Adjustable Curing Distance for Gloss Control in Compact Printheads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current printing systems lack the ability to consistently achieve targeted gloss levels on 2D and 3D printed structures, as the finish can vary significantly due to factors like curing time and distance between the printhead and curing device, making it difficult to produce uniform matte or high-gloss finishes.
Innovation Solution
A compact printhead assembly with separate rows for color and structural nozzles, combined with a curing device system that adjusts its spacing relative to the printhead to achieve specific gloss levels by controlling the curing distance and time, allowing for precise control over the gloss level of printed features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the curing device is positioned close to the printhead, then the curing time is reduced and productivity is improved, but the gloss level becomes inconsistent and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the spacing between the curing device and printhead based on the desired gloss level. The spacing is not fixed but can be modified during operation to achieve different finish qualities while maintaining consistent curing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of spacing distance between the curing device and printhead to control the gloss level outcome. By adjusting this parameter, the system achieves different surface finishes (matte to high-gloss) while maintaining consistent curing quality.
2Manufacturing precision
If the spacing between printhead and curing device is increased to achieve uniform gloss, then the curing time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic spacing adjustment where the distance between curing device and printhead is optimized for each specific gloss requirement. This allows the system to achieve uniform gloss control without unnecessarily increasing curing time, maintaining productivity while improving precision.
3Device complexity
If a compact printhead arrangement is used to improve device compactness, then the space between nozzles is reduced, but controlling the gloss level becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic spacing control where the distance between the curing device and the compact printhead is precisely adjusted to compensate for the reduced nozzle spacing. This dynamic adjustment maintains consistent gloss level control despite the compact arrangement, resolving the contradiction between compactness and control precision.
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
Enables the production of printed surfaces with consistent matte or high-gloss finishes by adjusting the separation distance between the printhead and curing device, addressing the variability in existing systems and ensuring uniform gloss levels across printed layers.
Implementation Method 1
A compact printhead assembly includes a first row of color printing nozzles for dispensing color (or non-structural) print materials and a second row of nozzles for dispensing structural print materials. A set of curing devices for curing color and structural print materials, respectively, may be spaced apart from the printhead assembly according to a desired target gloss level.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for printing 2D layers and 3D structures is disclosed. The method includes dispensing a print material from a printhead assembly onto a base and curing the print material with a curing device assembly. The spacing between the printhead assembly and the curing device assembly can be adjusted to vary gloss levels in a printed feature. The printhead assembly can include at least one row of nozzles with colored inks and at least one row of nozzles with a clear structural print material.