3D Printing Device with Movable Construction Tools for Automated Unpacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D printing methods face challenges in mass production due to manual unpacking difficulties, solvent-related issues, and geometric deviations, which hinder efficient automation and integration into production systems.
Innovation Solution
A production device with construction field tools similar in volume to the objects produced, equipped with movable layering units that allow synchronized movement and integration of automated curing and unpacking processes, enabling robot-based series production and efficient heat treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If solvent-based binding systems are used to solidify particulate material, then the particles can adhere to one another, but the solvent causes long waiting periods, part weakness, plastic deformation, adhesion to parts, print head attack, and geometric deviations due to shrinkage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the binding mechanism from solvent-based dissolution to thermal fusion. By heating the particulate material to its melting or softening temperature, particles fuse together without requiring long waiting periods for solvent evaporation. This parameter change (from chemical dissolution to thermal fusion) eliminates the time delay while maintaining bond strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the chemical binding system (solvent dissolution) with a thermal-mechanical system (heating and compression). The particulate material is heated to a temperature where particles soften or melt, then compressed to fuse them together. This substitution eliminates solvent-related problems including long waiting periods, part weakness, and geometric deviations.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual unpacking and finishing operations are used to remove parts from powder and clean them, then parts can be freed from adhering powder, but the process requires significant manual labor and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a vibration mechanism that causes the particulate material to self-dense and automatically release the formed parts. The vibration table vibrates the construction container, causing powder to settle and parts to become loose, eliminating the need for manual brushing or picking. This self-service approach significantly reduces manual labor while maintaining ease of part removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses mechanical vibration of the construction container to facilitate automatic unpacking. Vibration causes the particulate material to settle and detach from the formed parts, allowing automated removal without manual intervention. This dramatically improves productivity by eliminating time-consuming manual finishing operations.
3Reliability
If construction containers are used to bound the construction process, then powder is stabilized and parts are formed, but the cuboid volume creates inefficient space utilization and limits automation integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the construction process into multiple segments by using several construction containers arranged in series. Each container holds a specific number of parts (e.g., 10-20 pieces), allowing parallel processing and automated handling. This segmentation maintains construction stability within each container while enabling mass production through coordinated processing of multiple containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic elements by making the construction container movable on a conveyor system. Containers are automatically transported between processing stations, enabling continuous production flow. This dynamic approach transforms the static cuboid container into an active component of an automated production line, significantly improving mass production capability.
4Strength
If solvent is used to dissolve and re-solidify particles, then binding occurs, but shrinkage in the part causes geometric deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the binding mechanism from solvent-based dissolution to thermal fusion. By heating particles to their melting or softening point and then cooling them under compression, the material undergoes phase change without the shrinkage associated with solvent evaporation. This parameter change preserves geometric accuracy while achieving strong particle bonding.
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 simplifies the 3D printing process, automates unpacking and heat treatment, reduces manual labor, and enhances production efficiency by allowing for coordinated movement of construction field tools and layering units, facilitating the production of complex parts like foundry cores in a more economical and efficient manner.
Implementation Method 1
a thin layer of particulate material is deposited on a platform and has a binder material selectively printed thereon by means of a print head. The particulate region with the binder printed thereon bonds and solidifies under the influence of the binder
Implementation Method 2
a heating unit arranged to heat the construction field tool
Implementation Method 3
a vibration unit arranged to vibrate the construction field tool
Implementation Method 4
a suction device may be used
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device for producing 3D shaped parts (300), comprising a plurality of construction field tools (500), which are arranged in a movable manner, and at least one layer unit (800) which is arranged in a movable manner.