Systems and methods for waste management in additive manufacturing processes

Abstract

The waste management system for the AM device (101) includes a waste container (350), an air purification device (700) located within the enclosure of the AM device (101), a first conduit (210), and at least one second conduit (332). The air purification device condenses vapors formed within the enclosure of the AM device during operation of the AM device. The first conduit (210) is configured to direct condensed vapors in a liquid state from the air purification device (200) to the waste container (350), and the at least one second conduit (332) directs waste accumulated during operation of the AM device to the waste container. The waste container stores waste accumulated by the AM device (101) during operation of the AM device (101).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Related Applications This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 948,352, filed December 16, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] FIELD OF THEINVENTION The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to additive manufacturing (AM) and, particularly but not exclusively, to systems and methods for waste management of by-products arising therefrom. [Background technology]

[0003] AM describes a group of techniques in which three-dimensional (3D) objects are produced from a computer model of the object without tooling with dedicated parts or human intervention, e.g., freeform fabrication processes in which the three-dimensional object is produced by the deposition of successive layers of a build material.

[0004] Some AM devices selectively deposit, i.e., eject, a build material in liquid form by one or more print heads and then solidify the material to define the shape of an object. The liquid can be, for example, a photocurable liquid, e.g., a photopolymerizable formulation that is deposited at an elevated temperature and polymerized and / or solidified upon exposure to radiation, such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Such devices may generate waste material during the layer build process, for example, when removing a portion of the build material deposited in a layer before solidifying the layer, smoothing the layer, or changing its thickness. Liquid waste is further collected in a purging station of the device, which can release the previous build material from the print head when replacing the build material in the print head to clean the print head and prevent clogging of the nozzles of the print head by optionally spitting the build material over a water bath at the purging station. When the waste is a photocurable liquid, the active volatile components may be required to be treated to deactivate the active components before disposing of the waste.

[0005] U.S. Patent No. 7,919,152, entitled "Method and Apparatus for Curing Waste Containing Photopolymeric Components," describes a method for curing waste materials containing photopolymeric components. Upon curing, the solid material formed contains only low amounts of photoactive components and can therefore be disposed of in general waste.

[0006] Fabrication with photopolymerizable build materials is typically carried out at elevated temperatures. The elevated temperatures promote the release of significant amounts of active volatile components from the photopolymerizable material in the interior space of the AM apparatus. Air from the interior space of the AM apparatus is typically filtered before being expelled to the surrounding area, e.g., outside the enclosed space of the AM apparatus. Carbon filtering is known to be used to capture airborne components released within the enclosure of the AM apparatus, thereby avoiding contamination of the ambient air outside the enclosure. Carbon filters require periodic replacement to maintain their efficacy. Used filters may require dedicated treatment for waste management. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to some exemplary embodiments, systems and methods are provided for managing both liquids and pneumatically transported waste products (e.g., vaporized contaminants that accumulate during AM processes including depositing photopolymerizable materials). The systems and methods described herein can be provided to reduce or optionally eliminate the need to use carbon filtering. Optionally, when carbon filtering is used, the frequency at which the carbon filter is required to be replaced may be reduced. Reducing the frequency at which the carbon filter is required to be replaced reduces costs associated with replacing the carbon filter and disposing of used carbon filters, as well as costs associated with shutting down the AM equipment during replacement.

[0008] According to some exemplary embodiment aspects, collection of pneumatically transported waste accumulated during the AM process is based on condensing vapors in the air to form liquid condensate and combining the collected liquid condensate with other accumulated waste. The condensed pneumatically transported waste and collected waste can be treated by a general waste treatment process. Optionally, the combined condensed pneumatically transported waste and collected waste are hardened to reduce the concentration of photoactive components in the combined waste. Optionally, based on hardening, the waste can be disposed of as general waste.

[0009] According to some example embodiments, a waste management system for an AM machine is provided, the system including: a waste container configured to store waste accumulated by the AM machine during operation of the AM machine; an air purification device located within an enclosure of the AM machine and configured to condense vapor formed within the enclosure of the AM machine during operation of the AM machine; a first conduit configured to direct the condensed vapor in a liquid state from the air purification device to the waste container; and at least one second conduit configured to direct waste accumulated during operation of the AM machine to the waste container.

[0010] Optionally, the system includes an air circulation pump configured to actively direct air flow within the enclosure of the AM device towards the air purification device.

[0011] Optionally, the air purification device is a cold trap filter.

[0012] Optionally, the air purification device is configured to operate at temperatures between 5°C and -60°C.

