3D Printer Unpacking Station with Temperature Conditioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D printing technologies face challenges in safely and efficiently removing leftover starting material, which can be hazardous due to high temperatures and susceptibility to ambient conditions like oxygen and humidity.
Innovation Solution
The development of an apparatus and method that includes an unpacking station with a temperature conditioning system and a build module, allowing for the reversible engagement of these components to maintain a pressure above ambient during material removal, thereby facilitating safe and efficient removal of leftover material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual removal of remainder material is performed, then the material can be removed from the 3D object, but the operator is exposed to hot hazardous material and potential clogging risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an automated material removal device as an intermediary between the operator and the hot remainder material. This device includes a collection container and removal mechanism that handles the hazardous material, eliminating direct operator contact with hot particles while enabling safe material removal from the 3D printed object
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service material removal through automated mechanisms that can independently handle the remainder material without requiring manual intervention. The automated device performs the hazardous task of removing hot material, allowing the system to service itself and protect the operator simultaneously
2Productivity
If remainder material is removed without temperature conditioning, then the removal process is simpler, but the material may lose fluidity and become bridged or clumped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies temperature conditioning to change the thermal parameters of the remainder material during removal. By controlling the temperature of the material and the removal environment, the system maintains the material in a fluid state that prevents bridging and clumping, enabling efficient and continuous material removal without compromising material properties
3Device complexity
If the material removal device is exposed to ambient atmosphere, then the device structure is simpler, but the remainder material is susceptible to oxidation and humidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an inert or controlled atmosphere environment within the material removal device and build module. This controlled atmosphere protects the remainder material from adverse reactions with oxygen and humidity during the removal process, preventing oxidation and moisture absorption while maintaining material integrity
4Object-affected harmful factors
If automated material removal is implemented, then operator safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated material removal device is designed with multi-functionality to justify its complexity. It performs multiple tasks including safe material removal, temperature conditioning, atmosphere control, and collection of remainder material. This universal design consolidates multiple protective and functional features into a single integrated system, making the complexity worthwhile for operator safety and process control
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 solution enables remote and automated removal of leftover material, reducing direct contact with hot materials and preventing clogging, while maintaining the material in a fluid state for undisturbed removal.
Implementation Method 1
The temperature conditioning system may be configured to cool the remainder material, e.g., to a handling temperature that is safe for a user
Implementation Method 2
The pressurized gas may comprise a pressurized gas-cylinder. The gas cylinder may comprise a liquid that expands into a gas
Implementation Method 3
The material removal may be facilitated using a material removal device such as a vacuum wand
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides three-dimensional (3D) printing processes, apparatuses, software, devices, and systems for the production of at least one requested 3D object and for removal of a remainder material. The removal may be accomplished when the remainder material exhibits challenging conditions during removal while being safe for a user, the conditions comprising temperature, reactivity, bridging tendency, or possible loss of fluidity.