Carrier Platform Wash Channels for Dental Model Resin Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current additive manufacturing techniques for dental models and dies are either slow and inaccurate or rapid but lack effective methods for washing residual resin from internal cavities, particularly due to the limitations of traditional carrier platforms that hinder the flow of wash liquids into these cavities.
Innovation Solution
The use of a carrier platform with elongate wash channels on its adhesion surface, designed to facilitate the flow of wash liquids into internal cavities through agitation, allowing for efficient removal of residual resin and optional further curing of the objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional carrier platforms are used for additive manufacturing, then the manufacturing process is simple, but wash liquid cannot effectively reach internal cavities of objects
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier platform is segmented with multiple elongate wash channels formed at different orientations (radial, tangential, axial directions) to divide the washing function into multiple pathways, allowing wash liquid to reach internal cavities from different directions simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The wash channels extend through the thickness of the carrier platform in multiple orientations, adding dimensional complexity to the platform structure to enable three-dimensional access to internal cavities of objects during washing
2Productivity
If rapid additive manufacturing techniques are used, then production speed increases, but residual resin cannot be effectively removed from internal cavities
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses hydraulic flow of wash liquid through the elongate wash channels to rapidly flush residual resin from internal cavities, leveraging fluid dynamics to achieve thorough cleaning in minimal time
Solution Approach 2:
Vibration or agitation is applied to the carrier platform or wash liquid to enhance the removal of residual resin from internal cavities through mechanical disturbance, preventing resin adhesion and facilitating rapid drainage
3Reliability
If viscous resin is used for photopolymerization, then material properties are suitable for dental models, but washing and drying time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Vibration or agitation is applied during and after washing to rapidly drain viscous wash liquid and residual resin from internal cavities and the object, overcoming the high viscosity that would otherwise slow down the drainage process
Solution Approach 2:
The wash channels provide continuous flow pathways for wash liquid throughout the washing and drying process, maintaining uninterrupted fluid movement to efficiently remove viscous materials without stagnation
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 rapid and thorough washing of additive manufactured objects, improving the accuracy and speed of the process while enhancing the material properties of the final products by effectively removing residual resin from internal cavities.
Implementation Method 1
producing the object on the carrier platform adhesion surface with the additive manufacturing apparatus from a light polymerizable resin
Implementation Method 2
washing the object on the carrier platform with a wash liquid under conditions in which the wash liquid reaches the at least one internal cavity through the wash channels
Implementation Method 3
agitating the object on the carrier platform to drain excess wash liquid from said object
Implementation Method 4
further curing (e.g., by heating) the object (while still connected to, or separated from, the carrier platform)
Data Source
AI summary
A method of making an object by additive manufacturing includes: (a) providing an additive manufacturing apparatus including a light source; (b) providing a carrier platform having a substantially planar object adhesion surface, the adhesion surface having a plurality of elongate wash channels formed therein; (c) producing the object on the carrier platform adhesion surface with the additive manufacturing apparatus from a light polymerizable resin, the object having at least one internal cavity formed therein; then (d) washing the object on the carrier platform with a wash liquid under conditions in which the wash liquid reaches the at least one internal cavity through the wash channels; then (e) optionally, at least partially drying the object on the carrier platform by separating the same from the wash liquid, and then agitating the object on the carrier platform to drain excess wash liquid from the object; (f) optionally, further curing the object.