3D Printing Nozzle Clogging Reduction via Beam-Blocking Wall
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D printing technologies face issues with nozzle clogging due to reflected light beams during the curing process, which affects the formation of three-dimensional objects and can lead to reduced precision and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A forming apparatus with a beam-blocking unit that includes a reduction section, such as a beam-blocking wall or a layer of balls, is used to reduce the amount of reflected light beams, preventing nozzle clogging by strategically positioning these elements around the forming area based on the size and shape of the three-dimensional object being created.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the forming apparatus operates without a reduction section, then the structure is simpler and the operating space is larger, but reflected light beams cause nozzle clogging and reduce manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 1:
A reduction section is introduced as an intermediary element between the ejection surface and the reflected light beams. This section selectively blocks reflected light while allowing the forming process to continue uninterrupted, preventing nozzle clogging without interfering with the primary forming function
Solution Approach 2:
The reduction section is positioned specifically around the three-dimensional object where reflected light causes problems, rather than blocking the entire operating space. This localized approach maintains manufacturing precision where needed while preserving overall system simplicity and operating space
2Manufacturing precision
If a reduction section is added around the three-dimensional object, then reflected light beams are reduced and nozzle clogging is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reduction section is designed to move together with the three-dimensional object during the forming process. This dynamic positioning ensures that the reduction section remains appropriately positioned relative to the object and ejection surface throughout operation, maintaining curing precision without requiring separate control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The reduction section is integrated with the operating section or base portion, combining multiple functions into a single structural element. This merging approach reduces overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate components while still achieving light beam reduction and precision curing
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 reduction of reflected light beams effectively prevents nozzle clogging, ensuring precise and efficient formation of three-dimensional objects by maintaining the integrity of the ejection surfaces and preventing unwanted curing on the ejection heads.
Implementation Method 1
curing the droplet with an irradiation beam
Implementation Method 2
reduces an amount of light reflected toward the ejection surface
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a forming apparatus including an operating section that includes a base portion, a forming unit that includes an ejection unit having an ejection surface from which a droplet of a light curing forming liquid is ejected toward the base portion, that moves relatively with respect to the base portion, and that forms a three-dimensional object on the base portion by repeating both of ejection of the droplet and curing the droplet with an irradiation beam, and a reduction unit that disposes a reduction section, which reduces an amount of light reflected toward the ejection surface, around the three-dimensional object in the operating section.