Light Scattering Member for Additive Manufacturing Transparency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current additive manufacturing technologies face challenges in achieving high transparency and resolution when printing 3D objects, particularly due to uneven light distribution and curing depth issues with photocurable resins.
Innovation Solution
The use of an additive manufacturing device equipped with a light source, a building device, and a light scattering member. The light scattering member, with a haze of no less than 50% and a half peak angle ratio (R) of no less than 2.0, is positioned between the light source and the building surface to alter the light propagation direction, causing a light scattering effect that improves transparency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If direct light irradiation is used to cure photocurable resins, then curing efficiency is improved, but light distribution uniformity deteriorates causing surface protrusions and depressions
Solution Approach 1:
A light scattering member is introduced as an intermediary component between the light source and the photocurable resin. This scattering member diffuses the light before it reaches the resin, ensuring uniform light distribution across the building surface while maintaining sufficient curing efficiency. The scattering member acts as a mediator that transforms direct light into diffused light, resolving the contradiction between curing efficiency and surface flatness.
2Productivity
If high intensity light is used to improve curing speed, then productivity is improved, but light distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The light scattering member serves as a mediator that receives high intensity light from the light source and redistributes it uniformly across the building surface. By introducing this intermediary, the system can maintain high productivity through high intensity light while achieving uniform illumination that prevents surface defects.
3Device complexity
If conventional light sources are used without scattering members, then device complexity is reduced, but transparency of printed objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A light scattering member is introduced as an intermediary component to improve the transparency of printed transparent objects. The scattering member diffuses light during the curing process, preventing direct light paths that would create visible boundaries or defects in the final transparent object. This single added component significantly improves object transparency with minimal increase in device 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
The implementation of the light scattering member results in improved transparency and clarity of printed 3D objects by blurring pixel boundaries and reducing surface protrusions and depressions, thereby enhancing the overall transparency and resolution of the printed objects.
Implementation Method 1
The light scattering member is configured to alter a light propagation direction of the light from the light source to cause a light scattering effect on the building surface
Implementation Method 2
Photocurable additive manufacturing uses liquid photocurable resins as raw materials and undergoes a curing reaction under the irradiation of ultraviolet light of a certain wavelength to form a cured layer
Data Source
AI summary
In the embodiments of the present disclosure, additive manufacturing devices and methods are provided. The additive manufacturing device includes a light source, a building device, and a light scattering member. The light source is configured to provide light to cure photocurable resins. The building device includes a resin tank configured to store the photocurable resins. The building device has a building surface on which the photocurable resins are cured. The light scattering member is arranged between the light source and the building surface.