3D Printing Platform Heating for Binder Jetting Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D printing methods using binder jetting face inefficiencies in curing components, as heat introduction from above primarily affects only the top layer, limiting the curing of the entire composite and potentially damaging the printer or component.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a 3D printer with a construction platform equipped with a heating device that gradually increases in temperature during the printing process, introducing heat from below to accelerate curing and ensure reliable production by maintaining a surface temperature within a safe range for the printer and binder system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heat is introduced from above during binder jetting, then the top layer is heated, but only the top layer is affected and the entire composite is not effectively cured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional heating approach by introducing heat from below through the build platform rather than from above. This allows heat to penetrate through the entire composite structure, effectively curing all layers including the bottom layers that remain cold with top-down heating. The build platform is equipped with heating devices that heat the composite from the build platform side, ensuring uniform curing throughout the entire component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the heating dimension by transitioning from vertical heating (from above) to horizontal/base heating (from below). This dimensional change allows heat to reach all parts of the composite uniformly, as the heat source is positioned at the base and penetrates upward through the entire structure, addressing the limitation of top-down heating that only affects surface layers.
2Productivity
If high temperature is applied to cure the composite, then curing is effective, but the printer or component may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different temperature conditions to different locations: high temperature is applied at the build platform level to ensure effective curing of the composite, while the temperature at the printhead level is maintained at safe levels. This localized temperature control allows effective curing without damaging the printer components. The heating is concentrated where needed (at the base) rather than uniformly applied throughout the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The build platform acts as an intermediary that receives high temperature heating to cure the composite effectively, while preventing this high temperature from reaching the printhead. The platform serves as a thermal mediator that enables effective curing of the material while protecting the sensitive printing components from thermal damage.
3Productivity
If the build platform temperature is increased to cure the composite, then curing is accelerated, but the surface temperature may exceed safe limits for the binder system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a temperature gradient where the build platform is heated to high temperatures to accelerate curing, while the surface temperature where the binder system operates is maintained within safe limits. This localized temperature differentiation allows fast curing at the base while protecting the binder system at the surface from thermal damage.
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
This approach enables efficient and reliable production of components by effectively curing the composite during the printing process, preventing damage to the printer and ensuring strong adhesive forces between layers, while maintaining a safe temperature environment for the printhead.
Implementation Method 1
heating the applied layer of loose particle material by means of the build platform's heating device... heating is carried out by means of the heating device of the build platform such that the temperature of the build platform increases during the building of the component
Implementation Method 2
dispensing a liquid treatment agent onto a portion of the last applied/heated layer of loose particle material... The liquid treatment agent contributes to the (immediate and/or subsequent) hardening of the building material layer in that section
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for producing at least one component on a construction platform in a 3D printing method, said platform being provided with a heating device. The method has the steps of: applying a layer of loose particle material onto the construction platform, heating the applied layer of loose particle material by means of the heating device of the construction platform, discharging a liquid treatment agent onto a sub-region of the heated layer of loose particle material, and repeating the aforementioned steps in order to produce the at least one component in layers. The heating function of the heating device of the construction platform is carried out such that the temperature of the construction platform while producing the component increases in the direction of a specified construction platform high temperature in order to adjust the surface temperature of the last applied layer each time.