MSU alum garners 3-D print patent

When it comes to 3-D printing, spaghetti-like results can be costly. "I don't know if you've ever seen a 3-D printer malfunction, but a lot of times it can produce something that looks an awful lot like a plate of spaghetti," said Jeremy Straub, assistant computer science professor at North Dakota State University. Straub, who graduated with a master's degree in computer science from Mississippi State University in 2010, received a patent Dec. 19 for a new 3-D printing technology that would help detect and correct mistakes of 3-D printed objects. Straub was the lead inventor on UND’s research team. The team created the plan for imaging software that uses sensors in a 3-D printer to collect data during the printing process. The imagery data is compared to the design model. If discrepancies are found, it automatically stops, and the new technology assesses whether the 3-D printer can self-correct or whether there is a need for human involvement. There are numerous reasons for wanting this type of quality assurance, including a range from parts that have operational and safety implications with jet engines. (Source: Columbus Dispatch 12/27/17)