Five-Axis Linkage 3D Printer for Accurate Complex Shapes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional three-axis 3D printers face challenges in accurate positioning, leading to long printing times and difficulty in producing complex workpieces.
Innovation Solution
A five-axis linkage 3D printer with a nozzle and base material driving unit, featuring servo modules and a trapezoidal swing arm, enables 360-degree horizontal rotation and ±90-degree side rotation, along with a control system for precise nozzle positioning and trajectory planning, enhancing printing efficiency and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a three-axis printing system is used, then the structure is simple, but the positioning accuracy is insufficient and printing time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a three-axis printing system to a five-axis system by adding two more degrees of freedom. The base material driving unit enables rotation around the vertical axis (third dimension), while the nozzle driving unit adds horizontal rotation (first dimension) and vertical movement (second dimension). This dimensional expansion allows the nozzle to access all positions and orientations of the workpiece, significantly improving positioning accuracy and enabling complex geometry printing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic positioning through multiple rotating components. The base material driving unit rotates the workpiece on the base, while the nozzle driving unit dynamically adjusts the nozzle position and orientation through servo modules. This dynamic adjustment capability allows real-time adaptation to different printing positions and angles, enhancing positioning accuracy during the printing process.
2Productivity
If a three-axis printing system is used, then the device complexity is low, but the printing efficiency is low and printing time is long
Solution Approach 1:
By adding two dimensions to the traditional three-axis system, the five-axis configuration enables simultaneous printing from multiple angles. The base material rotation and nozzle positioning capabilities allow the system to print complex geometries without requiring multiple separate printing operations, thereby reducing total printing time and improving efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning unit performs preliminary scanning of the workpiece to capture its geometry and position information. This preliminary data collection enables the control system to pre-plan the printing trajectory and optimize the printing sequence, reducing the actual printing time and improving overall efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a three-axis printing system is used, then the structure is simple, but complex workpieces are difficult to print
Solution Approach 1:
The five-axis system provides the nozzle with five degrees of freedom, enabling it to reach any position and orientation required for printing complex workpieces. The base material rotation adds a third dimension, while the nozzle driving unit contributes horizontal and vertical positioning capabilities. This multi-dimensional freedom allows the system to accommodate complex geometries that would be impossible with a three-axis system.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic rotation and positioning capabilities allow the system to adapt to various workpiece orientations and geometries. The base material can be rotated to different angles, and the nozzle can dynamically adjust its position and tilt angle to match the required printing direction, enabling versatile printing of complex shapes.
4Loss of time
If traditional cumulative printing on a plane is used, then the process is simple, but the printing time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The five-axis system enables the nozzle to access workpieces from multiple angles simultaneously, reducing the number of sequential printing operations required. By rotating the base material and adjusting nozzle positioning, the system can print complex geometries more efficiently, reducing total printing time compared to traditional plane-based cumulative printing.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning unit provides real-time feedback on the workpiece position and geometry to the control system. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of the printing trajectory and optimization of the printing sequence, reducing the time required to complete printing operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A five-axis linkage 3D printer is provided. In the device, a base material driving unit is configured to drive and control a base material to rotate on a base; a nozzle driving unit is configured to control the position of a nozzle of the 3D printer in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction; a scanning unit is configured to scan and photograph movement trajectory of the base material and transmit information of the movement trajectory to an electric control system; and the electric control system is configured to collect the information of the scanning unit and controlling movement of the nozzle driving unit and the base material driving unit. A trapezoidal swing arm is used so that the rotation center is lower than the rotation center of the swing arm, and the height of the rotary table is reduced.