3D Additive Manufacturing Molten Pool Temperature Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques fail to accurately measure the temperature of a molten pool during three-dimensional laminating and shaping processes.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional laminating and shaping apparatus that captures images of the molten pool using an infrared camera or similar device, allowing for temperature measurement based on luminance distribution data, and derives scanning direction, width, and cooling rate from these images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If infrared camera is used to measure surface temperature of recoated powder layer, then temperature measurement is possible, but accurate measurement of molten pool temperature is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the recoated powder layer as an intermediary medium to indirectly measure molten pool temperature. The infrared camera measures the temperature of the powder layer surface, which has been heated by the molten pool, rather than attempting to directly measure the molten pool temperature. This intermediary approach allows temperature measurement while avoiding the limitations of direct molten pool measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct contact temperature measurement methods with non-contact infrared thermal imaging. By using infrared radiation detection instead of physical contact sensors, the system can measure temperature through the powder layer without disturbing the molten pool or requiring direct access to the high-temperature zone.
2Measurement precision
If conventional temperature measurement methods are used, then device calibration is required, but measurement accuracy and response efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the powder layer itself as the measurement target, leveraging its inherent properties (emissivity, thermal response) rather than requiring separate calibration standards. The measurement process is self-contained, using the material being processed as both the object of action and the sensor target, eliminating the need for external calibration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct molten pool temperature to powder layer surface temperature. This parameter transformation allows measurement without calibration because the powder layer's thermal properties are more stable and predictable, and its temperature distribution can be directly correlated to processing conditions without requiring device-specific calibration.
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
Enables accurate temperature measurement and determination of molten pool dimensions and cooling rates without the need for device calibration, enhancing process control and response efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the surface temperature of a recoated powder layer by an infrared camera
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
The temperature of a molten pool is measured based on an image captured by an infrared camera or the like. A three-dimensional laminating and shaping apparatus include a material ejector that ejects a material of a three-dimensional laminated and shaped object. The three-dimensional laminating and shaping apparatus includes a light beam irradiator that irradiates the ejected material with a light beam. The three-dimensional laminating and shaping apparatus includes an image capturer that captures a molten pool of the material formed by irradiating the ejected material with the light beam. The three-dimensional laminating and shaping apparatus includes a temperature deriving unit that derives a temperature of the molten pool based on a luminance of an image of the molten pool captured by the image capturer.