Lateral UV Radiation for Stereolithography Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stereolithographic methods face challenges in achieving effective adhesion of component layers due to integrated light sources increasing costs and complicating equipment maintenance, and existing solutions do not allow for efficient single-use systems or easy placement in cleaning installations.
Innovation Solution
A method where secondary radiation is supplied laterally to a planar, radiation-permeable object carrier, with light sources positioned externally and the object carrier having openings for efficient radiation coupling, allowing for better adhesion and independent movement of components during the construction process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the light source is integrated into the construction platform, then the adhesion of the first component layers is improved, but the device complexity and costs increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is extracted from the construction platform and positioned externally. A laterally arranged light source illuminates the construction platform through its light-permeable bottom, providing the necessary UV radiation for curing the photoreactive substance without integrating the light source into the platform structure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The construction platform acts as an intermediary element with a light-permeable bottom that allows UV radiation to pass through. This mediator enables the separation of the light source from the platform while maintaining the functional relationship needed for curing and adhesion.
2Reliability
If the light source is integrated into the construction platform, then the adhesion of the first component layers is improved, but the ease of operation and maintenance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the light source from the construction platform, the system allows the platform to be removed and placed in cleaning installations without the light source. This separation enables independent maintenance of both components and simplifies operational procedures.
3Reliability
If the light source is integrated into the construction platform, then the adhesion of the first component layers is improved, but the loss of substance increases due to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is positioned externally and does not move with the construction platform. This extraction prevents cleaning liquids from penetrating into the light source during maintenance operations, eliminating the risk of contamination and associated losses.
4Reliability
If a mirror is used to guide light around the vat, then the adhesion is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The construction platform serves multiple functions: it acts as the support for the object, provides a light-permeable surface for UV curing, and guides the lateral UV radiation through its bottom surface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mirror components.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-permeable bottom of the construction platform serves as an intermediary that both supports the object and allows UV radiation to pass through from the lateral light source, combining structural and optical functions in a single component.
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 the adhesion of initial object layers while reducing equipment costs and simplifying maintenance by separating light sources from the object carrier, enabling efficient and economical integration into three-dimensional object production systems.
Implementation Method 1
the object being formed by the curing of a photosensitive substance by means of curing radiation
Implementation Method 2
secondary radiation is supplied laterally to the generally planar, radiation-permeable object carrier and is deflected within the object carrier
Implementation Method 3
the object carrier is at least partially permeable to the secondary radiation
Data Source
AI summary
An object (3) is adhesively attached to an object carrier (15) in a stereolithographic process. The object (3) is formed by the curing of a photosensitive substance (5) by curing radiation, at least in one region of the object carrier (15). Secondary radiation is radiated to the object carrier (15) in a direction that is different from the direction of the curing radiation in order to adhesively attach the object (3). The secondary radiation is supplied laterally to the generally planar, radiation-permeable object carrier (15) and is deflected within the object carrier (15).