Rolling 3D Printing Device for Cylindrical Workpiece Lamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional 3D printing technologies are limited in laminating cylindrical or cone workpieces due to the working range of f-theta lenses, which restricts the formation of complex structures and inefficient powder recovery, especially in feeding and inhaling gases.
Innovation Solution
A rolling type 3D printing device equipped with a rolling mechanism, optical module, and powder conveying module, including rotary shafts, gas channels, and a powder recovery tank, allows for the rotation and flattening of workpieces, efficient powder dispensing, melting, and recycling, enabling the lamination of cylindrical or cone shapes within a designated area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional f-theta lens is used for laser melting, then flat plane lamination is achieved, but cylindrical or cone workpieces cannot be laminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rolling mechanism that dynamically rotates the workpiece during the printing process. Instead of using a complex lens system to adapt to different shapes, the workpiece itself is rotated to present different surfaces to the stationary laser source, enabling cylindrical and conical geometries to be formed through dynamic positioning rather than static optical adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than moving the laser source or optical system to match the workpiece shape (traditional approach), the patent inverts the approach by keeping the laser source stationary and rotating the workpiece underneath it. This inversion simplifies the optical system while achieving the same adaptability to different workpiece geometries.
2Productivity
If gas is fed and inhaled through traditional channels, then short-distance powder recovery is achieved, but long-time effective powder recovery cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from linear gas flow channels to a three-dimensional vortex flow field. By introducing rotational motion to the gas flow through specially designed channels, the system creates a swirling vortex that extends the gas-powder interaction path from a simple linear trajectory to a multi-dimensional circular path, thereby increasing both the duration and efficiency of powder recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using controlled gas flow to create a vortex field that entrains and transports powder particles. The gas flow is designed to generate rotational motion that maintains powder suspension and enhances recovery efficiency over extended periods, leveraging fluid dynamics to overcome the limitations of traditional linear gas channels.
3Adaptability or versatility
If rolling mechanism is introduced for workpiece rotation, then cylindrical or cone workpieces can be laminated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rolling mechanism is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a workpiece holder and as the rotational actuator. The same mechanical structure that secures the workpiece also provides the rotation capability, eliminating the need for separate positioning and actuation systems. This universal design reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to create various geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the workpiece support function with the rotation function into a single integrated rolling mechanism. Instead of having separate components for holding and rotating the workpiece, these functions are combined into one mechanical assembly, simplifying the overall device structure while achieving the desired geometric flexibility.
4Manufacturing precision
If laser melting is used for powder fusion, then precise lamination is achieved, but powder recovery time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous useful action by maintaining the vortex gas flow throughout the laser melting process. Rather than interrupting the gas flow for powder recovery after laser processing, the system continuously circulates gas that simultaneously protects the melting zone and collects unmeltened powder, eliminating idle recovery time and maintaining continuous productive action.
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 solution enhances the ability to laminate workpieces with irregular surfaces, improves work efficiency by reducing lamination time, and overcomes the limitations of traditional technologies by allowing for the effective recycling of powders and extended gas flow field capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The optical module includes laser sources which is disposed above the rolling mechanism and configured to emit lasers to the powders
Implementation Method 2
using the lasers to melt the powders on the workpiece
Implementation Method 3
a gas flowing field is formed between the two gas channel openings
Data Source
AI summary
A rolling type 3D printing device for recycling powders and an operation method thereof are provided. The rolling type 3D printing device has a rolling mechanism, at least one optical module, and a powder conveying module. The rolling mechanism holds a workpiece and receives powders. Cylindrical or cone workpieces can be laminated by the rolling type 3D printing device through the design of the rolling mechanism.