Additive Manufacturing Table Thermal Insulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Powder bed additive manufacturing machines face issues with porosity and deformation due to residual strain, leading to mechanical performance problems and potential equipment damage from high temperatures in the table.

Innovation Solution

A ceramic insulating coating applied to the table, combined with a motor for mechanical or ultrasonic vibration and a control unit for parameter management, prevents heat transfer and reduces porosity, while protecting equipment from thermal damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a motor is placed between the floor and the table to provide mechanical or ultrasonic vibration, then porosity between powder particles is reduced and texture becomes more homogeneous, but the equipment is exposed to high temperatures from the table

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepowder bed homogeneityVSAvoidthermal damage to equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A ceramic coating layer is applied between the motor and the table to act as a thermal barrier. This intermediary layer blocks heat transfer from the hot table to the motor, protecting the equipment while allowing the motor to continue providing vibration for powder bed homogenization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The ceramic coating is applied specifically to the regions of the table where motors are mounted or where heat exposure is most critical. This localized treatment protects vulnerable components without requiring insulation of the entire table structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If no protective coating is applied to the table, then the structure remains simple, but the equipment is damaged by the heat of the table reducing lifecycle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetable structureVSAvoidequipment lifecycle
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A ceramic coating layer is applied between the motor and the table to act as a thermal barrier. This intermediary layer blocks heat transfer from the hot table to the motor, protecting the equipment while allowing the motor to continue providing vibration for powder bed homogenization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If ceramic coating is applied to the table, then equipment is protected from heat, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment protectionVSAvoidmanufacturing process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ceramic coating is applied specifically to the regions of the table where motors are mounted or where heat exposure is most critical. This localized treatment protects vulnerable components without requiring insulation of the entire table structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The ceramic coating serves as a consumable protective layer that can be applied and renewed relatively easily. Rather than designing complex active cooling systems or heat shields, the solution uses a simple coating that protects equipment from thermal damage through material properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 solution enhances the mechanical performance of manufactured parts by reducing porosity and extends equipment lifespan by shielding it from high temperatures, thereby reducing maintenance costs.

Implementation Method 1

a coating applied on the table, formed by using an insulating material, and preventing transfer of heat of the table to the table's surroundings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

a motor that provides mechanical vibration to powder particles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical vibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 3

a motor which provides mechanical or ultrasonic vibration movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP4021726B1A powder bed additive manufacturing machine
Publication Date: 2024.12.25 TUSAS TURK HAVACILIK VE UZAY SANAYII ANONIM SIRKETI
  • EP4021726B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4021726B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4021726B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a body (2); a table (3) which is located on the body (2) and allows powders (T) to be laid thereon by means of a laying apparatus (S); a layer (L) which is created by sintering or fusing the powders (T) laid on the table (3); a part (P) which is produced by depositing the layers (L) on top of each other using additive manufacturing method; and at least one heat source (4) which is located on the body (2) and applies heat treatment to the powders (T) laid on the table (3).