3D Printing Nozzle Retraction for Same-Layer Restart Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
The issue in existing three-dimensional shaping methods is that the nozzle may come into contact with the already shaped part of the object when moving to a different position during the discharge of the shaping material, leading to potential damage or inaccuracies in the shaping process.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where the nozzle discharge is stopped, then retracted and moved to a different position within the same layer, with the retraction amount determined by shaping conditions such as distance, height, number of layers, or object shape, to avoid contact with the shaped object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the nozzle is moved from discharge stop position to discharge restart position in the same layer without retraction, then the movement distance is reduced, but the nozzle may come into contact with the already shaped object
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by introducing movement in the lamination direction (vertical dimension) in addition to the horizontal movement in the same layer. The nozzle is first retracted in the lamination direction, then moved horizontally to the discharge restart position, and finally returned to the lamination direction. This three-dimensional movement path prevents contact with the shaped object while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the retraction movement in the lamination direction before the horizontal movement to the discharge restart position. This preliminary vertical movement ensures that the nozzle is positioned safely above the shaped object before initiating the horizontal displacement, preventing contact during the entire movement process.
2Reliability
If the nozzle is retracted in the lamination direction before moving to discharge restart position, then contact with shaped object is prevented, but movement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the retraction amount adjustable based on actual shaping conditions. The control unit dynamically determines the appropriate retraction distance in the lamination direction, allowing the system to optimize movement time while maintaining safety. This dynamic adjustment enables the nozzle to retract just enough to prevent contact without excessive movement time.
3Productivity
If the retraction amount is determined based on shaping conditions, then unnecessary movement is reduced, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by having the control unit determine the retraction amount based on actual shaping conditions such as the position of the shaped object, layer information, and discharge parameters. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adjust the retraction distance to the minimum necessary, reducing unnecessary movement and improving productivity while keeping the control logic manageable through condition-based decision trees.
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 prevents nozzle contact with the shaped object, enhancing shaping accuracy and reducing unnecessary movement, thereby improving the quality and precision of the three-dimensional shaped object.
Implementation Method 1
a plasticization unit configured to plasticize a material to generate a shaping material
Implementation Method 2
a discharge unit including a nozzle configured to discharge the shaping material
Implementation Method 3
a table on which the shaping material discharged from the nozzle is laminated
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional shaped object in which a three-dimensional shaped object is shaped by discharging a shaping material from a nozzle and laminating layers in a lamination direction includes: a first step of stopping the discharge of the shaping material from the nozzle; and a second step of moving the nozzle from a discharge stop position at which the discharge of the shaping material is stopped to a discharge restart position that is located in the same layer as the discharge stop position and at which the discharge of the shaping material is restarted. The second step includes: a third step of retracting the nozzle from the discharge stop position in the lamination direction according to a retraction amount that is a movement distance of the nozzle in the lamination direction; and a fourth step of moving the nozzle to a position above the discharge restart position along the layer after the third step, and at least one of whether to retract the nozzle or the retraction amount is determined according to a shaping condition of the three-dimensional shaped object.