Removable Workpiece Holders for Damage-Free 3D Printing Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D printing systems face issues with workpiece damage, productivity loss, and contamination due to manual and forceful removal from build plates, leading to inefficiencies and increased downtime.
Innovation Solution
A 3D printing system with workpiece holders that can be releasably attached to a build plate, allowing for easy transfer to post-processing stages without scraping, reducing damage and residual material, and enabling simultaneous or sequential manufacturing of multiple workpieces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual scraping is used to remove workpieces from the build plate, then workpieces can be removed from the build plate, but workpiece damage occurs and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the workpiece holder from the build plate, allowing the workpiece to be printed on the holder rather than directly on the build plate. This segmentation enables the holder to be removed as a unit with the workpiece, eliminating the need for manual scraping and preventing workpiece damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The workpiece holder acts as an intermediary between the build plate and the workpiece. It provides a dedicated surface for workpiece formation and serves as a protective carrier during removal and post-processing operations, preventing direct contact and potential damage between the removal tool and the workpiece.
2Productivity
If manual scraping is used to remove workpieces from the build plate, then workpieces can be removed, but residual material remains and contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the workpiece removal process from the build plate surface by using a separate workpiece holder. The holder is designed to be easily detached from the build plate, allowing complete removal of the workpiece along with any residual material, thereby eliminating contamination of the build plate surface.
3Device complexity
If multiple workpieces are manufactured sequentially on the same build plate, then equipment utilization is maximized, but manufacturing time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a single build plate surface to multiple workpiece holders that can be positioned in different locations and orientations. This dimensional expansion allows parallel manufacturing of multiple workpieces, effectively utilizing the three-dimensional build chamber space rather than being constrained to sequential printing on a single planar surface.
4Ease of manufacture
If workpieces are removed from the build plate before post-processing, then post-processing can be performed, but workpieces are vulnerable to damage during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The workpiece and holder are combined into a single removable unit. The holder continues to provide structural support and protection to the workpiece during post-processing operations, while the entire assembly can be easily transferred to post-processing equipment. This merging eliminates the need to separate the fragile workpiece from its protective carrier before post-processing.
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
Enhances productivity and reduces workpiece damage by eliminating manual scraping, minimizing downtime, and reducing contamination, while allowing flexible and efficient post-processing.
Implementation Method 1
a 3D printing device for manufacturing at least one workpiece... onto which at least one workpiece can be additively manufactured
Implementation Method 2
an attachment means to releasably attach the workpiece holder to the build plate
Data Source
AI summary
A 3D printing system is disclosed, comprising a 3D printing device with a build plate and at least two workpiece holders, each having a manufacturing surface for additive manufacturing. The system includes an adapter with recesses for receiving portions of the workpiece holders, allowing the workpiece holders to be releasably attached to the build plate. The system also integrates post-processing devices controlled by a handling robot and a controller to streamline the manufacturing process, ensuring high precision and efficiency. Additionally, the disclosed technology covers a method for manufacturing at least two workpieces using the 3D printing system, which includes steps for hardening layers of material and removing workpieces post-production. Furthermore, the system includes an adapter set for attaching workpiece holders to the 3D printing device, enabling efficient transitions between different manufacturing stages and enhancing overall productivity.