3D Inkjet Shaping System Airflow Control for Droplet Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printing of three-dimensional objects faces challenges due to airflow disturbances, such as tumble flows, which affect the precision of ink droplet landing, especially at the edges of the object, leading to shifted landing positions or mist formation.
Innovation Solution
A shaping apparatus with an inkjet head and an airflow generator that produces a counter airflow to overcome the influence of tumble flows, ensuring ink droplets land accurately on the shaping surface, even near edges, by adjusting the distance between the inkjet head and the object and generating airflows that flow from the inkjet head toward the shaping platform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If an inkjet head discharges ink droplets onto the shaping surface of a three-dimensional object, then the three-dimensional object can be shaped using additive manufacturing, but airflow disturbances such as tumble flows are generated at the edges of the object, causing ink droplet landing position shifts and mist formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by generating a controlled airflow field in advance that opposes the harmful tumble flow effects. The airflow generator creates a counter-flow that prevents ink droplet deviation before it occurs, particularly at the front edge where tumble flow causes upward airflow. This proactive approach maintains droplet trajectory stability without requiring post-correction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces air as an intermediary medium to solve the problem. By controlling the airflow field between the inkjet head and the shaping platform, the air current acts as a mediator that guides ink droplets along their intended trajectory, counteracting the harmful tumble flow effects at object edges while enabling continuous additive manufacturing
2Area of stationary object
If the inkjet head is moved relative to the three-dimensional object during main scanning, then the entire object surface can be covered, but the spatial shape of the opposing region changes rapidly at edges, generating tumble flow that hinders ink droplet flight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating spatially varying airflow conditions that match the local characteristics of the shaping process. The airflow generator produces different flow patterns at different locations: at object edges where tumble flow occurs, a counter-flow is generated to stabilize droplets, while in central regions normal printing conditions are maintained. This localized control enables full surface coverage while maintaining precision at critical edge areas
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 configuration enables high-precision shaping of three-dimensional objects by effectively suppressing airflow disturbances, ensuring ink droplets land accurately and maintaining precision across the object's surface, even at edges where tumble flows are generated.
Implementation Method 1
an airflow generator configured to generate an airflow that flows from the inkjet head toward the shaping platform
Implementation Method 2
an inkjet head configured to discharge ink droplets using an ink jet method
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure makes it possible to appropriately shape a three-dimensional object with high precision. A three-dimensional object shaping system of the present disclosure for shaping a three-dimensional object includes: inkjet heads that discharge ink droplets using an ink jet method; a shaping platform that is a platform-shaped member on which the three-dimensional object being shaped is supported at a position facing the inkjet heads; a main scanning driver that causes the inkjet heads to perform a main scanning operation in which ink droplets are discharged while moving relative to the shaping platform in a pre-set main scanning direction; and an airflow generator that generates airflows that flow from the inkjet heads toward the shaping platform.