3D Printing Nozzle Air Cooling for Deposition Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional modeling apparatuses face challenges in maintaining modeling precision due to deformation of molten materials caused by their weight, especially when the plasticized material does not quickly solidify, leading to low precision in fabricated objects.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional modeling apparatus that includes a plasticizing section, an ejection section, a first air blowing section to cool the molten material, and a control unit to adjust the relative positional relationship, preventing deformation by cooling the molten material before deposition and stabilizing the ejection direction through controlled air flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the plasticized material is used without quick solidification, then the material can be deposited, but the deposited material deforms due to its weight leading to low modeling precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by cooling the molten material before deposition through air blowing sections. The control unit activates air blowing to reduce the temperature of the molten material prior to ejection, causing it to solidify quickly upon contact with the platform. This preliminary cooling prevents deformation due to weight after deposition, thereby improving modeling precision while maintaining material stability.
2Manufacturing precision
If air is blown toward the molten material to cool it, then deposition precision improves, but the air flow may cause fluctuation in ejection direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the air blowing function into two distinct sections: a first air blowing section that blows air from the circumference of the nozzle toward the molten material for cooling, and a second air blowing section that blows air from the circumference of the first air blowing section in a direction toward the platform. This segmentation allows the first section to provide cooling for precision while the second section stabilizes the air flow to prevent ejection direction fluctuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The second air blowing section acts as an intermediary that stabilizes the air flow environment. By blowing air toward the platform, it creates a controlled air flow field that prevents disturbance factors from affecting the ejection direction, thereby mediating between the cooling function and ejection stability.
3Temperature
If a traditional screw extruder is used for plasticizing, then the material can be melted, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential plasticizing function from a traditional screw extruder and implements it using a simplified heating unit combined with a flat screw. This extracted configuration maintains the material melting capability while significantly reducing the apparatus size and structural complexity compared to conventional screw extruders.
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
The solution improves modeling precision by preventing deformation due to weight and stabilizing the ejection direction, allowing for the creation of precise three-dimensional objects without support materials and enabling the fabrication of overhang portions.
Implementation Method 1
a first air blowing section that blows air from a circumference of the nozzle toward the molten material ejected from the nozzle
Implementation Method 2
a second air blowing section that blows air from a circumference of the first air blowing section in a direction toward the platform
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional modeling apparatus for fabricating a three-dimensional object includes a plasticizing section that plasticizes a thermoplastic material to transform into a molten material; an ejection section for ejecting the molten material; a first air blowing section that blows air from a circumference of the nozzle toward the molten material ejected from the nozzle; a platform on which the molten material ejected from the nozzle is deposited; and a control unit that changes a relative positional relationship between the ejection section and the platform.