[0013] Optionally, an air purification device is selected to reduce the concentration of monomer in the air enclosed within the enclosure based on condensing vapors.

[0014] Optionally, the air purification device is selected to condense vapors including one or more of acryloylmorpholine and isobornyl acrylate.

[0015] Optionally, the air purification device includes an air outlet through which purified air is expelled, the air outlet configured to direct the air through an outlet of an enclosure of the AM device.

[0016] Optionally, the system includes at least one carbon filter located at an outlet of the enclosure of the AM equipment, and configured such that the purified air is expelled through the carbon filter.

[0017] Optionally, the system includes a waste treatment device configured to deactivate active ingredients in waste contained in the waste container.

[0018] Optionally, the waste treatment device includes a radiation source configured to irradiate the waste, thereby deactivating photoactive components in the waste.

[0019] Optionally, the waste disposal device includes a rotatable platform configured to support a waste container; and a motor configured to rotate the platform.

[0020] Optionally, the waste treatment device includes a water source configured to controllably direct water into the waste container.

[0021] Optionally, the system includes at least one pump configured to controllably pump waste from the at least one second conduit into the waste container.

[0022] Optionally, at least one second conduit is configured to direct waste from the leveling device of the AM apparatus to a waste container.

[0023] Optionally, at least one second conduit is configured to direct waste from a purging station of the AM device to a waste container.

[0024] According to aspects of some example embodiments, there is provided an AM apparatus that includes a tray configured to receive build material in layers; an inkjet print block; and a waste management system as described herein above, wherein the inkjet print block includes at least one print head configured to selectively eject the build material in layers onto the tray, where the selective ejection defines an object to be built; and a leveling device configured to remove excess material from the layers ejected by the at least one print head.

[0025] Optionally, the apparatus includes a purging station configured to perform maintenance operations on the inkjet printhead, and at least one second conduit of the waste management system configured to direct waste from the purging station to a waste container.

[0026] According to aspects of certain exemplary embodiments, there is provided a method for managing manufactured waste within an enclosure of an AM machine during operation of the AM machine, the method including: An air purifier actively condenses the vapor in the air enclosed within the enclosure into liquid condensate; The liquid condensate is directed to a waste chamber configured to receive waste accumulated during operation of the AM device, the waste including excess build material.

[0027] Optionally, the method includes pumping air in the enclosure towards an air purification device.

[0028] Optionally, the method includes expelling air purified by the air purification device outside the enclosure.

[0029] Optionally, the method includes filtering the air expelled outside the enclosure with a carbon filter.

[0030] Optionally, the air purification device is a cold trap filter.

[0031] Optionally, the air purification device is configured to operate at temperatures between 5°C and -60°C.

[0032] Optionally, an air purification device is selected to reduce the concentration of monomer in the air enclosed within the enclosure based on condensing vapors.

[0033] Optionally, the air purification device is selected to condense vapors including one or more of acryloylmorpholine and isobornyl acrylate.

[0034] Optionally, the method includes treating the waste collected in the waste chamber, the treating including deactivating an active ingredient in the liquid.

[0035] Optionally, the method includes irradiating the waste material, the irradiation including deactivating photoactive components in the waste material.

[0036] Optionally, the method includes rotating the waste container during the period of irradiation.

[0037] Optionally, the waste treatment device includes a water source configured to controllably direct water into the waste container.

[0038] Optionally, the method includes controllably pumping the waste material into a waste container.

[0039] Optionally, waste material accumulated during operation of the AM apparatus is accumulated in a leveling device configured to remove excess build material from layers of an object being built, and the leveling device is included in the AM apparatus.

[0040] Optionally, the waste material is accumulated in a purging station of the AM device, the purging station configured to perform maintenance on a print head of the AM device.

[0041] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and / or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs.Methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of this invention, but exemplary methods and / or materials are described below.In case of conflict, this patent specification, including definitions, will prevail.In addition, materials, methods and examples are only illustrative and are not necessarily intended to be limiting. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0042] Certain embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Reference will now be made in particular detail to the drawings, stressing that the details shown are for the purpose of illustrating and discussing embodiments of the invention by way of example only, and in this regard the description given with reference to the drawings will make apparent to those skilled in the art how to practice embodiments of the invention.

[0043] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of an example of an AM apparatus for three dimensional printing for use in some exemplary embodiments.

[0044] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of an example of an AM device having a waste management system, in accordance with some illustrative embodiments.

[0045] [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a simplified schematic diagram of a waste management system including an air purification device according to some exemplary embodiments.

