3D Screen Printing Squeegee Force Mapping for Uniform Layers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing screen printing technologies suffer from unsatisfactory printing results and device component wear due to inadequate force measurement and control of the squeegee during the printing process, leading to unsuitable contact with the printing screen.

Innovation Solution

A device equipped with a sensor for detecting squeegee force deviations along its longitudinal extent, allowing for precise process control and adjustment of squeegee forces to ensure uniform or non-uniform application, thereby improving operational reliability and reducing wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a force measuring cell is arranged between the squeegee and the squeegee offset plate to measure contact force, then the contact force can be recorded, but the information obtained is of limited significance and does not prevent printing defects or component wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce measurement capabilityVSAvoidprinting process reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The force measurement function is segmented along the longitudinal extent of the squeegee tool by arranging multiple force measuring cells at different positions. This allows detection of non-uniform force distribution, which is critical for identifying printing defects and preventing component wear while maintaining reliable force measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the squeegee applies force to the printing screen, then printing can be performed, but non-uniform force application causes printing defects and accelerates component wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting operationVSAvoidprinting quality uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The force measuring cells provide real-time feedback on the force distribution along the squeegee tool. This feedback enables detection and correction of non-uniform force application, ensuring consistent printing quality and reducing component wear while maintaining productive printing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If the squeegee tool contacts the printing screen with insufficient force control, then printing can proceed, but repeated unfavorable contact leads to significant wear of device components particularly the printing screen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesqueegee operationVSAvoidprinting screen service life
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The force measuring cells enable preliminary detection of improper squeegee-screen contact conditions before they cause damage. By monitoring force distribution in advance, the system can prevent repeated unfavorable contact that would accelerate printing screen wear and extend component service life while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4600020A1Device for producing three-dimensional screen printing workpieces
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 EXENTIS KNOWLEDGE GMBH
  • EP4600020A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4600020A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4600020A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Device for producing three-dimensional screen-printed workpieces, in particular a 3D screen printing system, with a printing screen and with a squeegee device for flooding the printing screen with a printing compound and/or for pressing printing compound through the printing screen, wherein the squeegee device has at least one squeegee tool and a sensor device for detecting squeegee forces acting on the squeegee tool, and wherein the sensor device is designed to detect a squeegee force deviation along a longitudinal extent of the squeegee tool.