Resin Management Assembly for Consistent Layer Deposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing additive manufacturing systems face challenges in efficiently managing the deposition and reclamation of resin during the layer-by-layer construction of components, which can affect the quality and consistency of the final product.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a resin management system with a material deposition assembly and reclamation system that includes a reservoir, vessel, and impeller to manage resin flow and minimize composition alterations, utilizing gravity-fed conduits to prevent air introduction and ensure consistent resin application and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If resin is deposited and reclaimed during additive manufacturing, then layer-by-layer component construction is enabled, but resin composition alterations and air introduction occur
Solution Approach 1:
The resin management system is divided into separate functional modules: a reservoir for storing resin, a deposition assembly for controlled resin application, and a reclamation system for recovering excess resin. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, maintaining resin composition stability while enabling continuous layer-by-layer construction.
Solution Approach 2:
A dedicated resin management system acts as an intermediary between the resin supply and the build zone. This intermediary system controls resin flow, prevents direct exposure to air, and maintains composition consistency through controlled deposition and reclamation processes.
2Manufacturing precision
If resin is deposited onto resin support for each layer, then component layers are formed, but air may be introduced into the resin
Solution Approach 1:
The resin management system maintains an inert or controlled atmosphere environment for the resin, preventing air introduction during deposition and reclamation. This is achieved through sealed reservoirs, controlled flow paths, and minimizing resin exposure to ambient air, thereby preserving resin quality while enabling precise layer formation.
3Productivity
If resin is reclaimed from the build zone, then resin support is prepared for next layer, but resin quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The reclamation system recovers excess resin from the build zone and returns it to the reservoir for reuse. This recovery process is designed to maintain resin quality by preventing contamination, minimizing air exposure, and ensuring proper resin handling, thereby enabling rapid resin support turnover without compromising resin quality consistency.
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 system ensures efficient and consistent resin management, maintaining resin quality and minimizing alterations, thereby enhancing the precision and reliability of the additive manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
an impeller positioned within the vessel and configured to agitate the resin within the vessel
Implementation Method 2
utilizing gravity-fed conduits to prevent air introduction
Data Source
AI summary
An additive manufacturing apparatus includes a stage configured to hold a component. A radiant energy device is operable to generate and project radiant energy in a patterned image. An actuator is configured to change a relative position of the stage relative to the radiant energy device. A resin management system includes a material deposition assembly upstream configured to deposit a resin on a resin support. The material deposition assembly includes a reservoir configured to retain a first volume of the resin and define a thickness of the resin on the resin support as the resin support is translated in an X-axis direction. The material deposition assembly further includes a vessel positioned above the reservoir in a Z-axis direction and configured to store a second volume of the resin. In addition, the material deposition assembly includes a conduit configured to direct the resin from the vessel to the reservoir.