3D Printer Build Platform Leveling and Homing
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved techniques to level the build platform of three-dimensional printers to reduce skew and z-axis offset, particularly in multi-point leveling operations where the build platform is made of meltable materials, requiring precise adjustments while the extruder is cool, and homing operations that need to be performed while the extruder is hot.
Innovation Solution
A method and computer program product that utilize a build platform with a planar top surface of low-temperature material and a high-temperature contact point outside the surface, allowing for independent z-axis adjustments at multiple locations to level the platform, enabling leveling while the extruder is cool and allowing homing with the extruder at operating temperature by using a z-axis offset contact point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multi-point leveling operation is performed on a build platform made of meltable material, then the build platform can be leveled to reduce skew and z-axis offset, but the extruder must be kept cool which prevents homing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The build platform is segmented into two distinct parts: a planar top surface made of low-temperature material for receiving objects, and a contact point made of high-temperature material positioned outside the planar surface. This segmentation allows different portions of the build platform to serve different functions under different temperature conditions, resolving the contradiction between leveling precision and extruder temperature adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the build platform are assigned different material properties: the planar top surface uses low-temperature material suitable for object reception, while the contact point uses high-temperature material suitable for hot extruder contact. This local differentiation enables the build platform to accommodate both cool leveling operations and hot homing operations
2Ease of operation
If the extruder is heated to operating temperature for homing operations, then homing can be performed, but the low-temperature material of the planar top surface would melt
Solution Approach 1:
The contact point, which is the specific location requiring hot extruder contact for homing operations, is extracted from the planar top surface and positioned outside it. This extraction allows the homing operation to occur at a location that can withstand high temperatures without affecting the integrity of the low-temperature material on the planar top surface
Solution Approach 2:
The contact point acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the hot extruder and the build platform. It provides a thermal buffer that allows the extruder to contact the build platform at operating temperature without transferring excessive heat to the low-temperature material of the planar top surface
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 ensures a properly aligned and leveled build platform, reducing skew and z-axis offset, and allows for efficient homing operations even when the extruder is at operating temperature, enhancing the precision and reliability of three-dimensional printing processes.
Implementation Method 1
heating the extruder to an operating temperature above a melting temperature of the low-temperature material of the planar top surface
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional printer uses its extruder and build platform to properly orient the build platform within a working volume. In a multi-point leveling operation, the extruder is moved to the z-axis origin at a number of x-y positions within the plane of the build platform, and the height of the build platform is adjusted to meet the extruder at the origin. If the build platform is a meltable material such as a plastic, then this leveling process must be performed while the extruder is cool. A homing operation may be performed periodically after leveling in order to realign the z-axis positions of the build platform and extruder. A non-meltable contact point may be usefully provided so that homing can be performed while the extruder is hot, such as immediately before a build or between a number of builds.