3D Ceramic Printer Transparent Film Layering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D printers face challenges in producing even thickness and smooth surfaces of ceramic layers due to high inorganic material filling ratios, which lead to issues like light scattering, uneven hardening, and reduced printing speed, as well as limitations in using multiple materials.
Innovation Solution
A 3D printer system that includes a film supplying part, material supplying part, photo-hardening part, and film collecting part, utilizing a transparent film for layering, with features like roll elements, height regulation, blades for thickness control, and multiple material supplying methods to ensure continuous and even deposition of printing materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a slurry or paste with high inorganic material filling ratio is used in conventional 3D printers, then the ceramic content and material strength are improved, but the liquidity of the printing material is reduced making it hard to produce even thickness and smooth surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the printing material supply process by using individual syringes for each material type rather than a single bulk container. Each syringe can be independently filled and controlled, allowing precise delivery of high-viscosity ceramic slurries without affecting other materials. This segmentation enables each material to be optimized separately for its specific properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by providing different materials with different properties at different locations on the printing bed. Each syringe can deliver material with specific viscosity and composition tailored to the local requirements of different ceramic components, allowing high inorganic content in some areas while maintaining printability in others.
2Loss of substance
If a printing tank containing slurry or paste is used in conventional 3D printers, then the material can be reused, but the light scattering caused by particles increases making photo-hardening difficult and extending radiation time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the material from a bulk tank environment and delivers it directly through syringes to the printing bed. This eliminates the light scattering problem caused by particles in a large tank while still allowing material reuse through the syringe system. The material is kept in a controlled, light-excluded environment until delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The syringe acts as an intermediary between material storage and the printing bed, providing a controlled delivery mechanism that prevents light scattering issues. The syringe system allows precise metering and direct deposition of material without the material residing in a large open container that would cause light interference.
3Productivity
If conventional 3D printers use a printing tank with slurry or paste, then material can be supplied continuously, but the printing speed slows down due to time-consuming steps of molding, separating, reproviding slurry, and straightening surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate operations (material supply, spreading, and deposition) into a single integrated syringe-based delivery system. The syringe performs all functions of material storage, metering, spreading, and deposition in one continuous motion, eliminating the need for separate molding, separation, and surface straightening steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The syringe-based system enables continuous material delivery and deposition without interruption for repositioning or surface preparation. The material is supplied continuously from the syringe as the printing bed moves, maintaining uninterrupted printing action and eliminating idle time between layers.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional 3D printers use a single printing tank for slurry or paste, then the system is simple, but a combination of different materials cannot be molded because only one kind of material can be used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the material supply system into multiple independent syringes, each capable of holding a different material type. This segmentation allows simultaneous or sequential use of multiple materials with different properties, enabling complex multi-material ceramic prints while keeping each material supply line simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The syringe-based delivery system serves multiple functions: it can hold different materials, meter different viscosities, and deliver to different locations on the printing bed. This universal platform supports various ceramic materials and composite formulations without requiring separate specialized delivery systems for each material type.
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
Enables precise regulation of layer thickness, reduces failure rates, and allows for the use of high inorganic materials and multiple materials, improving printing speed and product quality by ensuring even material distribution and minimizing waste.
Implementation Method 1
hardening the slurry or paste by radiating light to the same
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a 3D printer wherein a printing material is placed and hardened on a transparent film and a 3D printing method using the same.The 3D printer of the present invention is composed of the film supplying part to provide a transparent film; the material supplying part to provide a printing material on the transparent film; the photo-hardening part to solidify the printing material provided onto the transparent film as a designed form; and the film collecting part to collect the transparent film and the remaining printing material after the printing material has been hardened by the photo-hardening part.