[0046] [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a simplified schematic diagram of an example of a waste management system having cure in accordance with some exemplary embodiments.

[0047] [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a simplified flowchart of an example method for managing accumulated waste in an AM process, according to some illustrative embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0048] The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to additive manufacturing and, particularly but not exclusively, to systems and methods for waste management of by-products resulting therefrom.

[0049] Before describing at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of assembly and construction of the components and / or methods set forth in the following description and / or illustrated in the drawings and / or examples, as the invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

[0050] According to some exemplary embodiments, the AM apparatus is configured to collect both waste materials accumulated during the AM printing process as well as airborne waste produced by the AM apparatus and direct the waste into a waste container. Optionally, the waste collected in the waste container can be treated to neutralize active components in the waste, such as photoactive components. According to some exemplary embodiments, the waste management system includes a cold trap filter configured to extract volatiles and liquid vapors expelled into the interior space of the AM apparatus during fabrication and condense the extracted materials into a liquid state. Optionally, the volatiles are monomers, and the cold trap filter is configured to capture the monomers, thereby reducing their concentration in the air. According to some exemplary embodiments, the effectiveness of the cold trap filter can be defined by its selected operating temperature. Optionally, the cold trap filter is selected to operate at a temperature between 5° C. and −60° C. depending on the system conditions. The cold trap filter may be an off-the-shelf product or may be adapted for use with the AM apparatus. An example of a suitable off-the-shelf filter is the CT-50G Cold Trap / Vacuum Vapor Trap CT / VT manufactured by OPERON of Gyeonggi-do, Korea. Optionally, small glass-type / stick-type filters are also suitable.

[0051] According to some exemplary embodiments, the condensed extracted material is directed to a waste container of the AM device. Optionally, the same waste container is also configured to collect waste accumulated during the AM fabrication process. Exemplary sources of waste include waste accumulated when leveling layers to remove excess or extraneous material, when replacing build materials, and / or when cleaning print heads. Optionally, the collected waste may include any solid or at least partially solid particles immersed in a liquid. As used herein, liquid waste includes flowable waste products. According to some exemplary embodiments, a cure is applied to the material collected in the waste container to deactivate photoactive components in the waste.

[0052] Optionally, the air flow through the cold trap filter is expelled from the interior space of the AM apparatus. Optionally, the filtered air is expelled through an additional air filter, such as a carbon filter. In some exemplary embodiments, an air circulation pump directs air from the interior space of the AM apparatus to the cold trap filter to facilitate active filtration.

[0053] In preferred embodiments of the invention, AM comprises three-dimensional printing, more preferably three-dimensional inkjet printing. In these embodiments, the build material formulation is dispensed from a print head having an array of nozzles to deposit the build material formulation in layers on a tray. Thus, the AM device dispenses the build material formulation at the target locations to be occupied and leaves other target locations empty. The device typically comprises multiple print heads, each of which can be configured to dispense different build material formulations. The build material dispensed by the print heads can be replaced throughout the build process as needed. Thus, different target locations can be occupied by different build material formulations. Types of build material formulations can be divided into two main categories: build material formulations and support material formulations. Support material formulations serve as support constructs, as a support matrix to support objects or object parts during the fabrication process, or for other purposes (e.g., to enable fabrication of hollow or porous objects). Support constructs may further comprise build material formulation elements, e.g., for additional strength support.

[0054] Build material formulations are generally compositions that are formulated for use in AM and that can form three-dimensional objects by themselves (i.e., without the need to be mixed or combined with other substances).

[0055] The final three-dimensional object is made from a build material formulation or a combination of build material formulations or a combination of build material formulations and support material formulations or modifications thereof (e.g. after curing), all these operations being well known to those skilled in the art of additive manufacturing.

[0056] In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, an object is produced by ejecting two or more different build material formulations, each from a different array of print head nozzles of an AM or from a different print head. The material formulations are optionally and preferably deposited in layers during the same and / or successive passes of the print head over the printing surface. The material formulations, and combinations of material formulations within layers, are selected according to the desired properties of the final 3D object.

[0057] For purposes of a better understanding of some embodiments of the present invention shown in Figures 2-5 of the drawings, please refer to the operation and configuration of an AM apparatus for three-dimensional printing shown in Figure 1.

