Rotating Cylindrical Member 3D Printing with Radial Printheads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional object printing technologies face challenges in producing objects with cylindrical cross-sectional shapes, particularly in forming irregular features and requiring secondary operations without removing the object from the printing station.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional object printer system with at least two supports for rotating a cylindrical member, multiple printheads with different material supplies, and an object treating device, controlled by an actuator and controller to form and modify layers on the rotating cylindrical member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If three-dimensional printing is used to produce cylindrically shaped objects, then the ability to create complex irregular features is improved, but the difficulty of forming cylindrical cross-sections and providing adequate support increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by rotating the cylindrical member itself rather than moving the printhead in a complex path. The cylindrical member rotates on its axis while printheads remain stationary or move radially, transforming a difficult path control problem into a simple rotation problem. This inversion makes cylindrical shape formation straightforward while maintaining the ability to create irregular features through controlled material deposition on the rotating surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic rotation of the cylindrical member during the printing process, allowing continuous access to all surfaces. The rotation enables printheads to deposit material uniformly around the circumference while the member turns, creating cylindrical shapes with irregular features through a dynamic, continuous process rather than static layer-by-layer construction.
2Manufacturing precision
If secondary operations are performed on cylindrically shaped objects, then the quality of finished products is improved, but the requirement to remove objects from the printing station increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the three-dimensional printing process with secondary operations by integrating curing, polishing, and other treatment devices directly into the printing station. Multiple printheads can deposit different materials (e.g., uncured resin and curing agent), and treatment devices can immediately process the deposited layers while the cylindrical member continues rotating, eliminating the need to remove and reinstall the object between operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous rotation of the cylindrical member throughout the entire process, from material deposition to secondary operations. This continuous action allows uninterrupted processing where the object remains in motion throughout printing and subsequent treatments, eliminating idle time associated with stopping, removing, and repositioning the object between operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple materials are used to form layers on the cylindrical member, then the complexity and variety of objects that can be produced is improved, but the complexity of the printing system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the material deposition function into multiple independent printheads, each capable of delivering different materials. Rather than requiring a single complex multi-material printhead, the patent uses several simpler printheads positioned around the cylindrical member, each handling one material type. This segmentation reduces individual component complexity while enabling multi-material capability through coordinated operation of multiple units.
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
Enables the efficient production of cylindrically shaped objects with irregular features and facilitates secondary operations like curing, polishing, and cutting without object removal, enhancing the capability to create complex cylindrical structures.
Implementation Method 1
operate the plurality of ejectors in each of the at least two printheads to form portions of layers on the rotating cylindrical member
Implementation Method 2
operate the at least one object treating device to modify the layers formed on the rotating cylindrical member
Data Source
AI summary
A method operates a three-dimensional object printer for production of cylindrical-shaped objects. The method uses a controller to operate an actuator operatively connected to a cylindrical member to rotate the cylindrical member within at least two supports, operate at least two printheads supplied with different materials to form portions of layers on the rotating cylindrical member with the different materials supplied to the at least two printheads, and operate at least one other actuator operatively connected to the at least two printheads and a curing device to move each of the printheads and the curing device independently of one another in a bidirectional radial direction with reference to a center of the rotating cylindrical member. This operation enables the curing device to be positioned to modify the layers formed on the rotating cylindrical member while the cylindrical member is rotating within the at least two supports.