Rotatable Tilted Build Platform for Additive Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D printing methods, such as selective laser sintering and stereolithography, face inefficiencies in manufacturing complex components with rotational movements, particularly in producing rotationally symmetrical workpieces and accessing inclined undercuts or overhangs without powder layer slippage.
Innovation Solution
A system with a rotatable and tiltable construction platform within a powder receptacle, allowing for localized selective melting or hardening under a stationary energy input apparatus, enabling efficient and precise production of complex geometries without the need for extensive adjustment of the energy input device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional layer breakdown algorithm with inlaid surface model is used, then the manufacturing process is simple to control, but the spatial positioning of semi-finished components is insufficient for complex geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The construction platform is made dynamically adjustable with tilt and rotation capabilities, allowing the build surface to be oriented optimally for each layer. This dynamic positioning system enables precise spatial control of semi-finished components while maintaining process simplicity through automated control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the orientation parameters (tilt angle and rotation angle) of the construction platform to optimize the positioning of semi-finished components. By adjusting these parameters layer by layer, the system achieves high manufacturing precision for complex geometries without requiring complex mechanical intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the energy input apparatus is moved to access different regions of the workpiece, then all regions can be reached, but the device complexity and adjustment time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the energy input apparatus to access different workpiece regions, the system inverts the approach by rotating and tilting the construction platform to bring different regions under the stationary energy input apparatus. This eliminates the need for complex positioning mechanisms on the energy input device while maintaining full accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The construction platform serves multiple functions: it supports the workpiece, provides rotational movement for symmetrical workpieces, and offers tilt adjustment for accessing inclined features. This multi-functionality replaces the need for complex energy input apparatus adjustment mechanisms.
3Productivity
If the construction platform is stationary, then the device structure is simple, but rotationally symmetrical workpieces cannot be efficiently produced
Solution Approach 1:
The construction platform incorporates rotational capability that can be activated specifically for production of rotationally symmetrical workpieces. This dynamic feature enables efficient production of such components while keeping the device structure relatively simple, as the rotation function is added only when needed.
4Productivity
If powder layer thickness is increased to speed up manufacturing, then production time is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the construction platform tilt angle to optimize powder layer deposition and melting. This allows for faster manufacturing with thicker powder layers while maintaining surface quality, as the tilted platform improves powder distribution and energy input efficiency.
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 approach allows for highly efficient, material-saving, and time-saving production of complex components, particularly in the aerospace industry, by enabling the manufacture of rotationally symmetrical workpieces and accessing previously inaccessible regions on the workpiece, thereby reducing production complexity and lead times.
Implementation Method 1
an energy input apparatus, which is arranged above an opening in the powder receptacle and is designed to carry out locally selective melting or hardening of a powdered material introduced into the powder receptacle on a surface of the material
Implementation Method 2
a construction platform that is mounted within the powder receptacle and is mounted so as to rotate relative to the powder receptacle about a rotational shaft
Implementation Method 3
a lowering drive, which is designed to incrementally or continuously lower the construction platform within the powder receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
A system for the additive manufacturing of components includes a powder receptacle, which is designed to receive a powdered material in the form of a starting material for a component to be manufactured, a construction platform that is mounted within the powder receptacle and is mounted so as to rotate relative to the powder receptacle about a rotational shaft, a lowering drive, which is designed to incrementally or continuously lower the construction platform within the powder receptacle, and an energy input apparatus, which is arranged above an opening in the powder receptacle and is designed to carry out locally selective melting or hardening of a powdered material introduced into the powder receptacle on a surface of the material. The construction platform can be tilted by an angle of inclination relative to a rotational shaft of the rotatable mount.