Exchangeable Heated Platform Carrier for Stable Additive Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Additive manufacturing processes induce stress in workpieces due to thermal gradients, and existing solutions, such as fixed heating elements in machine tables, can counteract clamping forces and are not easily exchangeable or adaptable for post-processing.
Innovation Solution
An exchangeable platform carrier with a rigid design and integrated heating element, allowing for homogenous thermal distribution and easy mounting on various machines, including additive manufacturing and post-processing equipment, which can be pre-heated externally and features multiple fixing modules for versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a fixed heating element is integrated into the machine table, then thermal gradient reduction is achieved, but the heating element counteracts clamping forces and cannot be easily exchanged or adapted
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into a separate platform carrier that can be independently exchanged, decoupling it from the machine table structure. This allows the heating element to be removed and replaced without affecting the machine table or clamping mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between thermal control and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary platform carrier is introduced between the machine table and the build plate. This carrier integrates the heating element and provides a standardized interface for mounting, enabling easy exchange while maintaining thermal control functionality during additive manufacturing processes.
2Temperature
If heating forces are applied to maintain contact with the build plate, then thermal conduction is improved, but the heating forces counteract the clamping force of the chuck
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is mounted on a separate platform carrier rather than being integrated into the chuck or machine table. This segmentation allows the heating forces to be applied independently without interfering with the clamping mechanism, eliminating the force counteraction problem while maintaining effective thermal conduction to the build plate.
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
The platform carrier provides enhanced mechanical stability, efficient heating, and increased production efficiency by allowing for easy transfer between machines, reducing deformation and production costs while maintaining thermal isolation from clamping devices.
Implementation Method 1
heating elements are integrated into the machine table in order to reduce the temperature gradient, thereby stress
Implementation Method 2
a heating element integrated in the platform carrier... allowing for homogenous thermal distribution
Implementation Method 3
The additive manufacturing process induces stress inside the workpieces due to its thermal nature, e.g. temperature gradient
Data Source
AI summary
A platform carrier that is mountable on a machine table of an additive manufacturing machine. The platform carrier is exchangeable and has a rigid construction. In an embodiment, at least one heating element is integrated in the platform carrier. In an embodiment, a plurality of fixing modules for connecting a build plate onto the platform carrier is integrated in the platform carrier.