3D Object Printing with Ink Core-Shell Material Balancing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for manufacturing three-dimensional objects using ink-jet technology result in a significant difference in consumption between build material and decorative ink, leading to inefficient use and potential expiration of less frequently used decorative ink.

Innovation Solution

The method involves forming part of the object body portion from decorative ink instead of build material, using a core and outer shell configuration, and calculating the amount of decorative ink to be used based on three-dimensional data to reduce the difference in consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If build material is used to form the object body portion, then the object body can be formed efficiently, but the consumption of build material becomes significantly higher than decorative ink, leading to frequent replacement and waste of decorative ink

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidwaste of decorative ink

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of build material and decorative ink by using decorative ink to form part of the object body portion (core portion). This combining approach allows decorative ink to be consumed in larger quantities, balancing the consumption rates of different materials and reducing waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes decorative ink multi-functional by using it for both decorative purposes and structural purposes (forming the core portion). This universal application increases the consumption of decorative ink, preventing its waste while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If decorative ink is used only for the decorative portion, then the decorative function is achieved, but the difference in consumption between build material and decorative ink becomes large, causing expiration issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedecorative functionVSAvoidink usage duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by using decorative ink to form the core portion before forming the outer shell portion. This advance utilization of decorative ink ensures it is consumed at an appropriate rate, preventing expiration while maintaining the decorative function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of decorative ink usage by extending its application from only the decorative portion to include the core portion. This parameter change increases the total consumption of decorative ink, aligning its usage duration with that of build material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If the object body portion is formed entirely from build material, then structural integrity is maintained, but the consumption difference between materials increases and decorative ink goes unused

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidamount of decorative ink used

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using different materials for different portions of the object body. The core portion uses decorative ink while the outer shell portion uses build material, ensuring structural integrity is maintained in the outer layers while increasing decorative ink consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite structure with a core portion made from decorative ink and an outer shell portion made from build material. This composite approach maintains overall structural integrity while increasing the quantity of decorative ink used in the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 reduces the difference in consumption between build material and decorative ink, minimizing waste and ensuring efficient use of decorative ink, thereby preventing premature expiration and clogging issues.

Implementation Method 1

a head for forming layers of deposited ink

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInk-jet deposition: Deposition (physical)

Implementation Method 2

which can be cured by being subjected to light irradiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS11007725B2Method for manufacturing three-dimensional object

Publication Date: 2021.05.18 MIMAKI ENGINEERING CO LTD

AI summary

A method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object is provided. The method reduces the difference between the amount of build material used and the amount of decorative ink used. The method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object including an object body portion (A) and a decorative portion (C) is provided. The method includes forming the object body portion (A) from at least decorative ink and build material and forming the decorative portion (C) from the decorative ink. The decorative portion (C) covers the object body portion (A).