Rotating Printhead Assembly for Bidirectional UV Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing direct-to-object (DTO) printing systems require multiple passes and additional UV lamps to print and cure images on 3D objects, limiting them to single-object printing and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A DTO printing system with a guide rail and rotating printheads that allow bidirectional movement along the rail, enabling multiple objects to be printed and cured with a single UV lamp by positioning printheads in a predetermined order for efficient ink ejection and curing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple UV lamps are added to enable continuous printing and curing, then printing productivity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The printhead assembly is made dynamically rotatable about the second end of the member, allowing it to change orientation between printing and curing positions. This dynamic repositioning eliminates the need for multiple fixed UV lamps, as a single UV lamp can be positioned to cure ink on different faces of the object as the printhead rotates to present different surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds rotational freedom to the printhead assembly, transitioning from a linear one-dimensional movement along the guide rail to two-dimensional positioning that includes angular orientation. This allows the same printhead and UV lamp to service multiple object faces without requiring additional curing lamps for each face.
2Productivity
If the printhead array is fixed in position, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but productivity is reduced due to multiple passes and object return trips
Solution Approach 1:
While maintaining precise printing capability, the printhead assembly is made rotatable about a fixed pivot point. This allows the system to print on multiple faces of an object in sequence without requiring the object to be returned to the starting position or requiring multiple fixed printhead arrays. The rotation mechanism enables continuous printing operations across different object surfaces.
3Productivity
If the system is designed for single-object printing, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but productivity is limited to one object at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable printhead assembly serves multiple functions: it can print on different faces of the same object, position objects for curing under the UV lamp, and potentially handle multiple objects in sequence. This multi-functional capability increases productivity without sacrificing printing precision, as the same precise printhead mechanism serves multiple purposes.
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 simultaneous printing and curing of multiple objects with a single UV lamp, reducing costs and enhancing printing speed and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the UV lamp 120 is operated by controller 124 to cure the UV ink
Data Source
AI summary
A direct-to-object printer includes a sliding arm that carries a plurality of printheads over a planar member for the printing of objects on the planar member and that rotates the plurality of printheads after the printheads have passed over the planar member. The printer then moves the sliding arm in the opposite direction over the planar member to print a different portion of the objects on the planar member while maintaining the same order of the printheads.