for dimensioning and modifying a part to be manufactured are provided. Part information for a part to be manufactured is received by a processor, where the part information includes a model and print of the part. Tolerance datum are extracted from the print and a manufacturability datum is determined as a function of the model and tolerance datum. Updated tolerance datum is generated and a manufacturability of the part is determined. A manufacturing quote and user feedback is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2024Publication date: December 12, 2024Applicant: Proto Labs, Inc.Inventor: Shuji Usui
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Publication number: 20240412264Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for generating a manufacturing quote are provided. Part data for a part to be manufactured is received by a processor, where the part information includes information defining the part or specifying one or more aspects of the part. A model of the part is generated and at least a toolpath to create the part is generated. A manufacturing quote is generated using the model of the part. Feedback regarding part design may be provided and manufacturing of the part may be initiated.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2024Publication date: December 12, 2024Applicant: Proto Labs, Inc.Inventors: Austin Perry, Joshua Knutson, Robert Ford, Samuel Bosak, Shuji Usui
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Patent number: 12086849Abstract: A method for predicting a price of any subtractively manufactured part utilizing artificial intelligence at a computing device. The method comprises receiving a manufacturing request datum, wherein the manufacturing request datum further comprises at least an element of user mechanical part data, selecting a correlated dataset containing a plurality of data entries. The method further comprises generating, at a clustering unsupervised machine-learning model, at least a first correlated compatible part element, receiving, at a supervised machine-learning model, a first training set, generating, at a supervised machine-learning model as a function of the first training set, an external price output, and determining a price ratio output, wherein determining the price ratio output further comprises generating a loss function of a part specific variable and minimizing the loss function.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2023Date of Patent: September 10, 2024Assignee: Proto Labs, Inc.Inventor: Shuji Usui
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Patent number: 12049043Abstract: A method of generating a three-dimensional product having a cubic internal structure in a process controlled by a computing device. The method comprises receiving a manufacturing request datum from a user client device, wherein the manufacturing request datum further comprises at least an element of a product definition. The method further comprises defining a lattice volume of the manufacturing request datum, wherein defining the at least a lattice volume further comprises defining at least a lattice cell, wherein the at least a lattice cell is comprised within the lattice volume. The method further comprises determining a response characteristic of each lattice cell of the plurality of lattice cells, wherein determining a response characteristic further comprises simulating the application of at least a force on at least a part of the manufacturing request datum as a function of the product definition. The method further comprises selecting a unit structure.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2020Date of Patent: July 30, 2024Assignee: Proto Labs, Inc.Inventors: Troy David Marusich, Dylan Lundberg, Arthur Richard Baker
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Patent number: 11966955Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for generating a manufacturing quote are provided. Part data for a part to be manufactured is received by a processor, where the part information includes information defining the part or specifying one or more aspects of the part. A model of the part is generated and at least a toolpath to create the part is generated. A manufacturing quote is generated using the model of the part. Feedback regarding part design may be provided and manufacturing of the part may be initiated.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2023Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Proto Labs, Inc.Inventors: Austin Perry, Joshua Knutson, Robert Ford, Samuel Bosak, Shuji Usui
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Patent number: 11947336Abstract: An apparatus for superimposing prints of a part for manufacture onto computer models of the part for manufacture is disclosed. The apparatus includes a processor and a memory communicatively connected to the processor. The memory containing instructions configuring the at least a processor to receive a computer model of the part for manufacture and a print of a part for manufacture. The processor decomposes a side view of the print, matches features of the part for manufacture in the side view to features of the part for manufacture in the computer model, superimposes a first plurality of object lines in the computing model onto a second plurality of object lines in the side view, and transfers the first semantic datum from the side view to the computer model.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2022Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: Proto Labs, Inc.Inventor: Shuji Usui
