Interlaced Multi-Build-Plane 3D Printing for Viscous Resin Throughput
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The formation of layers in 3D printing systems using high viscosity photocurable resins is time-consuming due to the need to raise and lower the build surface to replenish the resin, reducing productivity.
Innovation Solution
A 3D printing system with multiple build platforms and a controller that alternates layer formation between platforms, allowing simultaneous irradiation and resin replenishment, particularly for high viscosity resins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the build surface is raised and lowered to replenish resin in single-platform 3D printing, then the resin volume is maintained, but the printing productivity decreases due to time-consuming operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the build process into multiple independent build platforms (first, second, and third platforms) that can operate simultaneously. Each platform has its own build surface and resin volume, allowing parallel processing of different layers or articles. This segmentation eliminates the sequential raise-lower cycle by distributing work across multiple platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
While one build platform undergoes layer formation, another platform simultaneously performs resin replenishment by raising its build surface. This continuous interlaced operation ensures that useful actions (layer formation and resin replenishment) occur concurrently rather than sequentially, maintaining productivity without compromising resin volume management.
2Productivity
If multiple build platforms are used with interlaced operation, then productivity is enhanced through parallel processing, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each build platform is designed as a universal module capable of performing both layer formation and resin replenishment functions. The platforms share common structural characteristics and can be controlled by a single controller, allowing them to serve multiple purposes within the same system architecture. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the layer formation and resin replenishment operations into a unified interlaced process controlled by a single controller. Multiple build platforms are combined into one integrated system that coordinates their operations, allowing simultaneous execution of different functions across platforms while maintaining centralized control and reducing operational complexity.
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
Enhances productivity by enabling concurrent resin replenishment and layer formation across multiple platforms, improving efficiency in 3D printing processes.
Implementation Method 1
The light engine then selectively irradiates the build plane, thereby accreting a new layer of the 3D article onto the lower face
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A 3D printing system includes a first build platform, a second build platform, a light engine, and a controller. The first build platform contains photocurable resin between a first build surface and a first transparent wall. A first build plane is defined along the first transparent wall. The second build platform contains photocurable resin between a second build surface and a second transparent wall. A second build plane is defined along the second transparent wall. The controller is programmed to: operate the light engine to selectively irradiate the first build plane; translate the light engine to the second mechanical platform; operate the light engine to selectively irradiate the second build plane; translate the light engine back to the first mechanical platform; repeat operating and translating the light engine to alternately accrete photocurable resin at the first and second build surfaces.