3D Molding Equipment Continuous Scanning Path

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing three-dimensional molding techniques face inefficiencies and shape deformation issues due to prolonged molding times and uneven temperature distributions caused by the use of galvano scanner devices, which result in increased waiting times and temperature differences during the sintering process.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a three-dimensional molding equipment and method that employs a continuous molding path for the light beam or electron beam, avoiding intersections and using a continuous radiation process to reduce waiting times and temperature distribution irregularities, with scanning routes set at predetermined angles and distances to prevent shape deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a galvano scanner device is used to radiate light beam or electron beam in linear scanning routes, then the molding path can be preliminarily set and the location can be moved fast, but the molding time is prolonged due to waiting time for determining radiated position multiple times

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam movement speedVSAvoidmolding efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous scanning routes where the light beam or electron beam radiates continuously without turning off during route transitions. The beam moves from one scanning route to the next in a continuous manner, eliminating the waiting time caused by turning the beam source on and off multiple times, thus improving molding efficiency while maintaining fast beam movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Ease of manufacture

If linear scanning routes are used from one side to the other side, then the scanning can be completed systematically, but temperature distribution becomes uneven and shape deformation such as warpage may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning process simplicityVSAvoidshape accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces curved scanning routes that follow the contour of the object being molded, replacing straight linear paths. This curved approach allows the beam to scan in a manner that maintains more uniform temperature distribution across the object, preventing warpage and shape deformation while still completing the scanning process systematically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a new dimension to the scanning approach by implementing spiral or circular scanning patterns instead of simple linear paths. This dimensional change in the scanning trajectory enables the beam to cover the object surface in a way that distributes heat more evenly, preventing localized overheating and subsequent deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If the light beam or electron beam is turned ON and OFF multiple times during scanning, then the radiated position can be determined at predetermined positions, but the molding time is prolonged due to waiting time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiated position accuracyVSAvoidwaiting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains continuous radiation of the light beam or electron beam throughout the entire scanning process, including during transitions between different scanning routes. This eliminates the need to turn the beam source on and off multiple times, removing the associated waiting time while still achieving precise position control through continuous beam movement along predetermined paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 significantly reduces molding time and prevents shape deformation, such as warpage, by maintaining continuous radiation along non-intersecting paths and optimizing temperature distribution within the plastic object.

Implementation Method 1

a process of radiating a light beam or an electron beam to a predetermined region of the powder layer formed in the mentioned process to sinter the powder in the predetermined region

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSintering: Sintering

Data Source

PatentEP2926981B1Three-dimensional molding equipment and manufacturing method for three-dimensionally shaped plastic object
Publication Date: 2020.07.22 MATSUURA MACHINERY CO LTD
  • EP2926981B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2926981B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2926981B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A three-dimensional molding equipment and a method for manufacturing the same comprise a powder supply equipment (40) which includes a laminating process to form a powder layer; and a light beam or electron beam scanning unit (20) which includes a sintering process to radiate a light beam or an electron beam to the powder layer and move a location radiated by the light beam or the electron beam to sinter the powder layer, wherein the laminating process and the sintering process are configured to alternately repeat, a molding path to be a scanning route of the light beam or electron beam on the inside of an object to be molded is preliminarily set as a continuous route which does not pass the same line and does not form any intersection, and the light beam or electron beam by the light beam or electron beam scanning unit (20) is continuously radiated along the molding path.