[0058] A representative, non-limiting example of an AM apparatus 100 suitable for AM of an object 112 according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. The AM apparatus 100 can include an inkjet print block 114 having multiple print heads 116. Each head preferably includes an array of nozzles 122 through which liquid build material is ejected by inkjet technology. Single-pass and / or multiple-pass print heads are contemplated. Optionally and preferably, a build material supply device 130 includes a build material reservoir or cartridge and supplies multiple build material formulations to the print heads 116 during printing. Each print head 116 can be designated to eject one or more build materials to form the object 112 and one or more support materials to form a support structure 115 for the object 112. Optionally, one print head 116 can eject a first build material formulation through a first set of nozzles in the array 122 and eject a second build material formulation through a second set of nozzles in the array 122. In the representation of FIG. 1, four print heads 116 are shown, however, it is contemplated that inkjet print block 114 may optionally include more or fewer print heads 116.

[0059] The inkjet printing block 114 can also include a solidification device 124, e.g., a curing device, configured to emit light, heat, etc., and optionally and preferably thereby to cure one or more of the build material and the support material. For example, the solidification device 124 can include an ultraviolet (UV) lamp, an infrared (IR) lamp, and / or a light emitting diode (LED) lamp to cure or solidify the build material and, optionally, the support material. In some exemplary embodiments, the inkjet printing block 114 further includes a leveling device 132. The leveling device 132 can include a roller for removing excess material, a blade for scraping the excess material from the roller, and a trough 135 for collecting the excess material removed by the blade. The leveling device 132 can be configured to trim, level, and / or establish a predefined layer thickness of the current layer prior to solidification of the current layer and / or deposition of a subsequent layer. Excess build material collected by the leveling device 132 can be directed through a conduit 331 into a waste container 350. Optionally, conduit 331 comprises a flexible tube that can be moved with block frame 128 .

[0060] The print head 116, solidifier 124, and leveler 132 may be mounted to a block frame 128 of the inkjet print block 114, which preferably operates to reciprocate over a tray 180, which serves as a working surface. In some embodiments, the solidifier 124 and leveler 132 are mounted to the block frame 128 such that they follow the print head 116 and at least partially solidify (e.g., cure) the material just ejected by the print head. Optionally, the tray 180 is configured to move in one or more directions in which the block frame 128 is stationary. The solidifier 124 may cure or partially cure a current layer before forming a subsequent layer on top of the current layer. The leveler 132 may level a layer prior to solidification of the layer in the solidifier 124. The inkjet print block 114 is preferably operated within an enclosure 300. Enclosure 300 may include one or more air filters 310, such as carbon filters, to collect volatile materials that may evaporate during the fabrication process, thereby preventing contamination of the surrounding environment. Build material supply device 130 may be outside enclosure 300, stored in a separate enclosure, or may be included within enclosure 300.

[0061] The AM apparatus 100 may also include a maintenance or purging station 190 that is periodically accessed by the inkjet print block 114 during the fabrication process and / or during dedicated maintenance activities. While the inkjet print block 114 is positioned over the purging station 190, material in one or more print heads 116 can be dumped into the purging station 190, e.g., before replacing material in the print heads 116, to clean the print heads 116 with cleaning fluid and / or to actively dump material from the print heads 116 to open or avoid clogged nozzles. The purging station 190 includes a bath 195 for collecting material ejected from the print heads 116 as well as used cleaning fluid. Waste collected in the bath 195 can be pumped to a central waste container for collection or waste disposal.

[0062] A computerized controller 152 controls the fabrication at the inkjet print block 114 and, optionally and preferably, also controls the feeder 130. The controller 152 generally includes one or more electronic circuits configured to perform control operations. The controller 152 preferably communicates with a data processor 154 that transmits digital data relating to fabrication instructions based on computer object data, such as computer-aided design (CAD) configurations represented on a computer-readable medium in a known format, including, but not limited to, Standard Tessellation Language (STL) or Stereolithography Contour (SLC) format, Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML), Additive Manufacturing File (AMF) format, Drawing Interchange Format (DXF), Polygon File Format (PLY), or any other format suitable for computer-aided design (CAD).

[0063] Generally, the controller 152 controls the voltage applied to each print head or nozzle array, and the temperature of the build material dispensed by each print head.

[0064] Once the data is loaded into the controller 152, the controller 152 can operate without user intervention. In some embodiments, the controller 152 receives additional input from an operator, for example, using the data processor 154 or using a user interface 106 (e.g., a display with a keyboard, touch screen, etc.) in communication with the controller 152. For example, the controller 152 can receive as additional input one or more build material types and / or attributes, such as, but not limited to, color, characteristic distortion, and / or transition temperature, viscosity, electrical properties, magnetic properties, and / or mechanical properties. Other attributes and groups of attributes are also contemplated. The controller 152 and the data processor 154 are shown diagrammatically as separate blocks outside the enclosure 300 for simplicity purposes. Each of the controller 152 and the data processor 154 can be located either within the enclosure 300, on an exterior surface of the enclosure 300, or outside the enclosure 300 with electrical connections (e.g., wired connections to various components of the AM device 100).

