3D Printer Lamination Scanner with Integrated Gas Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lamination molding apparatuses face limitations in enlarging the irradiation range due to thermal deformation and inefficient fume removal, leading to reduced accuracy and longer molding times when attempting to create larger objects.
Innovation Solution
A lamination molding apparatus with an integrated galvanometer scanner, inert gas supplying nozzle, and fume suction duct, where the inert gas supplying and fume suction openings are positioned to oppose each other, allowing for improved inert gas flow and efficient fume removal, enabling the expansion of the chamber for larger object production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the galvanometer scanner is disposed at a high position to expand the irradiation region, then the irradiation range is enlarged, but the irradiation accuracy decreases due to thermal deformation and spot position changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a stationary high-position scanner to a movable scanner that operates in two dimensions: maintaining a high position for wide coverage while moving horizontally across the chamber to expand the effective irradiation region without sacrificing accuracy at any given position
Solution Approach 2:
The scanner is made dynamically movable rather than statically fixed, allowing it to adapt its position to maintain optimal irradiation conditions while covering a larger overall area through coordinated movement
2Productivity
If the scan speed is increased to improve molding efficiency, then productivity increases, but fume removal becomes insufficient and molding environment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fume suction system is activated in advance and operates continuously before, during, and after laser irradiation, proactively removing fumes before they can accumulate to harmful levels, enabling higher scan speeds without environmental deterioration
Solution Approach 2:
The fume suction operates continuously throughout the molding process rather than intermittently, maintaining constant removal of fumes to match the continuous generation from laser sintering, thereby supporting sustained high-speed operation
3Area of stationary object
If the inert gas supply and fume suction openings are positioned far apart to cover larger area, then the chamber can be enlarged, but fume removal efficiency decreases due to increased distance
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fume suction openings are distributed across the chamber and merged into a coordinated suction system, with each opening positioned close to its corresponding irradiation zone to maintain efficient local fume removal while collectively covering the entire enlarged chamber area
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 allows for the enlargement of the chamber, maintaining a clean environment and improving molding efficiency by ensuring timely fume removal and precise inert gas flow, thus enabling the production of larger objects without significant increases in molding time.
Implementation Method 1
predetermined portions of this material powder layer are irradiated with the laser beam to sinter the material powder at the position of irradiation
Implementation Method 2
to sinter the material powder at the position of irradiation, thereby forming a sintered layer
Implementation Method 3
an inert gas supplying nozzle 45 having an inert gas supplying opening 45a for supplying an inert gas
Implementation Method 4
a fume suction duct 46 having a fume suction opening 46a for suctioning the inert gas containing fumes generated with irradiation of the laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
A lamination molding apparatus with a molding table, including: a galvanometer scanner configured to irradiate a small irradiation region on the molding table with a laser beam; an inert gas supplying nozzle having an inert gas supplying opening for supplying an inert gas; a fume suction duct having a fume suction opening for suctioning the inert gas containing fumes generated with irradiation of the laser beam; an integration unit integrally including the galvanometer scanner, the inert gas supplying nozzle and the fume suction duct; and a moving device configured to move the integration unit so the galvanometer scanner scans and irradiates the laser beam on a large irradiation region larger than the small irradiation region on the molding table; wherein the inert gas supplying opening and the fume suction opening are opposed to each other so an irradiation path of the laser beam is placed therebetween.