Movable Build Material Application Element for Additive Manufacturing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current additively manufacturing apparatuses for three-dimensional objects face inefficiencies in build material application, which hinder productivity and are not optimized for series production of additively manufactured components.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a build material application device with a moveable build material application element that can be transferred between operating and non-operating states, allowing for efficient application of build material layers in a build plane through controlled motion paths and orientations, enabling precise and productive layerwise selective irradiation and consolidation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If build material is applied using a stationary application element, then the structure is simple, but the productivity is low due to inefficient material application
Solution Approach 1:
The build material application element is made moveable along the build plane, transitioning from a stationary to a dynamic configuration. This allows the application element to travel across the build plane, applying material more efficiently and increasing productivity without requiring a completely complex multi-component system.
Solution Approach 2:
The application element is designed as a separate, movable component that can be independently positioned and operated. This segmentation allows the application element to be optimized for material application while the rest of the system maintains relative simplicity, resolving the contradiction between productivity and device complexity.
2Productivity
If the build material application element is always in operating position, then the productivity is maximized, but the manufacturing precision decreases due to inability to reposition
Solution Approach 1:
The application element can dynamically change its position between operating and non-operating states. When not in use, it retracts to a non-operating position away from the build plane, preventing accidental material application and maintaining precision. When needed, it moves to the operating position to apply material efficiently, thus balancing productivity and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The application element is positioned in advance to the correct location before material application is required. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the element activates, it is already in the precise location needed, maintaining manufacturing precision while enabling efficient material application when required.
3Productivity
If the build material application element is moveable across the build plane, then the productivity increases, but the device complexity increases due to motion control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
A simple movable mechanism is implemented that allows the application element to travel along the build plane. The motion control is integrated into the existing apparatus structure, adding minimal complexity while significantly improving productivity through efficient material application across the entire build plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable application element serves multiple functions: it can apply material at different locations, retract to non-operating positions, and be repositioned as needed. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby increasing productivity without proportionally increasing 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 solution enhances the efficiency and productivity of the additive manufacturing process by ensuring accurate and efficient application of build material layers, thereby improving the overall productivity of the apparatus in producing three-dimensional objects.
Implementation Method 1
additively manufacturing three-dimensional objects by means of successive layerwise selective irradiation and consolidation of layers of build material
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for additively manufacturing three-dimensional objects formed by irradiation and consolidation of layers of build material. The apparatus may include at least one build plane; at least one build material application device being adapted to apply an amount of build material in the at least one build plane, the at least one build material application device comprising at least one build material application element being moveably supported in a first motion path in which the at least one build material application element is moveable or moved across the at least one build plane, wherein the at least one build material application element is transferrable in a first orientation in which the at least one build material application element is operable to apply an amount of build material in the at least one build plane and in a second orientation in which the at least one build material application element is not operable to apply an amount of build material in the at least one build plane.