3D Printer Print Head Deposit Removal Using Vibratory Grinding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing deposits and clogging in 3D printer nozzles are inefficient, particularly when severe blockages occur, and require chemical cleaning agents that fill the entire fluid system, which is costly and incomplete in removal efficacy.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of a granular solid, such as zirconium oxide or silica particles, supplied to the print head, which is then set into vibration to create a vibratory grinding effect, effectively dissolving and removing deposits by scrubbing the nozzle and channel walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cleaning agents are used to remove deposits, then the entire fluid system is filled with cleaning agent, but severe blockages cannot be removed and the process is costly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the necessary cleaning function from the entire fluid system by directing cleaning particles locally to the print head nozzle, rather than filling the entire fluid system with cleaning agents. This localized approach reduces cost and complexity while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces granular particles as an intermediary medium that facilitates deposit removal through vibratory grinding. These particles act as a mediator between the vibration source and the deposits, enabling effective cleaning without requiring costly chemical cleaning agents to fill the entire system.
2Reliability
If strong spraying of ink is used to remove blockages, then some blockages may be loosened, but severe blockages remain impossible to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies mechanical vibration to the liquid containing granular particles, creating a vibratory grinding effect that significantly enhances blockage removal capability. The vibration causes intense relative motion between particles and deposits, enabling removal of severe blockages that cannot be achieved by simple spraying.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite cleaning medium consisting of liquid and granular particles together. This composite approach combines the fluidity of liquid with the abrasive properties of particles, creating a more effective cleaning system than liquid alone, thereby improving both reliability and productivity.
3Ease of operation
If the print head is disconnected to introduce cleaning agent, then cleaning can be performed, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables the print head to clean itself by introducing particles into the existing fluid system and applying vibration. The print head structure itself becomes part of the cleaning mechanism, eliminating the need for disconnection and complex external cleaning procedures. The system serves its own maintenance needs through integrated particle vibration.
4Reliability
If granular particles are used for cleaning, then severe blockages can be removed, but particles may clog the nozzles themselves
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a controlled concentration of granular particles in the liquid - enough to provide effective vibratory grinding for deposit removal, but not so much as to cause nozzle clogging. The particle concentration is optimized to achieve the necessary cleaning action while minimizing harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning process uses periodic vibration applied to the particle-laden liquid. This periodic action allows particles to alternately attack deposits and be flushed through the system, preventing particle accumulation and clogging while maintaining effective cleaning during the vibration cycles.
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 method achieves high-quality printing by efficiently removing stubborn deposits and preventing nozzle failures, without the need for separate cleaning agents, and can be performed during stand-by mode, ensuring all nozzles function properly.
Implementation Method 1
The granular solids that are set into vibration create a vibratory grinding effect (trowalizing effect) that can be used to remove deposits within the print head
Implementation Method 2
Since the solid bodies create a scrubbing effect on the side walls with their movement, deposits in the fluid channels and at the nozzles can be dissolved and removed
Implementation Method 3
the liquid is set into vibration by means of piezo elements in the print head
Implementation Method 4
by coupling ultrasonic waves and/or by employing a magnetic piston pump. The coupling of ultrasonic waves can be achieved by coupling an external ultrasonic generating device into the fluid system
Data Source
AI summary
A method for removing deposits in a print head of a 3D printer, including the steps of supplying (S101) a liquid having a granular solid to the print head; and setting into vibration (S102) the liquid in the print head.