[0065] Some embodiments contemplate the fabrication of objects by ejecting different build material formulations from different print heads. These embodiments provide, among other things, the ability to select material formulations from a given number of build material formulations and define the desired combination of selected material formulations and their properties. According to the present embodiment, the spatial location of deposition of each material formulation in a layer is defined to achieve the occupation of different three-dimensional spatial positions by different build material formulations, or the occupation of approximately the same three-dimensional position or adjacent three-dimensional positions by two or more different build material formulations, allowing spatial combination after deposition of the build material formulations in the layer, thereby forming a composite material formulation at each position(s).

[0066] Any post-deposition combination or intermixing of multiple build material formulations or build material formulations and support material formulations is contemplated. For example, after a particular material formulation is dispensed, it may maintain its original properties. However, when dispensed simultaneously with another build material formulation or other dispensed material formulations at the same or nearby locations, a composite material formulation is formed that has different properties than the dispensed material formulation.

[0067] Thus, the present embodiments allow for the deposition of a wide range of material formulation combinations, and enable the fabrication of objects where different parts of the object can be composed of multiple different material formulation combinations, depending on the properties desired to characterize each part of the final 3D object.

[0068] Further details regarding the principles and operation of an AM apparatus suitable for this embodiment can be found in U.S. Published Application Nos. 20100191360 and 20170173886, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 2, a simplified block diagram of an example of an AM apparatus having a waste management system according to some exemplary embodiments is shown. According to some exemplary embodiments, the AM apparatus 101 includes a waste management system for collecting both air-borne waste and other waste accumulated during operation of the AM apparatus 101. Optionally, the waste management system further includes a waste treatment capability configured to neutralize active contaminants in the collected waste prior to disposing of the waste. According to some exemplary embodiments, the waste management system includes a waste container 350, an air purification device 200 configured to condense evaporated contaminants in the enclosure 300 to a liquid state, a conduit 210 configured to direct the condensed contaminants to the waste container 350, and one or more additional conduits configured to direct additional waste (e.g., excess build material and support material) accumulated during operation of the AM apparatus 101. The collected waste products in the waste container 350 may be in a liquid state and may optionally include solid particles immersed in the liquid. Optionally, the additional conduits include a first conduit 332 configured to direct liquid waste from the water bath 195 of the purging station 190 to a waste container 350, and a second conduit 331 configured to direct waste accumulated by the leveling device 132 to the waste container 350. According to some exemplary embodiments, the waste management system includes an air circulation pump 205 configured to actively direct airflow through the air purification device 200, thereby facilitating purification of the air in the enclosure 300. According to some exemplary embodiments, the air purification device 200 is a cold trap filter.

[0070] In some exemplary embodiments, air 230 purified by air purification device 200 can be expelled out of enclosure 300 through outlet 311. Optionally, an additional air filter (e.g., a carbon filter installed at outlet 311) can be included in the waste management system. Optionally, air 230 expelled through outlet 311 is also filtered through filter 310. In some exemplary embodiments, filter 310 is omitted. According to some exemplary embodiments, waste can be continuously or periodically flowed from one or more of conduits 331, 332, and 210 into waste container 350 during operation of AM apparatus 101 (e.g., during fabrication of an object with AM apparatus 101). Optionally, waste collected in waste container 350 is also treated as it is collected. Alternatively, waste treatment is performed in a post-treatment process. According to some exemplary embodiments, controller 152 is configured to control the operation of the waste management system. Optionally, the waste management system is operated without user intervention.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 3, a simplified schematic diagram of a waste management system including an air purification device according to some exemplary embodiments is shown. According to some exemplary embodiments, the waste management system 390 includes a waste container 350, an air purification device 200 configured to condense evaporated contaminants in the ambient air, a conduit 210 configured to direct the condensed contaminants to the waste container 350, and one or more additional conduits (e.g., conduits 331, 332 configured to direct additional waste to the waste container 350). According to some exemplary embodiments, the waste container 350 is within the enclosure 300 of the AM device and collects waste during operation of the AM device. According to some exemplary embodiments, the waste 345 collected in the waste container 350 is a combination of waste 340 collected from components of the AM device and liquid condensate 240 collected from the air purification device 200. According to some exemplary embodiments, the waste management system 390 further includes an air circulation pump 205 to actively direct air 220 toward the air purification device 200.

