3D Printed Solidification Zones for Impact-Resistant Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D printing techniques lack effective methods to enhance the impact resistance of fabricated objects, as they do not adequately manage energy propagation and crack formation upon impact.
Innovation Solution
The method involves creating a 3D object with strategically located areas of varying degrees of solidification, where a second area with lower solidification is designed to guide energy propagation and absorb impact, detouring cracks to predefined areas within the object, thereby increasing impact resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional 3D printing techniques are used with uniform solidification, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but impact resistance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions with different solidification degrees within the same printed object. Specifically, it forms a first region with a first degree of solidification and a second region with a second degree of solidification, where the degrees differ. This allows different parts of the object to have tailored mechanical properties - the first region provides structural integrity while the second region absorbs impact energy, thereby improving overall impact resistance without requiring complete redesign of the printing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the solidification degree parameter across different regions of the object. By controlling printing parameters such as layer height, infill density, or material deposition patterns in specific zones, the system creates regions with different solidification characteristics. This enables the object to have optimized impact resistance in critical areas while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard 3D printing processes.
2Use of energy by moving object
If areas of lower solidification are created to absorb impact, then energy propagation is improved, but structural homogeneity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the object into distinct functional regions: a first region with a first degree of solidification and a second region with a second degree of solidification. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function - the first region maintains structural integrity and the second region absorbs impact energy through controlled energy propagation. The segmented structure resolves the contradiction by creating functional heterogeneity within an otherwise homogeneous manufacturing process.
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 enhances the impact resistance of 3D objects by allowing energy to propagate through less dense areas, reducing the likelihood of external damage and maximizing damage absorption within the object.
Implementation Method 1
3D printing often includes solidification of the build material, which for some materials may be accomplished through use of heat and/or a chemical binder
Data Source
AI summary
According to examples, an apparatus may include a fabricating system, a processor, and on memory on which are stored machine readable instructions. The instructions, when executed by the processor, may cause the processor to control the fabricating system to spread a first layer of build material as part of an object fabrication process, the build material comprising particles or a paste. The instructions may also cause the processor to control the fabricating system to selectively solidify a first area of the layer to a higher degree of solidification than a predefined second area encompassed by the first area, in which the predefined second area has a lower fracture toughness than the first area to propagate a crack in the object more readily than the first area.