Polarizing Unit for 3D Printing Nozzle Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing forming apparatuses face issues with nozzle clogging due to unintended curing of model and support materials by reflected irradiation beams, which affects the precision and efficiency of three-dimensional object formation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a P-polarizing unit within the irradiation unit that adjusts the irradiation beam to match a P-polarized beam parallel to the incident plane, reducing reflectance and thereby minimizing the amount of reflected beam that can cause unintended curing on the ejection surfaces of the model and support material heads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an irradiation beam is used to cure the forming liquid, then the curing efficiency is improved, but nozzle clogging occurs due to unintended curing by reflected beams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies Brewster's angle principle to convert the harmful reflected beam into a beneficial solution. By setting the irradiation beam at a specific angle (Brewster's angle) relative to the base surface, the reflected beam becomes polarized and its intensity is significantly reduced, thereby preventing unintended curing of the forming liquid and nozzle clogging while maintaining effective curing at the target location
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the irradiation beam by controlling its incident angle relative to the base surface. Specifically, the beam is irradiated at Brewster's angle (a specific parameter value) to optimize the polarization state and minimize reflected beam intensity, thus resolving the contradiction between curing efficiency and preventing nozzle clogging
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 effectively suppresses nozzle clogging by controlling the curing process, ensuring precise and efficient formation of three-dimensional objects with reduced interference from stray light, while maintaining a high level of irradiation beam intensity for curing purposes.
Implementation Method 1
a P-polarizing unit that is provided in the irradiation unit and that adjusts the irradiation beam to match P-polarized beam parallel to the incident plane
Implementation Method 2
reducing reflectance and thereby minimizing the amount of reflected beam that can cause unintended curing
Implementation Method 3
an irradiation unit that irradiates the forming liquid ejected on the forming base plate with an irradiation beam to cure the forming liquid
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a forming apparatus including an ejection unit that has an ejection surface from which a droplet of a light curing forming liquid is ejected toward a base surface of a forming base plate and that moves relatively to the forming base plate, an irradiation unit that irradiates the forming liquid ejected on the forming base plate with an irradiation beam to cure the forming liquid and that is provided such that an incident plane defined by an optical axis of the irradiation beam and the base surface intersects with the ejection surface, and a P-polarizing unit that is provided in the irradiation unit and that adjusts the irradiation beam to match P-polarized beam parallel to the incident plane.