Additive Manufacturing Cleaning System for Nozzle Clog Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing additive manufacturing apparatuses face challenges in improving manufacturing throughput to meet commercial demands, particularly in removing contaminants that can clog nozzles and impact operation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a cleaning system within the additive manufacturing apparatus, which includes a cleaning station with wet and dry wipe sections, and a fluid management system to recirculate and condition cleaning fluids, effectively removing contaminants and maintaining print head efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If additive manufacturing apparatuses operate continuously for commercial production, then manufacturing throughput increases, but nozzle clogs from contaminants reduce operational reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system performs preliminary cleaning actions on the print head at scheduled intervals during operation, removing contaminants before they accumulate to cause nozzle clogs. This proactive maintenance approach allows continuous production while preventing reliability issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system is integrated into the additive manufacturing apparatus itself, allowing the system to clean its own print head without external intervention. The print head is automatically retracted, cleaned, and returned to service, enabling self-maintenance during operation.
2Productivity
If a cleaning system is integrated into the additive manufacturing apparatus, then operational efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system integrates multiple functions into a single unit: the print head is both the printing component and the object to be cleaned. The cleaning station combines wet cleaning, dry cleaning, and heating functions in one integrated station. The build platform serves dual purposes as both the manufacturing surface and the cleaning surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The build platform is designed to be universal, serving as both the manufacturing platform during printing and the cleaning surface during maintenance. The cleaning system can handle both wet and dry cleaning operations, as well as heating, using a single integrated mechanism.
3Loss of substance
If cleaning fluids are recirculated and conditioned, then loss of substance decreases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid management system recovers and recirculates cleaning fluids after use. The heated cleaning station evaporates contaminants from the fluid, and the filtered fluid is returned to the cleaning station for reuse. This recovery process reduces fluid consumption while the integration minimizes additional complexity.
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
The cleaning system enhances the operational efficiency of additive manufacturing apparatuses by reducing nozzle clogs, improving print head performance, and increasing overall manufacturing throughput.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element in the cleaning station operable to heat the cleaning fluid to a temperature between 40°C and 60°C
Implementation Method 2
a fluid management system to recirculate and condition cleaning fluids
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to additive manufacturing apparatuses, cleaning stations incorporated therein, and methods of cleaning using the cleaning stations.