3D Printer Resin Flow via Local Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current three-dimensional manufacturing techniques using photocurable liquid resin face challenges in increasing manufacturing speed due to the high viscosity of the resin, which slows down the replenishment process, especially for large objects and multiple layers, and can affect shape accuracy when fluidity is enhanced.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional manufacturing apparatus with a light transmission portion that facilitates the flow of photocurable resin by heating it, allowing for faster replenishment and maintaining shape accuracy by controlling the temperature and using a flow facilitating unit to decrease viscosity without affecting optical exposure conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ultrasonic vibration is applied to improve fluidity of photocurable resin, then replenishment speed is increased, but shape accuracy of cured layer deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies thermal energy to change the temperature parameter of the photocurable resin, transforming it from a high-viscosity state to a low-viscosity state. This parameter change enables the resin to flow and replenish the manufacturing region quickly without requiring mechanical vibration, thereby maintaining shape accuracy while improving replenishment speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical vibration system (ultrasonic vibration) with a thermal system (heating means). Instead of using mechanical energy to improve fluidity, the system uses thermal energy to reduce viscosity, achieving the same fluidity improvement effect without the harmful impacts on shape accuracy
2Loss of time
If photocurable resin is heated to decrease viscosity, then replenishment time is shortened, but temperature control becomes critical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies heating locally to the photocurable resin in the manufacturing region rather than heating the entire resin volume. The heating means is positioned to target specifically the area where replenishment is needed, creating a local temperature gradient that drives resin flow without requiring uniform temperature increase throughout the system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates temperature detection means to monitor the resin temperature and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables precise control of the heating process, ensuring the resin reaches the optimal temperature range for reduced viscosity without overheating, thereby controlling replenishment time effectively
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 apparatus achieves a 12% to 40% faster inflow speed of the photocurable resin, significantly shortening the time required for forming large three-dimensional objects while maintaining shape accuracy by controlling the resin's temperature and viscosity during the replenishment process.
Implementation Method 1
a flow facilitating unit configured to facilitate a flow of the photocurable resin which is in contact with the light transmission portion, the flow being attended by the movement of the base
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a three-dimensional manufacturing apparatus which is characterized by comprising: a container configured to hold a liquid photocurable resin; a base configured to support a solid manufactured object obtained by curing the liquid photocurable resin; a moving unit configured to move the base; and a light source unit configured to irradiate light for curing the liquid photocurable resin. The container comprises a light transmission portion which is provided between the light source unit and the base, and is in contact with the liquid photocurable resin. The three-dimensional manufacturing apparatus further comprises a flow facilitating unit configured to facilitate a flow of the photocurable resin which is in contact with the light transmission portion, the flow being attended by the movement of the base.