3D Build Volume Cooling via Internal Conduits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D printing processes take excessively long to cool down the build volume to a safe handling temperature, leading to part warpage and reduced printing system efficiency, as the cooling time can be two to three times longer than the printing time.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating cooling conduits within the build volume by forming placeholder parts that can be removed post-printing, creating voids for heat dissipation through natural or forced air flow, or by inserting cooling rods or pipes to expedite the cooling process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the build volume is allowed to cool naturally after printing, then part warpage is minimized, but the cooling time becomes excessively long (two to three times longer than printing time)
Solution Approach 1:
The build volume is segmented by inserting multiple cooling conduits at different locations (top, bottom, and sides) to distribute the cooling function across multiple points, enabling faster and more uniform heat removal from the entire build volume
Solution Approach 2:
Cooling conduits are introduced as intermediary elements within the build volume to facilitate heat transfer. These conduits act as mediators between the hot build material and the external cooling medium (air or fluid), significantly enhancing the cooling rate while maintaining part quality
2Loss of time
If cooling conduits are inserted into the build volume, then cooling time is significantly reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling conduits are designed to serve multiple functions: they provide structural support during printing, enable forced convection cooling, and can accommodate various cooling media (air or fluid). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and justifies the added complexity through enhanced versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is designed to be self-regulating, where the conduits naturally facilitate heat removal through convection and conduction without requiring complex external control systems. The system serves itself by utilizing the temperature differential between the build volume and cooling medium to drive the cooling process
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 method significantly reduces the cooling time of the build volume, minimizing part warpage and improving overall printing efficiency by facilitating faster heat conduction and convection.
Implementation Method 1
creating voids for heat dissipation through natural or forced air flow
Implementation Method 2
creating voids for heat dissipation through natural or forced air flow
Implementation Method 3
inserting cooling rods or pipes to expedite the cooling process... facilitating faster heat conduction and convection
Data Source
AI summary
In an example implementation, a method of cooling a 3D build volume includes receiving a 3D object model that represents a 3D part to be formed in a build volume, and determining a placeholder position for forming a placeholder part within the build volume. Based on the placeholder position, a 3D part position is determined for forming the 3D part within the build volume. The method also includes controlling components of a 3D printing system to form the placeholder part in the placeholder position within the build volume and to form the 3D part in the 3D part position within the build volume.