Additive Manufacturing Build Plate Takeover Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing additive manufacturing methods face challenges in achieving desired accuracy and efficiency due to significant variation in force required to separate metal objects from the build plate, leading to reduced productivity and increased material waste.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a build plate takeover device with an actuating element that accurately places and removes the build plate from a supporting surface, reducing separation force variation and enabling faster production by eliminating the need for cooling periods, utilizing a moveable supporting organ, robot element, and heating element for precise temperature control and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the build plate is manually handled for placement and removal, then operational flexibility is maintained, but the variation in separation force increases and manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The build plate takeover device enables automated self-service handling of the build plate through the actuating element, eliminating manual intervention and reducing separation force variation without requiring complex additional systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated actuating element that controls build plate placement and removal, reducing human error and variation in separation force while maintaining operational simplicity
2Productivity
If the build plate is removed after manufacturing while still hot, then productivity increases by eliminating cooling periods, but the risk of thermal damage and safety hazards increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element is designed to enable build plate removal at elevated temperatures by preparing the mechanical system in advance, allowing immediate removal without cooling delays while incorporating thermal management features to prevent damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by allowing build plate removal at higher temperatures than conventional systems, utilizing the actuating element to manage the thermal state and enable faster cycle times without causing thermal damage
3Ease of operation
If physical interaction with the manufactured object is used to remove the build plate, then the build plate can be separated, but the variation in separation force increases and the risk of object damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element extracts the build plate from the manufacturing position through automated motion control, eliminating the need for physical interaction with the manufactured object and preventing damage while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element serves as an intermediary mechanism between the build plate and the manufacturing system, enabling build plate removal through controlled mechanical action that does not require direct contact with or force application to the manufactured object
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 the accuracy of object solidification, reduces separation force variation, increases production capacity, and minimizes material waste by allowing for precise and efficient removal of the build plate without physical interaction with the object, thus improving overall manufacturing efficiency.
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
Implementation Method 2
the temperature of said build plate temperature has increased due to the manufacturing process
Data Source
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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 supporting on a supporting surface thereof said build plate in relation to a surface level of said bath of powdered material, wherein said build plate is removably connectable to said supporting surface; a solidifying device for solidifying a selective part of said material by emitting electromagnetic radiation; and a build plate takeover device comprising an actuating element for placing said build plate onto said supporting surface of said support for producing said object and removing said build plate from said supporting surface of said support. Method for producing an object by means of additive manufacturing.