Fluidized Bed Cleaning for 3D Printed Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for removing uncured powder from 3D printed objects, such as powder molded objects and cores for casting, are time-consuming and often result in uneven cleaning or damage to the article, especially when using manual brushing or shot blasting.
Innovation Solution
A method involving immersion of the object in a fluidized bed, where solid particles are suspended in a fluid and behave like a fluid, allowing for easy and even removal of adhering matter without causing damage, by gently grinding off the powder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual brushing is used to remove uncured powder, then the powder can be removed, but the operation is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical brushing with a fluidized bed system that uses fluid dynamics to remove powder. The fluidized bed creates a controlled fluid environment that automatically removes uncured powder through fluid pressure and flow, eliminating the need for manual mechanical intervention and significantly reducing removal time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a fluidized bed system that uses fluid (liquid or gas) to suspend and transport particles. The fluid flow through the bed creates lifting forces that enable automatic powder removal from the molded object surface without manual contact, improving productivity while reducing time loss.
2Productivity
If shot blasting is used to remove adhering matter, then powder can be removed, but the article itself may be ground or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the cleaning medium by using a fluidized bed with controlled fluid flow rates and particle sizes. This creates a gentler cleaning action compared to traditional shot blasting, removing powder effectively while preventing damage to the article surface through optimized fluid dynamics parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluidized bed acts as an intermediary medium between the cleaning mechanism and the article. Instead of direct mechanical impact from shot blasting, the fluid medium transmits cleaning forces more gently through suspension and fluid pressure, reducing harmful effects on the article while maintaining cleaning efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If air blowing is used to remove powder, then some powder can be removed, but uneven cleaning occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamic fluidized bed system where fluid flow continuously suspends and moves particles throughout the bed. This creates uniform dynamic contact with all surfaces of the molded object, ensuring even powder removal across complex geometries that static air blowing methods cannot achieve uniformly.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluidized bed system adds a vertical dimension to powder removal by suspending particles in three-dimensional space through fluid flow. This enables uniform cleaning of complex-shaped objects from all angles simultaneously, overcoming the limitations of directional air blowing that creates uneven cleaning on multi-faceted surfaces.
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 method significantly reduces the time required for removal, prevents uneven cleaning, and avoids damage to fragile articles by using a gentle contact mechanism, making it suitable for complex-shaped objects and those with a powder and binding agent.
Implementation Method 1
immersing a target surface of the article in a fluidized bed
Data Source
AI summary
An adhering matter removing method for removing adhering matter on a surface of an article includes the step of immersing a target surface of the article into a fluidized bed.