[0072] According to some exemplary embodiments, liquid condensate 240 from the air purification device 200 is directed to a waste container 350 through a dedicated conduit 210. The conduit 210 may be integral to the air purification device 200 or may be a separate element connected at one end to a liquid outlet of the air purification device 200 and extending towards the waste container 350 with an opening at the opposite end for expelling the condensed liquid 240 into the waste container 350.

[0073] According to some exemplary embodiments, the liquid condensate 240 includes evaporated entrained resin components from the build material dispensed during the AM process. In some exemplary embodiments, the waste container 350 is further configured to collect waste 340, such as excess build material (modeling material and support material) in liquid and / or at least partially solidified form from one or more of the leveling device 132 and the purging station 195. The waste material 340 can be build material, such as modeling material and / or support material removed by the leveling device 132 from a formed layer. Optionally, the pump 335 is configured to pump the waste material 340 from the tub 135 of the leveling device 132 into the waste container 350. According to some exemplary embodiments, the waste material 340 is a liquid, gel, semi-solid, solid, and / or foam material. According to some exemplary embodiments, the condensed liquid 240 and the waste material 340 are collected in the waste container 350 simultaneously. Condensed liquid 240 can be formed from build material that is evaporated during the build process. Optionally, both condensed material 240 and waste material 340 contain active volatile components, including photoactive components.

[0074] Optionally, additional waste products can be collected in a waste container 350, such as a cleaning solution used in the purging station 190. In some exemplary embodiments, the waste management system 390 includes a pump 335 configured to pump waste from the leveling device 132 to the waste chamber 350. In some exemplary embodiments, the waste management system 390 includes a pump 197 configured to controllably pump waste from a water bath 195 in the purging station 190 to the waste chamber 350. Alternatively, a single pump may direct waste 340 from both the leveling device 132 and the waste bath 195.

[0075] Referring to Figure 4, a simplified schematic diagram of an example of a waste management system with curing according to some exemplary embodiments is shown. According to some exemplary embodiments, the waste management system includes a waste container 350 configured to receive waste materials 345 from different sources including liquid condensate from ambient air and waste materials collected during operation of the AM device, a radiation source 380 configured to cure the waste materials collected in the waste container 350, and optionally a water source 400 including a pump configured to controllably discharge water into the waste container 350. The waste materials 345 may include waste materials from the build materials and / or air vapor in liquid form including photoactive components. The liquid waste materials 345 may include any solid or at least partially solid particles immersed in a liquid.

[0076] In some exemplary embodiments, the material deposited in the waste container 350 is irradiated with a radiation source 380 configured to harden the waste material. Optionally, the waste management system includes a rotatable platform 375 that rotates the waste container 350 with a motor 370 while the radiation source 380 irradiates the contents of the waste container 350. Optionally, water from a water source 400 can be periodically dispensed onto the waste 345. In some exemplary embodiments, covering the waste 345 with water can help to sufficiently harden the waste 345. According to some exemplary embodiments, the controller 152 is configured to control the operation of the radiation source 380, as well as pumps associated with the water source 400 and motor 370 when present. Optionally, the flow of the waste 345 into the waste container 350 is selectively controlled to provide suitable hardening, and the controller 152 is configured to control the flow rate of the flow into the waste container 350.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 5, a simplified flow chart of an example of a method for managing waste accumulated during an AM process according to some exemplary embodiments is shown. According to some exemplary embodiments, during operation of the AM apparatus, air is circulated to a filter configured to remove airborne waste (Block 505). Optionally and preferably, the filter is a cold trap filter configured to condense vapors in the air within the enclosure of the AM apparatus (Block 515). The vapors may include active volatile components released into the interior space of the AM apparatus during operation of the AM apparatus. In some exemplary embodiments, the purified air based on filtration or condensation is expelled from the AM apparatus (Block 520). Optionally, the air expelled from the cold trap filter is further filtered through a carbon filter before being expelled from the enclosure of the AM apparatus.

[0078] The active volatile component can be a component released from the build material during operation of the AM apparatus. In some exemplary embodiments, depositing the build material at high temperatures can promote evaporation of the active volatile components in the build material, leading to contamination of the air in the AM apparatus. In some exemplary embodiments, the active volatile component can be a monomer. In some exemplary embodiments, the monomer is a photopolymerizable component. Optionally, the monomer includes one or more of acryloylmorpholine (ACMO) and isobornyl acrylate (IBOA).

