Powder Collection Layout for Compact Additive Manufacturing Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing additive manufacturing devices are bulky due to the need for separate auxiliary devices for unloading powders, especially those with low minimum ignition energy, and this occupies significant space, increasing costs and maintenance requirements.
Innovation Solution
An additive manufacturing machine with a hermetically sealed enclosure and integrated glove box allows for powder handling and unloading within the enclosure, eliminating the need for a separate auxiliary device by using a sampling circuit to transfer powder to containers, and incorporating a powder layer deposition device and suction system for safe and efficient powder management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a liquid binding agent is used to bind printing powder particles, then the binding effect is improved, but organic contaminants are introduced into the manufactured object
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameter of the binding agent from organic (liquid) to inorganic (aqueous slurry containing water and inorganic binder). This substitution maintains the binding function while eliminating organic contaminants, directly resolving the technical contradiction between binding effectiveness and contamination.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If an aqueous slurry binding agent is used to avoid organic contaminants, then cleanliness is improved, but the binding agent may freeze at low temperatures affecting process reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention modifies the physical parameter (freezing point) of the aqueous slurry by adding antifreeze agents or using low-freezing-point solvents. This allows the binding agent to remain liquid and functional at low temperatures, resolving the contradiction between cleanliness and process reliability in cold environments.
3Productivity
If conventional sintering processes are used to bind powder particles, then manufacturing speed is improved, but dimensional precision and surface finish deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes controlled phase transition (sintering) of the inorganic binder at elevated temperatures to bind the green compacted powder particles. This thermal processing step consolidates the structure, improves dimensional precision and surface finish, while the pre-compaction step maintains productivity, resolving the contradiction between speed and precision.
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 design reduces the device's footprint, lowers manufacturing and maintenance costs, and ensures safe handling of powders with low minimum ignition energy by integrating powder handling and unloading within the manufacturing chamber.
Implementation Method 1
the binder is then applied to the green compacted object to consolidate the object
Implementation Method 2
an RF generator is configured to apply radio frequency (RF) energy to the consolidated object to evaporate the binder from the consolidated object
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to an additive manufacturing machine (4) comprising: - a manufacturing enclosure (49) equipped with a glove box (251); - a powder transport circuit (42); - a power source configured to melt the powder in the manufacturing zone (63); and - a collection circuit (57) configured to collect powder from the transport circuit (42) and transport the collected powder to an outlet of the collection circuit (57), the outlet of the collection circuit being located above a reception zone (281), the reception zone (281) being different from the manufacturing zone (63) and located opposite the outlet of the collection circuit (57), and the gloves (251) being configured to handle an object located in the enclosure (49) and to reach the reception zone (281).