3D Inkjet Printing Elastic Support Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional inkjet printing methods face issues with the strong adhesion of the model material to the support platform, leading to damage of the target object during removal, and the support material layer is prone to cracking or cocking, resulting in low printing reliability.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the formation of an adhesion support portion on the support platform, followed by an elastic support portion embedded with a first elastic portion, which buffers impact forces and reduces the likelihood of material layer separation and cracking, allowing for precise layer-by-layer printing of the target object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a support material layer with certain thickness is printed before the target object, then the target object can be supported during printing, but the support material layer is easily cocked or cracked during the printing process, resulting in low printing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple functional layers: an adhesion support portion that bonds to the support platform, an elastic support portion with embedded elastic elements that provides cushioning, and a removal support portion that facilitates easy removal. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in one function, preventing the single-layer support structure from having to simultaneously provide strong adhesion, elastic cushioning, and easy removal, which caused the cocking and cracking problems
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure uses composite material composition with different material properties in different portions. The adhesion support portion uses materials with strong bonding characteristics to the support platform, the elastic support portion incorporates elastic materials or structures that can deform and recover, and the removal support portion uses materials that facilitate easy separation. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by combining materials with complementary properties rather than relying on a single material to fulfill all requirements
2Reliability
If the model material has strong adhesion to the support platform, then the target object can be firmly fixed during printing, but the target object structure is easily damaged during the removing process
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into portions with different adhesion characteristics. The adhesion support portion is designed to strongly bond to the support platform to provide stable fixation during printing, while the removal support portion is designed with weaker adhesion or easier removal characteristics. This segmentation allows the target object to be firmly fixed during printing without risking structural damage during removal, as the removal process can act on the easier-to-remove portion
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic support portion acts as an intermediary layer between the target object and the support platform. This intermediate layer provides cushioning and stress distribution, reducing the direct transmission of harmful forces to the target object structure during both printing and removal processes. The elastic portion mediates the interaction between the strongly adhering adhesion support and the fragile target object
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 enhances printing reliability by minimizing the risk of material layer separation and cracking, maintaining printing precision, and facilitating the removal of the target object without damage.
Implementation Method 1
forming an elastic support portion on the adhesion support portion, the elastic support portion being embedded with a first elastic portion
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a three-dimensional object inkjet printing method, a printing apparatus and a computer-readable storage medium. Where the three-dimensional object inkjet printing method includes: forming an adhesion support portion (2) on a support platform (1) first, and then forming an elastic support portion (3) on the adhesion support portion, the elastic support portion being embedded with a first elastic portion (31), and finally, forming a target object (4) by printing layer by layer on the elastic support portion. Therefore, a possibility of affecting a printing precision due to a separation of a material layer and the support platform is reduced, and a possibility of cracking in a bottom of the support when subjected to an impact force during an inkjet printing process is reduced at the same time, and a printing reliability is improved.