[0079] According to some exemplary embodiments, the condensed vapor is directed to a waste container of the AM equipment (block 525). The waste container can be housed in an enclosure within or adjacent to the AM equipment enclosure. According to some exemplary embodiments, the condensed air-borne waste cleanses the ambient air of contaminants, reducing the need to filter air expelled from the AM equipment enclosure with carbon filters or the like, and / or reducing the frequency at which carbon air filters need to be cleaned or replaced.

[0080] According to some exemplary embodiments, the same waste container is additionally configured to simultaneously collect waste accumulated during the AM process (block 510). The waste can be excess build material, optionally accumulated from one or more of a leveling device and a purging station included in the AM apparatus. In some exemplary embodiments, the liquid waste can include additional materials other than the build material, such as cleaning liquids dispensed in the purging station, for example to clean the nozzles of the print head. Optionally, the waste can include solid components, for example at least partially solidified components immersed in the liquid. In some exemplary embodiments, the waste is actively pumped into the waste container. Alternatively, the waste is directed to the waste container without active pumping.

[0081] According to some exemplary embodiments, waste from each of the different sources, e.g., condensation of pneumatically transported waste, as well as waste accumulated by the AM machine, are collected in the same waste container. In some exemplary embodiments, the waste accumulated in the waste container from all the different sources can be treated for hardening or otherwise safe disposal of the waste. Optionally, the accumulated waste is treated (block 530) to reduce the concentration of active volatile components, e.g., monomers and / or photopolymerized components. The waste can be treated simultaneously with the waste accumulation from the different sources during operation of the AM machine. Optionally, the treatment of the waste includes hardening the waste to reduce the concentration of photopolymerized components in the waste material. In some exemplary embodiments, based on the waste treatment, the waste in the waste container can be safely disposed of as general trash (block 535).

[0082] Whenever a range of numerical values ​​is given herein, it is meant to include any recited numbers (fractional or integer) that are included in the given range. The phrases "ranging between" a first given number and a second given number, and "ranging from" a first given number to a second given number, are used interchangeably and are meant to include the first given number, the second given number, and all fractional and integer numbers therebetween.

[0083] It will be appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as otherwise suitable in other described embodiments of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments should not be construed as essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperable without those elements.

[0084] Each of the various embodiments and aspects of the present invention as delineated hereinabove and as claimed in the claims section below finds experimental support in the following examples. EXAMPLES

[0085] Reference is now made to the following examples, which together with the above descriptions illustrate the invention in a non-limiting fashion.

[0086] According to some exemplary embodiments, the waste management system described herein is configured to remove evaporated monomers in the air contained within the enclosure of the AM apparatus. For example, the monomers can be volatile compounds that arise from jetted build materials, such as modeling materials and support materials. Monomers that have been tested include ACMO and IBOA.

[0087] The boiling point of ACMO is 296.8°C at 760 mmHg, and the saturated vapor pressure is 0.00141 mmHg at 25°C.

[0088] The boiling point of IBOA is 244.5°C at 760 mmHg, and the saturated vapor pressure is 0.0302 mmHg at 25°C.

[0089] The vapor pressure P at the lower temperature T can be calculated based on the following formula: TIFF0007682180000001.tif13166In the formula, A and B are constants that depend on the material.

[0090] The results are shown in Table 1.

[0091] Table 1: Decreased concentrations of ACMO and IBOA in air at lower temperatures compared to 25°C. TIFF0007682180000002.tif21165

[0092] Based on Table 1, it can be seen that the use of a cold trap providing air cooling to +1° C. reduces the ACMO and IBOA concentrations in the air by about 10-fold and about 8-fold, respectively, compared to uncooled air, and the use of a cold trap with air cooling to −17° C. reduces the ACMO and IBOA concentrations in the air by about 100-fold and about 50-fold, respectively, compared to uncooled air. Optionally, the reduction in concentration provided by −17° C. can be sufficient to allow the purified air to be purged out of the AM machine without additional filtration. Optionally, a robust industrial cold trap at a lower temperature (e.g., −50° C. cold trap CT-50G manufactured by OPERON) can provide an even lower residual concentration of monomer in the air.

