3D Printing Curing Control for Surface Smoothness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solid object shaping apparatuses, such as 3D printers, often produce objects with rough textures due to the visual recognition of irregularities on the surface, which are caused by the formation of dots of predetermined sizes, leading to a rough texture.
Innovation Solution
A solid object shaping apparatus that uses a head unit to eject a liquid and a curing unit to form blocks of varying sizes by controlling the extent of curing, allowing for the formation of blocks with different sizes using the same amount of liquid, thereby reducing surface irregularities and creating a smooth surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If blocks of predetermined size are formed by ejecting liquid, then the solid object can be shaped, but the surface irregularities become visually recognizable causing rough texture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the curing extent of the liquid to control block size. By adjusting curing parameters (such as curing time, curing intensity, or environmental conditions), the same amount of ejected liquid can form blocks of different sizes, allowing the surface irregularities to be minimized through optimized block dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics by making the block size adjustable rather than fixed. The curing unit can dynamically adjust the curing extent based on the required block size, enabling flexible control over the surface characteristics of the solid object to achieve smooth finishes
2Manufacturing precision
If the block size is fixed, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the surface irregularities cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes in the curing process to control block size without adding complex hardware. By adjusting curing parameters (time, intensity, temperature), the system achieves variable block sizes while maintaining relatively simple device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The curing unit is designed with multi-functionality to handle different curing extents for various block sizes using the same liquid ejection system. This universal approach allows one curing unit to perform multiple functions (different block size production) without requiring separate specialized components
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
The apparatus achieves a smooth surface finish by finely adjusting the size of blocks, making irregularities invisible to the visual and tactile senses, thus minimizing the recognition of surface irregularities.
Implementation Method 1
a curing unit that cures the liquid ejected from the head unit
Data Source
AI summary
A solid object shaping apparatus, which includes a head unit that ejects a liquid, and a curing unit that cures the liquid so as to form a block, shapes a solid object by using the blocks, and can cure the liquid in a plurality of curing modes including a first curing mode in which the liquid is cured so that the block with a first size is formed by a first reference amount of liquid, and a second curing mode in which the liquid is cured so that the block with a second size in which a surface area is larger than a surface area in the first size is formed by using the first reference amount of liquid.