Printbeds, 3d-printers, methods and computer programs for regulation of a temperature of a printbed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heated printbeds in 3D printing face challenges in maintaining stable and accurate temperature control, particularly with materials having different coefficients of thermal expansion, leading to warping issues and potential safety hazards due to slow cooling and unattended hot surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A printbed utilizing Peltier elements with heatsinks and fans for efficient temperature regulation, allowing for rapid heating and cooling by switching voltage polarity, and arranging Peltier elements in a tessellation pattern to accommodate varying thermal expansion, along with fans to dissipate heat and prevent buildup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional heating elements (PCB or film heaters) are used, then the printbed can be heated, but the temperature control is slow and cannot quickly cool down
Solution Approach 1:
The heating/cooling system is segmented into multiple independent Peltier elements distributed across the printbed surface, allowing localized and independent temperature control of different regions, enabling faster and more precise temperature adjustments compared to conventional unified heating elements
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter by using electrically controlled Peltier elements that can rapidly switch between heating and cooling modes by reversing current direction, unlike conventional resistive heating elements that can only heat and cool passively through natural dissipation
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the printbed temperature is maintained high for extended periods, then printing can continue, but safety hazards increase due to unattended hot surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements active temperature monitoring and control with feedback mechanisms that automatically adjust Peltier element operation to maintain desired temperatures only when needed, and rapidly cool down when printing stops, reducing the duration of high-temperature operation and associated fire hazards
Solution Approach 2:
The printbed temperature system is made dynamic by enabling rapid transitions between heating and cooling states through reversible Peltier elements, allowing the system to adapt temperature in real-time based on operational needs rather than maintaining constantly high temperatures
3Adaptability or versatility
If materials with different coefficients of thermal expansion are used, then material versatility increases, but warping issues occur due to unstable temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The printbed implements local quality control by dividing the heating/cooling function into multiple independently controllable Peltier elements, allowing different temperature zones to be maintained across the print surface to accommodate materials with different thermal expansion coefficients and prevent warping
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds temperature gradient control as an additional dimension of control, enabling not just uniform temperature maintenance but also controlled temperature variations across different spatial regions of the printbed, providing extra control for managing thermal expansion differences
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 precise, responsive, and stable temperature control, preventing warping and safety hazards by quickly adjusting temperatures and facilitating higher operating temperatures, while accommodating materials with different thermal expansion coefficients.
Implementation Method 1
The printbed comprises at least one Peltier element. Each Peltier element has opposite first and a second surfaces. The at least one Peltier element is arranged to have each respective first surface facing a print surface of the print bed
Implementation Method 2
The at least one heatsink is thermally connected to the Peltier element and arranged to transfer heat generated by the at least one Peltier element and dissipate the transferred heat away from the at least one Peltier element
Implementation Method 3
The printbed further comprises at least one fan. The at least one fan is arranged to transport gas heated by the at least one Peltier element away from the at least one Peltier element
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~5
Figure 4
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a printbed (1) for regulating a temperature of the printbed (1). The printbed (1) comprises at least one Peltier element (2), each Peltier element having opposite first and a second surfaces (3a, 3b). The printbed (1) further comprises at least one heatsink (4). The at least one Peltier element (2) is arranged to have each respective first surface (3a) facing a print surface (5) of the print bed (1). The at least one heatsink (4) is thermally connected to the Peltier element (2) and arranged to transfer heat generated by the at least one Peltier element (2) and dissipate the transferred heat away from the at least one Peltier element (2). The present disclosure further relates to corresponding 3D-printers, methods, computer programs and modules.