3D Printer Frame With Glass Ceramic Plates For High Temperature Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional devices for manufacturing three-dimensional objects are limited by the inability to externally heat the frame to higher temperatures due to thermal burden on surrounding components.
Innovation Solution
The use of glass ceramic plates and selectively controlled surface heating zones allows for process temperatures up to 370°C, with initial heating only of the upper frame area and progressive activation of lower zones, minimizing thermal burden on the lift mechanism and preventing excessive heat conduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If external heating of the frame is performed at higher temperatures, then the building space can be heated to higher temperatures for processing high-melting-point materials, but the surrounding components (especially the lift mechanism) would be thermally burdened
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple heating zones (first heating zone and second heating zone) that can be independently controlled. The first heating zone is positioned to heat the building space without directly heating the lift mechanism, while the second heating zone can be activated when the platform is in lower positions. This segmentation allows selective heating of different frame portions to achieve high building space temperatures while protecting temperature-sensitive components.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the frame are assigned different thermal properties and heating characteristics. The frame includes regions with varying thermal conductivity and heat capacity to create localized thermal environments. Heating elements are strategically positioned to provide localized heating where needed while avoiding thermal exposure to the lift mechanism and other sensitive components.
2Temperature
If the frame is heated uniformly throughout, then the entire building space reaches target temperature quickly, but excessive heat is conducted to the lift mechanism and surrounding areas
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into multiple independently controllable heating zones positioned at different locations on the frame. This allows the control device to activate only the heating zones necessary for reaching the target temperature in the building space, rather than heating the entire frame uniformly. Energy is conserved by avoiding unnecessary heating of areas that do not require high temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system operates dynamically based on platform position and building space temperature requirements. The control device adjusts which heating zones are active based on real-time conditions, activating additional zones only when needed as the platform moves to lower positions. This dynamic control optimizes energy usage by matching heating output to actual process requirements.
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
Enables the processing of high-temperature materials like polyetheretherketone (PEEK) with reduced thermal stress on the lift mechanism and efficient heat management, allowing for the manufacture of three-dimensional objects with melting points above 150°C.
Implementation Method 1
by action of a laser or another energy source
Implementation Method 2
selectively solidify the powder building material at the locations in the respective layer
Implementation Method 3
surface heating elements (14) having a plurality of vertically superposed heating zones (14a, 14b)
Implementation Method 4
the glass ceramic plates do not excessively conduct the heat in the vertical direction
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a frame (1) of a device for manufacturing a three-dimensional object (3). The device manufactures the three-dimensional object (3) by solidifying a powder or liquid building material (3a) layer by layer at locations in each layer corresponding to the cross-section of the object (3) to be manufactured in a building space. The building space is defined by the frame (1) and a platform (2) inside the frame (1), wherein the frame (1) comprises at the inner side facing the building space glass ceramic plates.