Pivoting Build Platform for Automatic 3D Printer Plane Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D printers face issues with ensuring parallelism between the projection plane and building platform plane, requiring manual adjustment before each print job, which is cumbersome and dependent on component tolerances.
Innovation Solution
A 3D printer with a pivoting building platform and process control that allows for automatic alignment by forming wedges under the platform to achieve parallelism, eliminating the need for manual adjustments and separate blocking means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment means are provided to ensure parallelism between projection plane and building platform plane, then parallelism can be achieved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates due to required manual intervention before each print job
Solution Approach 1:
The building platform automatically adjusts its position and orientation relative to the projection plane through the pivoting receiving apparatus. The system self-aligns during the printing process without requiring manual intervention before each print job, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining manufacturing precision through automatic parallelism establishment.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving apparatus is designed to pivot dynamically during the printing process, allowing the building platform to automatically adjust its position and orientation. This dynamic adjustment mechanism eliminates the need for static manual adjustment means while ensuring parallelism between the projection plane and building platform plane throughout the printing process.
2Manufacturing precision
If blocking means are provided to completely block pivotal movement of the building platform, then parallelism can be ensured, but device complexity increases and ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The building platform automatically establishes parallelism through the pivoting receiving apparatus during the printing process itself, eliminating the need for separate blocking means. This self-aligning mechanism reduces device complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision through process-controlled alignment rather than mechanical blocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving apparatus pivots dynamically to allow the building platform to automatically adjust and establish parallelism during operation. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the need for static blocking means, thereby simplifying the device structure and improving ease of manufacture while ensuring the required parallelism.
3Manufacturing precision
If low component tolerances are required to ensure parallelism, then manufacturing precision improves, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to stricter tolerance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The pivoting receiving apparatus dynamically adjusts the building platform's position and orientation during the printing process, compensating for tolerances in the component manufacturing. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows for higher component tolerances while maintaining the required parallelism between the projection plane and building platform plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the building platform by allowing it to pivot and adjust its position dynamically during printing. This parameter change enables the system to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and achieve the required parallelism without requiring extremely tight component tolerances, thereby improving ease of manufacture.
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 parallelism between the projection and building platform planes without manual intervention, reducing costs and improving usability and operability by allowing a lightweight, pivotable platform design.
Implementation Method 1
The receiving apparatus (2) according to the invention has a pivoting device (2.2) for pivotably holding the building platform (2.1) and is adapted to abut the underside of the building platform (2.1) parallel against the transparent bottom (1.2) of the vat (1.1) when lowered by the transport apparatus (1.5)
Implementation Method 2
In 3D printing using the DLP process, photoreactive resins are cured layer by layer with light (usually UV light). In the so-called bottom-up process, a projector is located below the resin bath
Implementation Method 3
a transport apparatus (1.5) for moving the building platform (2.1) downward or upward in the vat (1.1)
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a 3D printer including: a vat having an at least partially transparent bottom for receiving liquid photoreactive resin for producing a solid component; a building platform for pulling the component layer by layer out of the vat; a projector for projecting the layer geometry onto the transparent bottom; a transport apparatus for moving the building platform at least downward or upward in the vat; and a receiving apparatus for detachably connecting the building platform to the transport apparatus. The receiving apparatus includes a pivoting device for pivotally holding the building platform and is adapted to abut the underside of the building platform parallelly onto the transparent bottom of the vat when lowered by the transport apparatus. The 3D printer is provided without for the ability to completely block the pivotal movement of the pivotably held building platform.