3D Printer Overlapping Coating and Printing for Productivity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D printing processes are inefficient due to the sequential operation of coating and printing, which prolongs the time required for component manufacturing and limits the production capacity of high-quality components.
Innovation Solution
A 3D printer configuration that overlaps the movement of coating and printing processes, allowing the coating device to apply a uniform layer while the printing device selectively solidifies it, thereby reducing production time and increasing output by parallelizing the coating and printing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the coating device and printing device operate sequentially, then each device can be controlled independently with simple structure, but the production time is prolonged and manufacturing efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the coating device and printing device into a single integrated system where both devices operate simultaneously on the same construction field. The coating device applies particulate material while the printing device selectively deposits binding agent, both processes occurring in parallel rather than sequentially. This integration resolves the contradiction by improving productivity through simultaneous operation while managing complexity through coordinated control of both devices within a unified system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous operation by eliminating idle time between coating and printing steps. The coating device continuously applies material layers while the printing device simultaneously and continuously deposits binding agent in selective regions. This continuous parallel operation maintains useful action throughout the manufacturing process, resolving the contradiction by maximizing productivity through uninterrupted simultaneous operations while the control system manages the coordination complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the coating device spans the entire construction field, then uniform material distribution is achieved, but the distance to be covered increases the operation time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the coating device apply the entire layer of particulate material across the construction field before the printing device begins its selective deposition. This preliminary full-coverage coating ensures uniform material distribution across the entire field, while the printing device then operates on this pre-prepared uniform base. The time loss is mitigated by parallel operation, where the printing device works simultaneously as the coating device completes its sweep, transforming the sequential process into an overlapping parallel process that maintains precision while reducing total operation time.
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 approach significantly reduces the time needed for component manufacturing and enhances the production efficiency of high-quality components by allowing simultaneous application and solidification of layers, thereby improving the overall performance and output of the 3D printing process.
Implementation Method 1
a coating device (3) which is movable in a first direction (H1) across the construction space (B1) in order to supply the construction space (B1) with construction material in the form of a uniform construction material layer
Implementation Method 2
a printing device (5) which is movable in a second direction (H2) across the construction space (B1) in order to output a flowable treatment agent to a partial region of a previously applied construction material layer, which contributes to a selective solidification thereof
Implementation Method 3
The applied layer of unsolidified particulate material is selectively solidified in a predetermined partial region, for example by selectively printing a treatment agent, for example a binder
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a 3D printer, which is configured to build up at least one three-dimensional component in layers in a construction space by forming construction material layers lying one upon the other, of particulate construction material, and selectively solidifying several adjoining construction material layers in a respective partial region thereof. The 3D printer comprises a coating device 3 which is movable in a first direction H1 across the construction space B1 to supply construction material to the construction space B1 in the form of a uniform construction material layer of the construction material to be solidified, a printing device 5 which is movable in a second direction H2 across the construction space B1, in order to output in a controlled manner a flowable treatment agent to a partial region of a previously applied construction material layer, which treatment agent contributes to a selective solidification thereof, and a control device C, which is configured to control the coating device 3 and the printing device 5 in such a way that they travel across the construction space B1 in a way to overlap in time and/or that they, in an overlapping manner, supply construction material to the construction space B1 and dispense flowable treatment agent in a controlled manner to a partial region of a previously applied construction material layer, respectively.