AM Chamber Airflow Layout for Particulate Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing additive manufacturing (AM) processing machines face challenges in efficiently discharging particulates generated during the process due to their wide diffusion within the chamber, making it difficult to effectively remove fumes and particulates.
Innovation Solution
A processing machine design featuring a first cover with openings for gas inflow and outflow, an induction flow generator generating a gas flow from below to upward along a second wall, and a duct system to guide and discharge particulates efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a local gas flow is formed by supplying gas from a supply nozzle on the chamber wall, then gas flow is generated to discharge fume, but the fume widely diffused in the chamber cannot be efficiently discharged
Solution Approach 1:
The chamber is divided into multiple processing areas with individual supply nozzles and exhaust nozzles. Each processing area has its own gas flow control, allowing localized fume discharge without affecting the entire chamber. This segmentation enables efficient fume removal from specific sources while maintaining simpler overall control.
Solution Approach 2:
Gas flow characteristics are optimized locally at each processing area rather than using a uniform approach throughout the chamber. The supply nozzles and exhaust nozzles are positioned and configured to create effective local gas flows that capture fume at its source, addressing the diffusion problem at the local level where it occurs.
2Productivity
If multiple nozzles are added to improve fume discharge efficiency, then particulate removal improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supply nozzles serve dual functions: they provide protective gas coverage for the processing area and simultaneously generate gas flow to carry particulates to exhaust nozzles. The exhaust nozzles similarly serve both as discharge points and as drivers for the gas flow pattern. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated fume removal hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas flow system is designed to be self-regulating where the gas supplied for processing purposes automatically creates the flow needed for fume removal. The system uses its own operating gas to achieve fume discharge without requiring additional dedicated exhaust fans or complex control systems, making the fume removal self-service.
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 design enables efficient discharge of particulates generated during AM processing by creating a directed gas flow that collects and removes fumes and particulates from both the processing area and accommodation space, reducing energy consumption and maintaining a clean environment.
Implementation Method 1
an induction flow generator (41) that generates a gas flow flowing from below to upward along the second wall (25)
Data Source
AI summary
A processing machine performs additive manufacturing processing for a workpiece with a molten material. Processing machine includes a first cover having a first wall and a second wall that face each other in a horizontal 5 direction and forming a processing area between first wall and second wall. First wall is provided with a first opening allowing air to flow into processing area. Processing machine further includes an induction flow generator that generates an air flow flowing from below to upward along second wall. First cover is provided with a second opening allowing the air to 10 flow out of processing area.