Integrated Additive Manufacturing Systems for High-Volume Production
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current additive manufacturing systems are limited in producing high-volume functional parts, as they are primarily designed for prototyping and lack the capability for rapid production of durable objects with isotropic mechanical properties.
Innovation Solution
An integrated additive manufacturing system that includes multiple machines, a database for tracking resin and part data, and peripheral machines for post-production processes such as washing and baking, allowing for the production, washing, and curing of parts with specific resin and configuration-based programs, and enabling the creation of composite articles by fixing parts together before further curing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additive manufacturing systems are designed for prototyping with traditional stereolithography, then object production is possible, but production speed is slow and mechanical properties are brittle or fragile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from traditional layer-by-layer stereolithography to continuous liquid interface production (CLIP), which fundamentally alters the manufacturing parameters through oxygen inhibition zone utilization and continuous curing, thereby achieving both improved mechanical properties and faster production speed simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials through dual-cure resins that combine photopolymerization and chemical curing mechanisms, creating parts with superior mechanical properties including isotropic strength while maintaining high production throughput through the integrated CLIP process
2Productivity
If additive manufacturing systems are tailored for prototyping, then small numbers of models can be produced, but high-volume production of functional parts is not achievable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality through integrated additive manufacturing systems that combine multiple machines and peripheral equipment into a unified platform capable of handling both prototyping and high-volume production, allowing the same system to adapt to different production requirements through software configuration and resin selection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies continuity of useful action through automated resin circulation systems, continuous curing processes, and integrated post-processing workflows that eliminate idle time between manufacturing stages, enabling sustained high-volume production rates while maintaining system versatility
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 system enables the efficient production and processing of functional parts in higher volumes, with improved mechanical properties and the ability to create composite articles by integrating post-manufacturing steps like washing and curing, enhancing the versatility and quality of additive manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
The production of three-dimensional objects from polymerizable resins by stereolithography has been known for some time
Implementation Method 2
at least one part post-production machine, such as at least one of a part washing machine
Implementation Method 3
a part oven
Implementation Method 4
continuous liquid interface production (CLIP) allows both more rapid production of objects by stereolithography
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated additive manufacturing system includes: (a) at least one resin supply; (b) a plurality of additive manufacturing machines on which parts may be produced, each of the additive manufacturing machines operatively associated with the at least one resin supply; and (c) at least one peripheral machine operatively associated with each of the additive manufacturing machines and the at least one resin supply.