Light-Absorbing Container Bottom for Ceramic Additive Fabrication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ceramic build materials in additive fabrication techniques like SLA suffer from light scattering, leading to reduced resolution, uneven surfaces, and structural defects due to unintended curing caused by scattered actinic radiation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a light-absorbing additive into the container of the additive fabrication device to absorb and block a significant fraction of scattered actinic radiation, minimizing its transmission and reflection back into the build material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If light-absorbing additive is incorporated into the container to block scattered actinic radiation, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container bottom is modified by incorporating light-absorbing additives (such as carbon black, iron oxide, or other pigments) to change its optical properties. This parameter change enables the container to absorb scattered actinic radiation, preventing it from reflecting back into the build material and causing unintended curing. The additive concentration and type are optimized to achieve the desired light absorption while maintaining container functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-absorbing additive in the container bottom acts as an intermediary element between the actinic radiation and the build material. It intercepts scattered radiation that would otherwise reflect off the container bottom and cause defects in the printed object, thereby mediating the interaction between light and material to improve print quality.
2Manufacturing precision
If light-absorbing additive is used to reduce unintended curing, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light-absorbing property is applied locally only to the container bottom surface where scattered radiation is most problematic, rather than throughout the entire container or build material. This localized application allows the container bottom to selectively absorb reflected light while minimizing overall energy loss in the system. The additive is confined to the bottom coating layer, creating a targeted solution that addresses the specific problem of reflected radiation without unnecessarily reducing energy transmission throughout the entire build volume.
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 precision and accuracy of printed objects by reducing unintended curing, maintaining structural integrity, and preventing deformation.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one additive in the bottom surface of the container is configured to partially absorb transmission of the actinic radiation directed through the bottom surface of the container
Implementation Method 2
additive fabrication device configured to form layers of solid material on a build platform by curing liquid photopolymer
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described for fabricating parts in an additive fabrication device from a light-scattering build material, such as ceramic build materials. An additive fabrication device may comprise a container for holding a photo-polymerizable build material containing a light-scattering species such as ceramic particles. The bottom of the tank may comprise one or more light-absorbing additives that absorb a portion of the actinic radiation used to cure the build material. The one or more light-absorbing additives may include an absorptive dye, including inorganic pigments like carbon black, organic dyes, or other species.