3D Printing Head Circulation Filter for Powder Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
In three-dimensional shaped article production apparatuses where a liquid is ejected onto a powder layer, the powder can enter the head's nozzle, causing the liquid to thicken and leading to ejection failures due to the accumulation of foreign substances.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a first filter in the circulation flow channel with a pore diameter larger than the powder particles to prevent powder entry and a second filter downstream to capture any entering powder, along with a flow rate sensor to indicate filter replacement, ensures the liquid does not thicken and maintains ejection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a liquid is ejected from a nozzle to a powder layer in three-dimensional shaped article production, then the liquid can bind the powder particles to form a three-dimensional shaped article, but powder particles can enter the nozzle causing the liquid to thicken and leading to ejection failures
Solution Approach 1:
A circulation flow channel is introduced as an intermediary system between the pressure chamber and the external environment. This circulation channel includes a filter that captures powder particles before they can enter and thicken the liquid in the pressure chamber, thus preventing ejection failures while maintaining the binding function
Solution Approach 2:
The circulation flow channel enables the liquid to be continuously circulated and recovered. When powder particles enter the circulation channel, they are filtered out and discarded, while the cleaned liquid is returned to the pressure chamber for continued use, preventing liquid thickening and maintaining ejection reliability
2Duration of action of stationary object
If powder particles enter the head from the nozzle, then the liquid accumulates foreign substances and thickens, but continuous operation of the apparatus is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation flow channel establishes a continuous circulation system for the liquid. The liquid continuously flows from the pressure chamber through the circulation channel and back, ensuring that powder particles are continuously removed and the liquid continuously maintains its proper viscosity for ejection, enabling continuous operation without performance degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The circulation system provides continuous feedback by monitoring the liquid quality through the filter. When powder particles are detected in the circulation channel, they are immediately filtered out, and the cleaned liquid is returned to maintain optimal ejection conditions, preventing accumulation of foreign substances
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
Prevents liquid thickening and ejection failures by filtering out powder particles, enhancing the apparatus's performance and allowing for timely filter replacement, thus ensuring continuous operation.
Implementation Method 1
the circulation flow channel includes a first filter, and a pore diameter of the first filter is larger than a particle diameter of a powder for forming the powder layer
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional shaped article production apparatus includes a shaping table, a layer forming section that forms a powder layer, a head that ejects a liquid containing a binder to a shaping region of a three-dimensional shaped article, a liquid supply system that supplies the liquid to the head, and a moving system that relatively moves the head with respect to the shaping table, wherein the head includes a nozzle that ejects the liquid, a pressure chamber that communicates with the nozzle, a supply flow channel that communicates with the pressure chamber upstream in a supply direction of the liquid, and a circulation flow channel that communicates with the pressure chamber downstream in the supply direction, the circulation flow channel includes a first filter, and a pore diameter of the first filter is larger than a particle diameter of a powder for forming the powder layer.