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Patent number: 11783389Abstract: A method for predicting a price of any subtractively manufactured part utilizing artificial intelligence at a computing device. The method comprises receiving a manufacturing request datum, wherein the manufacturing request datum further comprises at least an element of user mechanical part data, selecting a correlated dataset containing a plurality of data entries. The method further comprises generating, at a clustering unsupervised machine-learning model, at least a first correlated compatible part element, receiving, at a supervised machine-learning model, a first training set, generating, at a supervised machine-learning model as a function of the first training set, an external price output, and determining a price ratio output, wherein determining the price ratio output further comprises generating a loss function of a part specific variable and minimizing the loss function.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2019Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: Proto Labs, Inc.Inventor: Shuji Usui
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Patent number: 11162770Abstract: A method of in-line automated inspection of a mechanical part comprising receiving a mechanical part datum, orienting the mechanical part datum within a representative inspection system, and examining each face of the plurality of faces of the mechanical part datum, wherein examining each face of the plurality of faces of the mechanical part datum comprises dividing the face into regions as a function of stylus tip data. The method comprises generating a fixture adapter model for the mechanical part datum as a function of a local region of the mechanical part datum, generating a measurement of at least a pair of part geometric data, wherein generating a measurement comprises selecting the at least a pair of part geometric data as a function of the at least an alignment datum and displaying the measurement of at least the pair of part geometric data. The method comprises producing the fixture adapter.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2020Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: Proto Labs, Inc.Inventors: Eric M Boyd, Dylan Lundberg, Michael Bruce Laughton, Nicholas John Griffin
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Patent number: 10983506Abstract: An automated manufacturing system for manufacturing a discrete object is configured to manufacture a reference feature on a precursor to the discrete object. Reference feature is used to place the precursor at a subtractive manufacturing machine; the reference feature may be based on a locating feature at the subtractive manufacturing machine. Manufacturing reference feature is accomplished by automatedly detecting one or more critical-to-quality features and manufacturing the reference feature based on the one or more detected critical-to-quality features.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2019Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: Proto Labs, Inc.Inventors: James L Jacobs, Arthur Richard Baker, III
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Patent number: 10656626Abstract: A system for manufacturing a discrete object from an additively manufactured body of material including a precursor to a discrete object and at least a reference feature is disclosed. The system includes an automated manufacturing device, the automated manufacturing device including at least a controller configured to receive a graphical representation of precursor to a discrete object, receive a graphical representation of at least a reference feature on the precursor to the discrete object, and generate a computer model of the body of material, wherein the computer model of the body of material includes the graphical representation of the precursor to the discrete object and the graphical representation of the at least a reference feature.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2018Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: Proto Labs, Inc.Inventor: James L. Jacobs, II
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Patent number: 9927803Abstract: A process for creating custom fixtures for parts that are to be CNC lathe machined is fully automatic and requires no human interaction. The customer's CAD file is computer analyzed to determine whether the part's dimensions fit within an available CNC lathe turning center for forming out of a cylindrical stock bar. The longitudinal axis is identified, and a set of tool paths is developed for cutting the part from two respective directions. A corresponding tool path is developed for CNC lathe cutting a bushing, preferably from the same bar stock, which generally represents the negative space around circular cross-sections of the part, in monotonically increasing diameters from the first end of the part. The bushing is then used to hold the part in the chuck during machining the second end of the part from the opposite direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Proto Labs, Inc.Inventors: Carlos Carbonera, Phillip Jason Schmidt, Stefan Emilov Atev, Robert Bannick
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Patent number: 8745517Abstract: Any issues associated with manufacture of a part are identified and highlighted on a part rendering. A software method and system then uses a visual change cue on the part rendering for communicating the manufacturability issues to the customer. The preferred visual change cue is a throbbing of the highlighting of the manufacturability issue, with the throbbing occurring in both color intensity and size. The part rendering depicts the part translucently, so throbbing manufacturability issues can be readily identified even if obscured behind a more-forward face of the part.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2011Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Proto Labs, Inc.Inventor: Matthew Hartloff
