3D Printing Feeder System Reducing Dynamic Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D printing systems face challenges in efficiently providing particulate material to the coater while minimizing interaction with the atmosphere and reducing the weight and frictional loads on the support frame, particularly due to issues with spiral conveyors and vertical movement of the particle bed.
Innovation Solution
A device with a movable support frame and dosing device, using a feeder system with a particle material container that can move vertically and horizontally to feed particulate material in batches to the dosing device, reducing shearing forces and atmospheric interaction, and incorporating a trough chain conveyor or conveyor belt for efficient material transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the particle bed is lowered vertically to apply new layers, then the 3D printing process can continue, but the weight to be moved increases constantly and frictional loads on the support frame increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of lowering the construction platform to apply new layers, the invention inverts the approach by raising the coater and print head relative to the stationary particle bed. This eliminates the need to move the heavy particle bed and platform, reducing dynamic loads on the support frame while enabling continuous printing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes the coater and print head movable in the vertical direction relative to the stationary particle bed, allowing dynamic adjustment of the coating device position to apply new layers without moving the heavy particle bed. This dynamic positioning enables continuous printing with reduced loads.
2Productivity
If spiral conveyors are used to transport particle material, then material can be conveyed, but adhesion and abrasion issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces spiral conveyors with a chute system that uses gravity to transport particle material. This eliminates the mechanical spiral conveyor that causes adhesion and abrasion, providing a simpler, more reliable material transport solution.
3Ease of manufacture
If the coater is filled from a stationary silo, then material storage is simple, but the coater cannot be refilled during the printing process without interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the coater movable in the vertical direction, allowing it to be raised and lowered during the printing process. This enables the coater to be refilled from a stationary silo without interrupting the printing process, as the coater can be positioned to receive material while the print head continues operating.
4Productivity
If the construction platform is lowered to apply new layers, then layer application is possible, but sealing requirements become more complex to prevent material leakage
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of lowering the construction platform and dealing with sealing complexity, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the platform stationary and raising the coater. This eliminates the need for complex sealing systems to prevent material leakage during platform movement.
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 solution allows for precise and continuous 3D printing with reduced dynamic loads on the support frame, minimizing material exposure to the atmosphere, and preventing issues like adhesion and abrasion, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the 3D printing process.
Implementation Method 1
a feeder means (7) having a particle material container (9) is provided for feeding the particulate material in batches from a store to the dosing device (3)
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a trough chain conveyor or conveyor belt for efficient material transport
Implementation Method 3
a dosing device (3) for particulate material mounted on the support frame (1) via linear guides
Implementation Method 4
a solidification device (4) for particulate material mounted on the support frame (1) via linear guides
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a device and method for producing three-dimensional models by means of 3-D printing processes, wherein a construction platform is provided for applying construction material and a support frame (1) is arranged around the construction platform, to which support frame at least one metering apparatus (3) for particulate material and a solidifying apparatus (4) for particulate material are attached by means of linear guides, and the support frame can be moved in a Z direction, in other words substantially perpendicularly to a footprint of the construction platform. Furthermore, a feeding means having a particulate material container is provided in order to supply the particulate material to the metering apparatus from a store in batches and with the lowest possible shear forces and without substantial interaction with the atmosphere.