3D Inkjet Printing Sequence for Smoother Glossy Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
3D inkjet printing methods often result in a matte appearance and surface inconsistencies due to mixing of modeling and support materials, which can degrade the mechanical properties of the final 3D object.
Innovation Solution
The method involves depositing and curing modeling and support materials separately in time or space, with controlled oxygen concentration and temperature in the printing chamber, reducing the thickness of the mix layer at their interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If modeling material and support material are deposited simultaneously in the same scan/travel, then printing productivity is improved, but surface appearance and mechanical properties deteriorate due to mix layer formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the deposition process by separating modeling material and support material into different deposition scans or travels. This spatial and temporal separation prevents the formation of a mix layer at the interface between the two materials, thereby improving surface appearance and mechanical properties while maintaining printing productivity through optimized sequencing.
2Productivity
If modeling material and support material are deposited simultaneously, then printing productivity is improved, but surface consistency deteriorates due to micro-scratches and inconsistencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the deposition process into separate scans for modeling material and support material. This segmentation eliminates the harmful mix layer formation that causes micro-scratches and surface inconsistencies, while the optimized sequential approach maintains efficient printing productivity.
3Manufacturing precision
If modeling material and support material are deposited separately in different scans/travels, then surface appearance and mechanical properties are improved, but printing productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by strategically planning the deposition sequence before printing begins. Modeling material and support material are deposited in optimized sequences where each material is placed in advance of where it will be needed, reducing unnecessary travels and maintaining productivity while ensuring separate deposition for quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic optimization of the deposition sequence based on the specific geometry and requirements of the object being printed. The system adaptively determines the most efficient separate deposition path, balancing surface quality requirements with printing productivity for each specific case.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the glossiness and mechanical properties of the 3D objects by minimizing the mix layer thickness, resulting in smoother surfaces and improved structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a curing subunit
Data Source
AI summary
A method of printing a three-dimensional object (90) including: providing a 3D inkjet printing system including: a printing chamber (162) accommodating a printing unit (120) having an inkjet printing head and a curing subunit (124), and a supply unit (130) including a modeling material and a support material; and printing the 3D object (90) in multiple consecutive layers according to a predefined printing sequence, wherein for at least one of the multiple consecutive layers the predefined printing sequence for the same respective layer includes depositing and curing the modeling material and the support material separately from each other either in time or in space. Some embodiments may include controlling a concentration of oxygen in the printing chamber (162) to be in a predefined oxygen concentration range. Some embodiments may include controlling a temperature in the printing chamber (162) to be in a predefined temperature range.