Hydraulic 3D Printing System Resolving Large Object Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D printing technologies face challenges in releasing flexible films and replenishing resin during the printing of large-sized 3D objects, leading to printing defects and failures.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic 3D printing system that uses a cartridge with a piston and platform mechanism to efficiently transfer and cure resin, incorporating through-holes for balanced air pressure and easy object removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the PDMS gel is set on the baseplate to print large-sized objects, then the contact area between the object and gel increases, but the adhesion and vacuum suction become stronger making release difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the baseplate movable rather than stationary. The baseplate can be separated from the printing chamber after curing, allowing the cured object to remain on the chamber while the baseplate is removed. This dynamic separation resolves the adhesion problem by eliminating the need to pull the cured object off the gel surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the printing system into two separable components: the printing chamber (containing the cured object) and the baseplate (with the PDMS gel). This segmentation allows the baseplate to be removed independently after curing, solving the release difficulty while maintaining large contact area during printing.
2Area of stationary object
If the contact area between the object and PDMS gel increases, then adhesion becomes stronger, but the time required for gel release exceeds the predetermined printing interval
Solution Approach 1:
By making the baseplate movable and separable from the printing chamber, the system eliminates the time-consuming release process. The baseplate can be quickly removed after curing, allowing the next layer to be printed within the predetermined time interval without waiting for gel release.
Solution Approach 2:
The curing process is completed before the baseplate removal action. The object is fully cured on the baseplate, then the baseplate is removed in a preliminary action that prepares the system for the next printing cycle, ensuring the process completes within the required time interval.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the PDMS gel remains on the baseplate after printing, then resin replenishment is delayed, but printing defects occur due to resin shortage
Solution Approach 1:
The movable baseplate allows rapid removal after curing, enabling timely resin replenishment into the printing chamber. This dynamic approach prevents resin shortage and associated printing defects by ensuring the resin can be refilled within the predetermined printing interval.
Solution Approach 2:
The separable baseplate design enables continuous printing operations by allowing rapid baseplate removal and resin replenishment. The system maintains continuous useful action by minimizing idle time between printing cycles, ensuring resin is replenished before the next layer begins.
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 system enables efficient building of large-sized 3D objects by ensuring timely resin replenishment and easy object removal, reducing printing defects and improving overall printing quality.
Implementation Method 1
a piston configured to: transfer at least a portion of the printing material from the first chamber to the second chamber
Implementation Method 2
a curing light module configured to: cure at least a layer of the printing material to the platform or to a previously cured layer of the printing material
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a system and method for printing 3D objects. The method may include providing a disposable cartridge including a build chamber coupled to a storage chamber adapted to hold a build material; seesawing a piston and a platform within the storage chamber and the build chamber, respectively, to transfer the build material between the storage chamber and the build chamber via a feeding path; and curing a layer of the build material onto the platform or onto a cured layer of the build material on the platform until the 3D object is formed. The system may include the cartridge; a movement module coupled to the piston and the platform of the cartridge; and a controller configured to drive the movement module to seesaw the piston and the platform to hydraulically transfer a portion of the printing material to a printing area in order to build the 3D object.