[0093] While the present invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

[0094] All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, and patent application was specifically and individually indicated by reference. Furthermore, citation or identification in this application should not be construed as an admission that any of the above is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting. Additionally, any prior publications in this application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. 1. A waste management system for an AM device, comprising: a waste container configured to store waste accumulated by the AM device during operation of the AM device; an air purification device located within the enclosure of the AM device and configured to condense vapors formed within the enclosure of the AM device during operation of the AM device; an air circulation pump configured to actively direct air flow within the enclosure of the AM device towards the air purification device; a first conduit configured to direct the condensed vapor in a liquid state from the air purification device to a waste container; and at least one second conduit configured to direct accumulated waste to a waste container during operation of the AM device; waste management systems, including;

2. A waste management system as described in claim 1, wherein the waste comprises solid particles immersed in liquid.

3. 3. The waste management system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the air purification device is a cold trap filter.

4. 3. The waste management system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the air purification device is configured to operate at temperatures between 5°C and -60°C.

5. 3. The waste management system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the air purification device is selected to reduce the concentration of the monomer in the air enclosed within the enclosure based on condensing vapors.

6. 3. The waste management system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the air purification device is selected to condense vapors including one or more of acryloylmorpholine and isobornyl acrylate.

7. 3. The waste management system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the air purification device includes an air outlet through which purified air is expelled, the air outlet configured to direct the air through an outlet of an enclosure of the AM device.

8. 8. The waste management system of claim 7, including at least one carbon filter located at an outlet of the AM equipment enclosure, the system being configured such that the purified air is expelled through the carbon filter.

9. 3. The waste management system of claim 1 or 2, comprising a waste treatment device configured to deactivate active ingredients in waste contained in a waste container.

10. 10. The waste management system of claim 9, wherein the waste treatment device includes a radiation source configured to irradiate the waste material, thereby deactivating photoactive components in the waste material.

11. The waste management system according to claim 10, comprising: a rotatable platform configured to support a waste container; and a motor configured to rotate the platform.

12. The waste management system according to claim 9, wherein the waste treatment device includes a water source configured to controllably direct water into the waste container.

13. The waste management system according to claim 1 or 2, comprising at least one pump configured to controllably feed waste into the waste container from at least one second conduit.

14. The waste management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one second conduit is configured to direct waste from a leveling device of an AM device to the waste container.

15. The waste management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one second conduit is configured to direct waste from a purging station of an AM device to the waste container.

16. A tray configured to receive a build material in layers; An inkjet printing block; and The waste management system according to claim 1 or 2 An AM device comprising: wherein the inkjet printing block comprises at least one print head configured to selectively eject the build material in layers onto the tray, provided that the selective ejection defines an object to be built; and a leveling device configured to remove excess material from the layer ejected by the at least one print head. An AM device.

17. The AM device according to claim 16, comprising a purging station configured to perform a maintenance operation on the inkjet print head, wherein at least one second conduit of the waste management system is configured to direct waste from the purging station to the waste container.

18. A method for managing waste generated during operation of an AM device within the enclosure of the AM device, the method comprising: actively directing the air flow within the enclosure towards an air purification device and actively condensing the vapor in the air by the air purification device into a liquid condensate; directing the liquid condensate towards a waste chamber, provided that the waste chamber is configured to receive waste accumulated during operation of the AM device, and the waste includes excess build material.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein actively directing the flow of air within the enclosure toward the air purification device is accomplished by an air circulation pump.

20. 20. A method according to claim 18 or 19, comprising expelling purified air from an air purification device outside the enclosure.

21. 21. The method of claim 20, including filtering the air expelled outside the enclosure with a carbon filter.

22. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the air purification device is a cold trap filter.

23. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the air purification device is configured to operate at a temperature between 5°C and -60°C.

24. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the air purification device is selected to reduce the concentration of the monomer in the air enclosed within the enclosure based on condensing vapors.

25. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the air purification device is selected to condense vapors including one or more of acryloylmorpholine and isobornyl acrylate.

26. 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising treating waste collected in the waste chamber, wherein treating comprises deactivating an active ingredient in the liquid.

27. 20. The method of claim 18, comprising irradiating the waste material, wherein the irradiation comprises deactivating photoactive components in the waste material.

28. 30. The method of claim 27, comprising rotating the waste container during the period of irradiation.

29. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the waste treatment device includes a water source configured to controllably direct water into the waste container.

30. 20. The method of claim 18, comprising controllably pumping the waste material into a waste container.

31. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein waste material accumulated during operation of the AM apparatus is accumulated in a leveling device configured to remove excess build material from a layer of an object being built, the leveling device being included in the AM apparatus.

32. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the waste material is accumulated in a purging station of the AM device, the purging station configured to perform maintenance on a print head of the AM device.

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