3D Printing Inkjet Coloring Layer Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3-D printing methods face challenges in achieving uniform color properties and efficiency in multi-color effects due to incomplete dyeing of layer objects, leading to unsatisfactory appearance and increased manufacturing time.
Innovation Solution
A 3-D printing apparatus with an inkjet coloring method that adjusts the ink discharge volume based on layer thickness, ensuring complete dyeing of each layer object by correlating ink discharge volume with layer thickness, using a controller to manage both the 3-D printing and inkjet heads for optimal color application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large thickness of layer object is used, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but complete dyeing by color ink cannot be achieved leading to unexpected stripes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the ink discharge volume based on the layer thickness. The controller modifies the inkjet printing parameters in real-time according to the detected layer thickness, making the ink discharge volume variable rather than fixed. This dynamic adjustment ensures that thicker layers receive more ink while thinner layers receive less, maintaining complete and uniform dyeing across all layers regardless of thickness variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the ink discharge volume parameter according to the layer thickness parameter. By establishing a correlation between these two parameters and adjusting the ink discharge volume accordingly, the system ensures that the ink penetration depth matches the layer thickness, achieving complete dyeing without surface-only coloring or ink overflow.
2Loss of time
If color ink is applied only to the outer surface, then manufacturing time is reduced, but color properties and variability are inferior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies ink in an amount that exceeds what would be needed for mere surface coating, ensuring complete penetration through the entire layer thickness. By using sufficient ink volume to fully dye each layer from top to bottom, the system achieves superior color properties and variability throughout the entire 3-D object, not just on the surface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If forming wire materials in different colors are repeatedly changed, then multiple-color effect is achieved, but manufacturing efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physically changing colored wire materials with an inkjet printing system that applies color ink digitally. Instead of stopping to change materials, the system uses a controller to direct different colored inks to the appropriate locations, achieving multiple-color effects through digital control rather than physical material substitution, thereby maintaining continuous manufacturing efficiency.
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 approach enhances color uniformity and quality by ensuring complete ink coverage on each layer object, improving the overall appearance and efficiency of color 3-D printing.
Implementation Method 1
A building material is made into wires thereby, and then the building material after being heated and melted is stacked layer by layer on a forming platform
Implementation Method 2
a method of printing a colored 3-D object is recently provided, in which layer objects for forming a 3-D object are colored layer by layer using an inkjet mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A three-dimensional (3-D) printing apparatus and an inkjet coloring method thereof are provided. The 3-D printing apparatus includes a platform, a three-dimensional printing head, an inkjet head and the method includes following steps. A layer thickness of at least one layer object forming a 3-D object is obtained. An ink discharge volume of an ink layer is adjusted according to the layer thickness, wherein the ink discharge volume is in positive correlation with the layer thickness. A building material is melted and printed out on the platform according to the layer thickness by the three-dimensional printing head to form the at last one layer object. Ink is dispensed on the at last one layer object according to the adjusted ink discharge volume by the inkjet head to form the ink layer.