Adjustable Centrifugal Separator for Resin Removal Without Distortion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for removing residual resin from additively manufactured objects, such as those produced by stereolithography, face challenges in efficiently separating the resin without damaging the underlying object, whether through washing or centrifugal separation, which can lead to distortion or solvent damage.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus involving centrifugal separation with adjustable mounts and internal vapor chambers, utilizing rotating axes and volatile organic solvent vapors to reduce resin viscosity, allowing for effective resin removal while minimizing object distortion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If high spin speeds are used for centrifugal separation, then residual resin removal is improved, but object distortion increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresidual resin removal efficiencyVSAvoidobject shape accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The mount assembly enables dynamic adjustment of the carrier platform orientation during centrifugal separation. By tilting the platform at specific angles relative to the rotation axis, the system optimizes resin removal while minimizing centrifugal forces that cause distortion. This dynamic positioning allows the object to be held in a configuration that facilitates drainage without excessive mechanical stress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters by allowing variable spin speeds and adjustable platform angles. Instead of using fixed high speeds that cause distortion, the mount assembly enables optimization of both rotational velocity and angular orientation to achieve effective resin separation at lower, safer speeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If low spin speeds are used for centrifugal separation, then object distortion is reduced, but residual resin removal becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject shape accuracyVSAvoidresidual resin removal efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The mount assembly introduces an additional degree of freedom by enabling angular tilting of the carrier platform. This dimensional adjustment allows the system to compensate for lower centrifugal forces at reduced spin speeds by optimizing the drainage geometry, effectively enhancing resin removal efficiency without requiring high rotational velocities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If solvent is sprayed on object during centrifugal separation, then resin removal is facilitated, but object damage by excessive solvent contact increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresin removal efficiencyVSAvoidobject damage from solvent

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts and removes the harmful element (excessive solvent) by using centrifugal separation as the primary cleaning mechanism. The mount assembly enables effective resin removal through controlled centrifugal forces and optimized drainage angles, eliminating the need for solvent spraying and thereby preventing solvent-related damage to the object.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 method and apparatus efficiently separate residual resin from additively manufactured objects, reducing the risk of object damage and ensuring thorough resin removal without distortion, using a combination of centrifugal force and solvent vapor to enhance separation.

Implementation Method 1

separating the residual resin from each object may include: centrifugally separating the residual resin from each object by spinning the rotor with the at least object operatively connected thereto

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Implementation Method 2

using volatile organic solvent vapor to reduce resin viscosity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS12605899B2Centrifugal separator for cleaning additively manufactured objects with adjustable mount

Publication Date: 2026.04.21 CARBON INC

AI summary

A method of cleaning residual resin from an additively manufactured object, including: producing by additive manufacturing at least one object on at least one carrier platform; operatively connecting each object to a rotor including connecting the at least one carrier platform to a dynamic mount; separating residual resin from each object; and removing the at least one object from the rotor with the residual resin separated therefrom. The separating step may include: centrifugally separating the residual resin from each object by spinning the rotor with the at least object operatively connected thereto; and rotating each object about first and second axes during the spinning to enhance the centrifugally separating the residual resin from each object. The rotating step may be carried out with first and second actuators contacting and engaging the dynamic mount to rotate the dynamic mount and each object about the first and second axes.