Detachable Carrier for 3D Printed Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D printing systems face challenges in producing three-dimensional objects with high precision due to potential deformation during post-solidification, especially when using radiation-hardened materials, which can lead to inaccurate external dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a carrier device with a detachable carrier base body and carrier elements, allowing the solidified object to be held and supported during post-solidification, minimizing deformation by enabling detachment and separate post-processing on a defined carrier surface, which can be structured for specific object shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If post-solidification is performed on the three-dimensional object, then the material hardness is improved, but the object undergoes deformation leading to poor manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 1:
A carrier element is introduced as an intermediary support structure between the solidification device and the three-dimensional object during post-solidification. The carrier element provides mechanical support to the object, preventing deformation while allowing the radiation to penetrate and complete the polymerization process, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving material hardness and maintaining dimensional accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state and mechanical properties of the support structure by transitioning from a rigid fixed support during solidification to a flexible carrier element during post-solidification. The carrier element's mechanical properties are optimized to provide support without constraining the object's natural expansion and contraction during polymerization, thereby maintaining precision while achieving hardness
2Manufacturing precision
If the carrier device is made detachable for post-solidification, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier device is segmented into a carrier base body and separate carrier elements that can be detachably connected. This segmentation allows the system to switch between a simple integrated structure during solidification and a more complex supported structure during post-solidification, achieving high precision without permanently increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier device transitions from a static integrated structure to a dynamic reconfigurable structure. The detachable connection between the carrier base body and carrier elements allows the system to adapt its complexity level based on the process stage: simple during solidification, more complex during post-solidification, thereby achieving precision only when needed
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 the production of three-dimensional objects with significantly improved precision and dimensional stability, particularly in dental applications like individual teeth or bridges, by maintaining the object's shape during post-solidification.
Implementation Method 1
solidifying, in particular in layers or continuously, a material that can be solidified under the action of radiation
Implementation Method 2
post-hardening, in particular by post-exposure, is usually necessary. If a liquid, polymerizable plastic is used as the solidifiable material, regions in the interior of the object in particular may not yet be sufficiently polymerized
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system for producing a three-dimensional object by solidifying, in particular layer by layer or continuously, a material that can be solidified under the effect of radiation, said system comprising an apparatus for producing a three-dimensional object by solidifying, in particular layer by layer or continuously, a material that can be solidified under the effect of radiation, and said system further comprising a support device for retaining the three-dimensional object solidified on the basis of the material that can be solidified. In order to improve said system such that the three-dimensional object can be produced with high precision, the support device and/or a part thereof and the apparatus are designed so that they can be detachably connected to each other, in particular separated from each other once the solidified three-dimensional object is produced. The invention further relates to an improved method for producing a three-dimensional object.