3D Printing Multi-Material Cleaning Station
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional object manufacturing processes often struggle to accommodate multiple solidifiable materials effectively, particularly in building objects with removable supports, as they cannot accurately manage the use of different materials without damaging the final object.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a build platform movable in two dimensions relative to multiple solidifiable material containers, with a pattern generator providing solidification energy to progressively build objects using different materials, and a cleaning station for removing one material before applying another, ensuring accurate construction and easy removal of supports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple solidifiable materials are used to build three-dimensional objects with removable supports, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to accurately manage different materials
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the manufacturing process into distinct segments: a building phase where supports are constructed from a first solidifiable material, and a second building phase where the final object is constructed from a second solidifiable material. This segmentation allows each material to be applied and cured independently, ensuring manufacturing precision while maintaining ease of manufacture through systematic material management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by first constructing the support structure from a removable material before constructing the final object. This preliminary construction of supports allows them to be in place during object fabrication, providing necessary support, and enables their subsequent removal after curing, thereby achieving both ease of manufacture and manufacturing precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple solidifiable materials are used in three-dimensional object manufacturing, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to need for material switching mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a universal build platform that can accommodate multiple solidifiable materials and perform multiple functions: holding the platform steady during curing, moving the platform to access different material containers, and positioning the platform at various heights. This multi-functionality increases adaptability for using different materials while minimizing device complexity by avoiding separate mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamics by making the build platform movable rather than fixed. The platform can be moved horizontally to access different material containers and vertically to adjust positioning during the manufacturing process. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt between different materials and manufacturing stages without requiring complex fixed infrastructure for each configuration.
3Ease of operation
If supports are constructed from a removable material, then the ease of operation is improved for support removal, but the manufacturing precision may worsen due to potential damage to the finished object
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies parameter changes by selecting materials with different properties: the first solidifiable material for supports is chosen to be removable (e.g., water-soluble or heat-meltable), while the second solidifiable material for the final object is chosen to be resistant to the removal method. This parameter differentiation enables easy support removal through dissolution or melting without damaging the finished object, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining manufacturing precision.
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 precise construction of three-dimensional objects using multiple materials while maintaining alignment, allowing for the removal of supports without damaging the finished object, thus improving manufacturing accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
supplying an image that defines a pattern of solidification energy to a solidification region
Implementation Method 2
A cleaning station is provided to remove unsolidified solidifiable material from a surface of the three-dimensional object
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for making three-dimensional objects from multiple solidifiable materials is shown and described. Multiple solidifiable material container assemblies are provided for holding different solidifiable materials. Relative movement between the solidifiable material container assemblies and a build platform allows the solidifiable materials to be switched as an object is built. Several exemplary cleaning stations are provided for removing residual solidifiable materials from the surface of the three-dimensional object as it is built to better ensure smooth transitions between materials on the finished object.