Print Table Fluid Flow Path for Thermal Distortion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flatbed inkjet printers face temperature-induced distortion in the print table due to UV curing, leading to variations in the print gap, which affects print quality, especially as printers become faster and require more precise droplet positioning.
Innovation Solution
A print table design featuring an upper and lower plate separated by an intermediate layer with a fluid flow path that alternates between the plates to promote heat transfer, using a serpentine or oscillating fluid flow path to equalize temperatures and reduce distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a solid heat-conducting table is used, then heat transfer is improved, but weight and cost increase prohibitively
Solution Approach 1:
The table is segmented into an upper plate, lower plate, and intermediate layer with honeycomb structure, replacing a solid table. This segmentation maintains heat transfer capability through the plates while the honeycomb intermediate layer reduces weight compared to a fully solid construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The table uses a composite structure combining metal plates with an aluminium honeycomb lattice intermediate layer. This composite design provides the necessary thermal conduction through the metal plates while the honeycomb structure reduces overall weight and material cost compared to a solid table.
2Weight of moving object
If plate thickness is reduced to lower weight, then weight is improved, but temperature differential increases causing distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The aluminium honeycomb intermediate layer acts as a thermal mediator between the upper and lower plates. It provides a flow path for cooling fluid that promotes heat transfer between the plates, equalizing temperatures and preventing distortion while maintaining thin plate thickness for reduced weight.
Solution Approach 2:
A cooling fluid is circulated through the intermediate layer to actively manage heat transfer between the upper and lower plates. This hydraulic system equalizes temperatures across the thin plates, preventing thermal distortion while allowing the table to remain lightweight.
3Productivity
If UV curing power is increased to improve printing speed, then productivity is improved, but temperature differential and distortion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling fluid in the intermediate layer serves as a thermal mediator that actively manages the heat generated by high-power UV curing. It absorbs excess heat from the upper plate and transfers it to the lower plate, maintaining temperature equilibrium even during high-speed printing with increased UV power.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling fluid circulates continuously through the intermediate layer, providing ongoing heat transfer between the upper and lower plates. This continuous thermal management allows sustained high-power UV curing for improved printing speed without accumulating temperature differentials that would cause distortion.
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 effectively reduces temperature differences between the upper and lower plates, minimizing heat-induced distortion and maintaining a consistent print gap, thereby enhancing print quality and precision.
Implementation Method 1
the intermediate layer being configured to provide a fluid flow therein that promotes a flow of fluid alternating between a position adjacent the upper plate and a position adjacent the lower plate, so as to promote heat transfer between the upper plate and the lower plate
Implementation Method 2
the flow of fluid in the intermediate layer travels along a serpentine or oscillating path bringing it into contact with the upper plate and the lower plate alternately
Data Source
AI summary
A table for a flatbed printer comprises an upper plate (4) and a lower plate (6) separated by an intermediate layer (8). The intermediate layer is configured to provide a fluid flow path (34) that promotes a flow of fluid alternating between a position adjacent the upper plate and a position adjacent the lower plate, so as to promote heat transfer between the upper plate and the lower plate. The fluid flow path may be formed using a plurality of holes (26) in the intermediate layer. A method of manufacturing the printer table is also described.