Curing Device for Additive Manufacturing Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
6-axis robotic additive manufacturing systems face challenges in effectively curing UV and thermoset materials, which require external energy to solidify, due to the need for independent motion of the curing device relative to the deposition head, leading to inconsistent curing and reduced mechanical strength of the printed parts.
Innovation Solution
A curing device with a platform having multiple curing components and actuators that can move independently in three dimensions, allowing the curing components to maintain alignment with the deposition path, even when the path is non-planar, using a combination of linear actuators and a ball joint for rotational freedom, ensuring consistent curing energy application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a 6-axis robotic system deposits material in 3D space with non-planar layers, then build efficiency and functionality are improved, but consistent curing of UV and thermoset materials becomes difficult due to the complex deposition paths
Solution Approach 1:
The curing device is made dynamically movable with respect to the deposition head through actuators that enable independent motion. This allows the curing device to track and maintain proper positioning relative to the deposition head along complex 3D non-planar paths, ensuring consistent curing despite the robotic system's multi-axis motion capabilities.
2Device complexity
If the curing device is fixed relative to the deposition head in a 6-axis system, then device complexity is reduced, but curing consistency is lost due to independent motion requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The curing device transitions from a fixed rigid connection to a dynamically adjustable configuration through actuators. This enables the curing device to maintain precise positioning and orientation relative to the deposition head while accommodating the independent motion of the 6-axis robotic system along complex 3D paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds dimensional freedom by enabling the curing device to move independently in multiple axes rather than being constrained to a single axis. This multi-dimensional motion capability allows the curing device to track the deposition head throughout the complex 3D build space, maintaining curing precision regardless of the deposition path.
3Adaptability or versatility
If UV and thermoset materials are used in 6-axis systems, then material versatility is improved, but mechanical strength is reduced due to inconsistent curing
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamically movable curing device ensures consistent and complete curing of UV and thermoset materials by tracking the deposition head along complex 3D paths. This consistent curing eliminates uncured material defects, thereby maximizing the mechanical strength of parts printed with these versatile material systems.
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 solution enables efficient curing of UV and thermoset materials in 6-axis robotic systems, improving the mechanical strength of printed parts by ensuring that the curing energy is consistently applied across all orientations and positions of the deposition head, reducing the amount of uncured material and enhancing the build efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
If the material is a UV or thermoset material, the system will cure the slices prior to laying down the next slices
Data Source
AI summary
A curing device includes a curing platform having at least one curing component arranged on a surface of the curing platform facing a print direction and at least one actuator connecting the curing platform to a dispensing tip. A three dimensional printing system includes a reservoir of curable material, a dispensing tip connected to the reservoir, a curing platform surrounding the dispensing tip, the curing platform having at least one curing component arranged on a surface of the curing platform facing a print direction, and at least one actuator connecting the curing platform to the dispensing tip.