Rotational 3D Printing With Radial Droplet Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional three-dimensional printing systems face challenges in achieving uniform printing resolution and material distribution across a rotating tray, particularly when using multiple dispensing heads, leading to variations in material deposition and object quality.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for rotational three-dimensional printing that involves a rotating tray with inkjet printing heads, controlled radial motion, and coordinated material dispensing, including pre-heating and vacuum management, to ensure uniform material distribution and improved resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the printing head moves along non-linear trajectories to access different radial positions, then the ability to print complex three-dimensional objects is improved, but variations in material distribution and printing resolution occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by adjusting dispensing parameters (droplet size, frequency, velocity) based on the radial position of the printing head. Nozzles at different distances from the rotation axis dispense material at different rates to compensate for the varying linear speeds, ensuring uniform material distribution and printing resolution across the entire build area regardless of the non-linear trajectory.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes dispensing parameters dynamically based on radial position. The controller adjusts droplet size, dispensing frequency, and material velocity according to the distance from the rotation axis, transforming the fixed dispensing parameters into variable ones that adapt to the non-linear motion, thereby maintaining consistent printing quality throughout the build volume.
2Productivity
If the printing head operates at high speed to improve productivity, then output increases, but material distribution uniformity and printing quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamics by making the dispensing parameters variable and adaptive rather than fixed. The controller continuously adjusts droplet size, frequency, and velocity based on real-time radial position feedback, allowing the system to maintain high printing speeds while automatically compensating for variations caused by non-linear motion, thus preserving material distribution uniformity at high productivity levels.
3Productivity
If multiple nozzles operate simultaneously to increase material deposition rate, then productivity improves, but coordination complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies segmentation by dividing the build area into multiple radial zones, each handled by specific nozzles or nozzle groups. This allows independent optimization and control of each segment's dispensing parameters, reducing the coordination complexity while maintaining high overall deposition rates. Each nozzle segment operates with its own adjusted parameters based on its radial position, simplifying the control architecture.
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 system achieves consistent material deposition and enhanced printing resolution across a rotating tray, enabling the fabrication of complex objects with varied material properties and improved object quality.
Implementation Method 1
using a pre-heater element and radiation source for optimal material curing
Implementation Method 2
using a pre-heater element and radiation source for optimal material curing
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 1D
AI summary
A system for three-dimensional printing is disclosed. The system comprises: a rotary tray configured to rotate about a vertical axis; a printing head, each having a plurality of separated nozzles; and a controller configured for controlling the inkjet printing head to dispense, during the rotation, droplets of building material in layers, such as to print a three-dimensional object on the tray.