3D Printer Multi-Ejector Friction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Three-dimensional printers face limitations in producing objects with materials having high melting temperatures or low freezing temperatures due to difficulties in maintaining suitable viscosity and temperature for ejection, restricting the creation of objects with regions of varying coefficients of friction.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional object printer system that includes a plurality of ejectors, an applicator for a lubricant, a curing device, and a controller to selectively form and cure layers with different coefficients of friction by operating the ejectors, applicator, and curing device independently to create regions with specific friction properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If materials with high melting temperature or low freezing temperature are used, then the variety of materials for three-dimensional objects is improved, but the difficulty of maintaining suitable temperature and viscosity during ejection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The printhead is divided into multiple independent ejector groups, each capable of ejecting different materials with distinct properties. This segmentation allows the system to handle diverse materials including those with extreme melting/freezing temperatures by dedicating specific ejectors to specific material requirements, thereby resolving the contradiction between material variety and manufacturing ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts ejection parameters such as temperature, voltage, and frequency for each ejector based on the specific material being used. By changing these parameters adaptively, the system can successfully eject materials with high melting temperatures or low freezing temperatures while maintaining suitable viscosity conditions, thus resolving the contradiction between material versatility and ease of manufacture.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single material is used for the entire object, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the ability to create regions with different coefficients of friction is lost
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the three-dimensional object are assigned different materials with specific properties tailored to local functional requirements. The printhead's multiple ejector groups enable selective deposition of materials with different coefficients of friction in different spatial regions, achieving local quality optimization while maintaining a unified manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes composite material deposition by combining multiple materials in a single printing process. Each material contributes specific properties (such as different friction coefficients) to different regions of the object, creating a composite structure that satisfies diverse functional requirements while streamlining the manufacturing process into a single operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ejectors are used to eject different materials, then the capability to produce objects with varying friction coefficients is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The printhead employs multiple ejector groups that share common structural components, control systems, and mounting mechanisms. Each ejector group can be configured for different materials, but they all operate within the same structural framework and are controlled through a unified system, thereby achieving multi-material capability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
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
Enables the production of objects with precisely controlled regions of varying coefficients of friction, overcoming the limitations of traditional printers by allowing the use of materials like PTFE, which would otherwise be unsuitable due to high melting or low freezing temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
The controller is further configured to operate the curing device to cure at least a portion of the layer of the object to produce a cured first region and an uncured second region
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional object printer enables forming portions of an object with a material having a higher melting temperature and a lower coefficient of friction. The printer includes a member, a printhead, and an applicator. A controller operates the printhead to eject a first material having a first coefficient of friction toward the member and operates the applicator to eject a second material having a second coefficient of friction toward the member. The second material has a higher melting temperature and a lower coefficient of friction than the first material. The printer further includes a curing device. The controller operates the curing device to direct radiation toward the member to cure the first material. The second material is cured into the first material.