3D Printing Medium Cooling via Embedded Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D printing techniques require extensive time for cooling the 3D printing medium after printing, which significantly prolongs the overall processing time for customer orders, as they rely on natural cooling methods that are inefficient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating a print plan that includes unprinted areas in the 3D printing medium for safe insertion of cooling devices, which are then used to expedite the cooling process by circulating a cooler fluid through the medium, and additional techniques like wrapping the medium to compress it and remove trapped air for enhanced heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If natural cooling methods are used for the 3D printing medium, then the cooling process is simple and requires no additional equipment, but the cooling time is excessively long and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by designing and integrating cooling channels into the 3D printing medium before the printing process begins. The cooling channels are pre-formed within the build plate or medium structure, allowing cooling devices to be directly connected to the printing medium before printing starts. This preliminary preparation enables immediate cooling upon completion without requiring post-printing equipment installation, thus reducing cooling time while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary cooling fluid (such as water or coolant) that circulates through channels embedded in the 3D printing medium. This intermediary substance acts as a heat transfer mediator between the heated printing medium and the cooling system, efficiently removing heat without requiring direct contact between cooling equipment and the printing medium. This approach significantly reduces cooling time while keeping the overall system relatively simple.
2Productivity
If cooling devices are inserted into the 3D printing medium after printing, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the printing plan must be modified to include unprinted areas for device insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the 3D printing medium into printed regions and unprinted regions. The unprinted areas are strategically designed as access zones where cooling devices can be inserted without interfering with the printed objects. This segmentation allows the printing plan to accommodate both manufacturing and cooling functions, improving productivity while managing complexity through clear spatial organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the conflict by transitioning from a two-dimensional printing surface to a three-dimensional approach. Cooling channels are embedded within the volume of the printing medium or build plate, allowing cooling device insertion from the sides or bottom rather than competing for surface space. This dimensional change enables simultaneous printing and cooling preparation without increasing plan complexity.
3Loss of time
If unprinted areas are designated for cooling device insertion, then cooling access is enabled, but the available printing area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by embedding cooling channels within the structure of the build plate or printing medium itself. The cooling infrastructure is nested inside the existing printing system components, allowing cooling device insertion through unprinted areas without requiring separate dedicated cooling structures. This maximizes the use of available space, enabling cooling functionality while minimizing the impact on printing area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thin cooling channels or flexible cooling elements that can be inserted through relatively small unprinted areas and extend throughout the printing medium. These thin-film or channel-based cooling structures provide efficient heat removal with minimal space requirements, reducing the impact on available printing area while achieving effective cooling.
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 significantly reduces the cooling time of the 3D printing medium, thereby accelerating the processing and handling of 3D printed objects, making the on-demand 3D printing service more efficient and time-effective.
Implementation Method 1
cooling the 3D printing medium using the at least one cooling device
Implementation Method 2
circulating a cooler fluid through the medium
Implementation Method 3
wrapping the medium to compress it and remove trapped air for enhanced heat transfer
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A method of manufacturing three-dimensional (3D) objects is provided. The method includes generating a plan for printing a plurality of 3D objects in a 3D printing medium at least in part by identifying an unprinted area of the 3D printing medium for insertion of a cooling device and determining where at least some of the plurality of 3D objects are to be printed in the 3D printing medium such that none of the at least some of the plurality of 3D objects, when printed, intersect the identified unprinted area for the insertion of the cooling device. The method further includes printing, using a 3D printer, the at least some of the plurality of 3D objects in accordance with the plan and, after the printing, inserting the cooling device into the unprinted area of the 3D printing medium and cooling the 3D printing medium using the cooling device.