Additive Manufacturing Build Plate Preparation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
In additive manufacturing, particularly for metal objects, there is a significant loss of productivity due to the time-consuming process of exchanging and preparing build plates after object removal, which disrupts continuous operation and increases production lead time.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a process chamber and displacement means for the build plate, allowing it to move between a production position and a preparation position, equipped with build preparation means such as separation, cleaning, and levelling devices, eliminating the need to remove the build plate and reducing downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If build plates are exchanged after object manufacturing, then the build plate can be prepared for further use, but productivity is reduced due to time-consuming plate exchange and preparation
Solution Approach 1:
The build plate is prepared in advance (cleaning, leveling, preheating) while still positioned on the build platform, before the manufacturing cycle completes. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming plate exchange and preparation after object removal, as the plate is already ready for the next manufacturing cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The build plate preparation processes (cleaning, leveling, preheating) are performed continuously during the manufacturing cycle without interrupting production. The plate undergoes preparation steps while remaining in position, ensuring continuous useful action and eliminating idle time associated with plate exchange.
2Productivity
If the build plate remains in position during preparation, then plate exchange time is eliminated, but contamination may occur in the process chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The build plate preparation process is segmented into distinct functional zones: cleaning is performed in one area, leveling in another, and preheating in a third. This segmentation allows each preparation step to be optimized independently and reduces the risk of contamination spreading throughout the process chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
A controlled atmosphere or protective barrier is introduced as an intermediary between the preparation processes and the process chamber environment. This intermediary prevents contamination from spreading while allowing the build plate to remain in position during preparation activities.
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 solution enhances productivity by enabling continuous operation without plate exchange, reducing pollution, and ensuring a clean and prepared build surface for subsequent objects, thus minimizing production lead time and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
A solidifying device, such as a laser device, for solidifying a layer of the material on the surface, in particular by means of electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Apparatus for producing an object by means of additive manufacturing,comprising: -a process chamber for receiving on a build surface of a build plate a bath of powdered material which can be solidified; -a support for positioning the build plate in relation to a surface level of the bath of material; -a solidifying device for solidifying a selective part of the material; and -a build plate preparation means for preparation of the build surface of the build plate such that the object can be build on the build surface of the build plate. Method of producing an object by means of additive manufacturing on a build surface of a build plate using such an apparatus.