3D Printer Induction Heating for High Resolution Ink Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D printing technologies face limitations in resolution, interchangeability of inks, and apparatus size due to the use of thermoplastic polymer fibers and photo-curable resins, with a need for a method that enables thermal curing or fusion of inks efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A 3D printer design incorporating an ink tank with magnetic particles, an injection nozzle, a heating unit for induction heating, and a carriage unit to apply a focused alternating electromagnetic field, allowing for adjustable nozzle-substrate and heating unit-substrate intervals, enabling continuous 3D printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If thermoplastic polymer fiber is used as ink, then the printing process is simple, but the resolution becomes low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the ink material by using magnetic particles combined with resin instead of traditional thermoplastic polymer fiber. This allows the ink to be cured through electromagnetic induction heating, achieving both high resolution and processability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical extrusion-based thermoplastic printing process with an electromagnetic induction heating system. The heating unit generates an alternating magnetic field that induces eddy currents in the magnetic particles, converting electromagnetic energy to thermal energy for curing the ink.
2Manufacturing precision
If photo-curable resin is used as ink, then the resolution becomes high, but the apparatus volume becomes large due to optical equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the optical curing system (laser, optical lenses, mirrors) with an electromagnetic induction heating system. The heating unit directly generates an alternating magnetic field beneath the substrate, eliminating the need for complex optical equipment while maintaining high resolution curing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic particles as an intermediary substance within the ink formulation. These particles act as mediators that convert electromagnetic energy from the heating unit into localized heat, enabling precise curing without direct optical exposure and reducing apparatus complexity.
3Reliability
If different inks are produced for each printing method, then the printing method can be optimized, but the interchangeability of inks becomes poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal ink formulation containing magnetic particles and resin that can be used across different printing methods. The magnetic particles enable the ink to be cured through electromagnetic induction, while the resin provides adhesion and structural properties, making the ink compatible with various substrates and printing applications.
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
The printer achieves thermal curing or fusion of inks through induction heating, forming a focused electromagnetic field, and allows for adjustable intervals between printing components, enhancing printing resolution and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a heating unit provided so as to heat the ink coated onto the substrate by means of induction heating
Implementation Method 2
heat the ink coated onto the substrate by means of induction heating and to be positioned behind the injection nozzle
Implementation Method 3
an ink tank for storing an ink comprising magnetic particles... a heating unit provided so as to heat the ink coated onto the substrate by means of induction heating
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a 3D printer, and according to one aspect of the present invention, the 3D printer which is provided comprises: an ink tank for storing ink comprising a magnetic body; an injection nozzle which is linked to the ink tank and is adapted to inject ink; a substrate on which the injected ink is deposited; a heating unit which is provided so as to heat the ink coated onto the substrate by means of induction heating, and which is provided positioned behind the injection nozzle based on the direction of carriage of the injection nozzle; a carriage unit for carrying the injection nozzle and the heating unit; and a control unit for controlling the heating unit and the carriage unit.