3D Printer Using Liquid-Solid Chemical Reaction Deposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D printing technologies, such as selective laser melting, require heat sources and complex equipment, limiting their efficiency and cost-effectiveness in material deposition and structural simplicity.
Innovation Solution
A 3D printer based on liquid-solid chemical reaction deposition using a gel-like reactant and base powder, where the gel-like reactant is delivered through a liquid nozzle to react with the powder, forming a solid precipitate that bonds layer-by-layer without the need for additional heat or light sources, utilizing a three-axis linkage mechanism and solenoid valve for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If heating powder or wire is used in selective laser melting, then material deposition and bonding are achieved, but equipment complexity and cost increase due to required heat sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal energy systems (lasers, heaters) with a chemical reaction system. A liquid reactant is sprayed onto powder material, triggering an exothermic chemical reaction that provides localized heating and bonding. This substitutes complex thermal control systems with a simpler chemical delivery system, reducing equipment complexity while maintaining material deposition capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy delivery mechanism from external thermal sources to internal chemical energy release. By controlling the concentration and delivery rate of the liquid reactant, the system achieves precise control over reaction intensity and heat generation, eliminating the need for external heat sources and associated control systems
2Manufacturing precision
If laser systems are used for material processing, then precise material deposition is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces laser systems with a liquid spraying system. The liquid reactant is delivered through a nozzle that can be precisely positioned and controlled, providing the same level of deposition accuracy without requiring complex laser optics, mirrors, and thermal management systems
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid reactant serves as an intermediary that delivers both the chemical energy for bonding and the material for deposition. This single medium replaces multiple subsystems (laser source, optical path, powder delivery, support structures) with a unified chemical delivery system, dramatically simplifying 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
This method enables efficient, cost-effective, and simple material deposition, capable of forming parts with various materials like metals and organic bodies, leveraging chemical energy for layer-by-layer solidification, with high application potential and value.
Implementation Method 1
the gel-like reactant 3 should meet requirements of chemical precipitation reaction with the base powder substance to produce the required material of the part to be processed
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a 3D printer based on liquid-solid chemical reaction deposition and operating methods thereof, comprising a sealed forming chamber, a powder container, a forming container, a powder spreading mechanism, and a three-axis linkage mechanism in the sealed forming chamber. The three-axis linkage mechanism moves a nozzle in the sealed forming chamber according to a movement path planning of a control system of the 3D printer. A liquid supply device is provided outside the sealed forming chamber. The liquid supply device contains a gel-like reactant. The nozzle is a liquid nozzle. The liquid nozzle communicates with the liquid supply device through a following conduit. Through the phenomenon of solid deposition produced by chemical reaction between gel-like reactant and powder substance, following the digital model of the required part, and according to the processed movement path, the liquid nozzle is controlled to move in a selected area and continuously ejects gel-like reactant to have chemical deposition reaction with base powder substance. After layer-by-layer cumulative stacking with existing 3D printing additive manufacturing equipment, and after solidification, the entire part is finally formed.