3D Printing Apparatus with Nested Roller Tables for Idle Time Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The inefficiency of 3D printing processes due to unreasonable arrangements of 3D printing apparatuses in production lines, which restricts production efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A 3D printing apparatus and production line design that includes a frame assembly, powder spreading unit, inkjet unit, transfer mechanisms, and auxiliary units, allowing for intensive production line arrangement and a cyclical printing method to optimize the use of apparatuses and reduce idle time, enabling high-efficiency 3D printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If 3D printing apparatuses are arranged in a traditional production line layout, then the production line can operate, but the arrangement is unreasonable and restricts production efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional linear production line arrangement to a three-dimensional intensive layout. Multiple 3D printing apparatuses are stacked vertically with powder spreading units on upper layers and working boxes on lower layers, utilizing vertical space to increase production density without expanding horizontal footprint, thereby improving productivity while maintaining manageable complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested arrangement where inner roller tables are positioned within outer roller tables, and working boxes are nested within the frame assembly structure. This nested configuration allows multiple functional components to occupy overlapping spatial zones, maximizing space utilization and enabling intensive production line arrangement that boosts productivity
2Productivity
If traditional production line arrangement is used, then apparatus placement is simple, but idle time increases and utilization rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes cyclical printing methods where multiple working boxes undergo printing, lifting, and conveying operations in continuous cycles. While one working box is being printed, another is being lifted or conveyed, ensuring that apparatuses remain continuously occupied and minimizing idle time between operations, thereby increasing utilization rate
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary positioning and preparation of working boxes on roller tables before printing begins. Working boxes are pre-loaded with powder materials and positioned in advance on the lower layer frame, so that when printing completes on one box, another is already ready to be processed, reducing waiting time and maintaining high utilization rate
3Productivity
If intensive production line arrangement is implemented, then production efficiency improves, but the system requires complex transfer mechanisms and lifting mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs roller tables that serve multiple functions: they convey working boxes horizontally, support them during lifting operations, and position them for printing. The inner and outer roller tables work together as an integrated conveying system that handles both material input and finished product output, reducing the need for separate dedicated mechanisms and managing complexity while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces roller tables as intermediary conveying mechanisms that bridge different operational zones. The inner roller table mediates between the printing area and the outer roller table, while lifting mechanisms act as intermediaries between horizontal conveying and vertical stacking. These intermediary elements coordinate complex movements smoothly, enabling intensive arrangement without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a 3D printing apparatus, a production line using the apparatus, and a cyclical printing method thereof. The 3D printing apparatus includes a frame assembly, and a powder spreading unit, a powder spreading movement system, a powder supply device, an inkjet unit, an inkjet movement system, a working box, a transfer unit, an inner lifting mechanism, an outer lifting mechanism, an accessory unit and an auxiliary unit that are mounted on the frame assembly. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, a plurality of 3D printing apparatuses are arranged in a centralized manner to form a production line system with high printing efficiency, wherein the plurality of 3D printing apparatuses and baking devices are planned and arranged in a centralized manner, and form a closed-loop production system by means of a plurality of conveying and transferring routes, which reduces the idle time of some of the apparatuses during production and improves the use efficiency of the apparatuses, thereby realizing 3D printing of high efficiency.