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Patent number: 8295971Abstract: A computer program, system and method receives a customer's CAD file of a custom part to be formed. Depending upon customer responses to several basic queries, the CAD file is analyzed to identify acceptable holes for tapping. For each identified hole, an appropriate and available thread size is automatically selected, even if the cylindrical recess differs in size from the characteristic size of the threaded hole. The customer is then automatically advised 10 of the results of the tapping analysis, preferably as part of a quotation for part manufacture that identifies the number of threaded holes in the part and preferably identifies the changes to the tapped holes and the specific thread form being quoted for the hole.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2009Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Proto Labs, Inc.Inventor: Donald G. Krantz
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Patent number: 8239284Abstract: A customer sends a CAD file for the part to be manufactured to the system. The system assesses the CAD file to determine various pieces of manufacturing information. One or more acceptability criteria are applied to the part, such as whether the part can be machined in two opposing orientations in a 3 axis CNC machine. If not, the system sends a file to the customer graphically indicating which portions of the part need modification to be manufacturable. The system provides the customer with a quotation form, that allows the customer to select several parameters, such as number of cavities or parts per workpiece block, surface finish and material, which are independent of the shape of the part. The quotation module then provides the customer with the cost to manufacture the mold or a number of parts, which may include both molded parts and total profiled machined parts. Budget-driven quotation is possible, wherein proposed modifications in the molding process are controlled by the budget of the customer.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2010Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Proto Labs, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence J. Lukis, Christopher Walls-Manning, Mark R. Kubicek
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Patent number: 8140401Abstract: A customer sends a CAD file for the part to be molded to the system. The system assesses the CAD file to determine various pieces of mold manufacturing information. One or more acceptability criteria are applied to the part, such as whether the part can be manufactured in a two-piece, straight-pull mold, and whether the mold can by CNC machined out of aluminum. If not, the system sends a file to the customer graphically indicating which portions of the part need modification to be manufacturable. The system provides the customer with a quotation form, that allows the customer to select several parameters, such as number of cavities, surface finish and material, which are independent of the shape of the part. The quotation module then provides the customer with the cost to manufacture the mold or a number of parts. Budget-driven quotation is possible, wherein proposed modifications in the molding process are controlled by the budget of the customer.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2009Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Proto Labs, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence J. Lukis, John M. Gilbert, Christopher Walls-Manning
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Patent number: 7957830Abstract: A customer transmits their 3D CAD file for a part to be total profile machined. Computer analysis of the transmitted CAD file produces CNC machining instructions, which are transmitted back to an address defined by the customer. The customer can then use the transmitted CNC machining instructions to total profile machine their own part using their own CNC mill at the location where the part is likely needed. The transmitted instructions include not only the tool paths for CNC machining of the total profile of the part, but also for additional features formed into the encircling portion of a material block from which the part is to be total profile machined. For instance, the CNC machining instructions transmitted back to the customer can define a registration recess and/or channels or undercuts for fluid support material on an A-side of a material block. After the A-side of the block is machined, the customer adds and solidifies fluid support material into the machined recess.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2008Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Proto Labs, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence J. Lukis, Yuri A. Dreizin, Gregory M. Bloom
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Patent number: 7840443Abstract: A customer sends a CAD file for the part to be manufactured to the system. The system assesses the CAD file to determine various pieces of manufacturing information. One or more acceptability criteria are applied to the part, such as whether the part can be machined in two opposing orientations in a 3 axis CNC machine. If not, the system sends a file to the customer graphically indicating which portions of the part need modification to be manufacturable. The system provides the customer with a quotation form, that allows the customer to select several parameters, such as number of cavities or parts per workpiece block, surface finish and material, which are independent of the shape of the part. The quotation module then provides the customer with the cost to manufacture the mold or a number of parts, which may include both molded parts and total profiled machined parts. Budget-driven quotation is possible, wherein proposed modifications in the molding process are controlled by the budget of the customer.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2006Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Proto Labs, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence J. Lukis, Christopher Walls-Manning, Mark R. Kubicek