Sealed Component Carrier for Additive Manufacturing Post-Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current additive manufacturing systems face challenges in post-processing components due to the need for manual handling of uncured photopolymers, which requires protective equipment, UV-free environments, and specific material properties for safety-critical applications, leading to inefficiencies and risks in material properties setting.
Innovation Solution
A component carrier with a sealing surface that surrounds the construction surface, acting as a system boundary for post-processing, which seals against photoreactive resin, solvent, and UV radiation, allowing for integrated washing, drying, and curing within a closed workspace, reducing the need for multiple devices and manual handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling of uncured photopolymers is performed, then post-processing can be completed, but protective equipment and UV-free environments are required, increasing operational complexity and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The component carrier integrates multiple previously separate functions (washing, drying, curing) into a single sealed workspace, eliminating the need for multiple devices and manual transfers between them
Solution Approach 2:
The component carrier serves multiple functions: it acts as both the construction surface for additive manufacturing and a sealed container for post-processing operations, including washing, drying, and curing
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices are used for washing, drying, and curing, then each function can be performed, but system complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The component carrier combines washing, drying, and curing functions into a single integrated unit, reducing the number of separate devices from three to one
Solution Approach 2:
The component carrier is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform washing, drying, and curing operations within its sealed workspace
3Productivity
If manual handling of resin-wetted components is performed, then post-processing can be completed, but resin residues can soil the manufacturing device and work area
Solution Approach 1:
The component carrier extracts and contains the resin-wetted component within its sealed workspace, preventing resin residues from escaping and contaminating the manufacturing device and work area
Solution Approach 2:
The component carrier uses a sealed workspace with sealing surfaces to contain the component and prevent resin leakage during handling and processing
4Productivity
If photopolymer resins are used, then components can be manufactured, but odorous residues can cause irritations
Solution Approach 1:
The component carrier employs a sealed workspace that acts as a barrier, containing odorous photopolymer resin residues and preventing them from escaping into the surrounding environment
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 solution enables simple, cost-effective, and space-saving post-processing by integrating washing, drying, and curing steps within a single device, minimizing environmental impact and ensuring consistent material properties without the need for protective equipment or specialized UV-free environments.
Implementation Method 1
the component carrier seals the workspace against the escape of photoreactive resin, solvent and UV radiation
Implementation Method 2
Photopolymers are not only radically cured, but also cationically
Data Source
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AI summary
Component carrier (45) for an additive manufacturing device (1), wherein the component carrier (45) comprises a construction surface (7), on which a component (8) to be manufactured is disposed during the operation of the manufacturing device (1), wherein the component carrier (45) comprises a sealing surface (14) which radially surrounds the construction surface (7), and method for post-processing a component (8) manufactured according to an additive manufacturing process using such a component carrier (3).