Segmented Build Plate Elements for Additive Manufacturing Productivity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current additive manufacturing technologies face challenges in maximizing operational efficiency and accuracy, particularly in reducing production lead time and costs, while enabling the simultaneous production of multiple objects with precise alignment.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs multiple independent build plate elements with alignment means, including adjustable members for precise positioning and locking mechanisms, allowing for the simultaneous production of multiple objects on a single plane, which can be easily processed and removed, thereby enhancing manufacturing speed and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single build plate is used for additive manufacturing, then the apparatus structure is simple, but the production lead time is long and productivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The build plate is divided into multiple independent build plate elements (first build plate element, second build plate element, etc.) that can be individually removed and processed. This segmentation allows multiple objects to be manufactured simultaneously on different build plate elements, significantly reducing production lead time while maintaining manageable apparatus complexity through modular design
2Productivity
If multiple build plate elements are used for simultaneous production, then productivity increases, but alignment precision becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The build plate is segmented into multiple independent build plate elements, each capable of being precisely positioned and aligned. The independent nature of each element allows for individual alignment adjustments while maintaining overall system precision for simultaneous multi-object production
Solution Approach 2:
Alignment marks are used to facilitate precise alignment of build plate elements. The alignment marks provide visual or detectable references that replace complex mechanical alignment systems, enabling accurate positioning of multiple build plate elements relative to each other and to the electromagnetic radiation source
3Productivity
If multiple objects are produced simultaneously on separate build plate elements, then operational efficiency improves, but the complexity of handling and processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The build plate is divided into multiple independent build plate elements that can be individually removed from the support structure. This segmentation allows each element with its manufactured object to be handled separately, simplifying post-processing operations such as object removal and inspection, thereby improving operational efficiency without significantly increasing handling complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Alignment marks are provided on the build plate elements before manufacturing begins. These pre-established alignment marks facilitate quick and accurate repositioning and alignment when build plate elements are removed and reinstalled, reducing the complexity of handling and processing operations
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 the efficient production of multiple objects with improved accuracy and reduced overall costs by enabling precise alignment and independent handling of build plate elements, minimizing production lead time and optimizing the use of the manufacturing apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a solidifying device for solidifying a selective layer-part of the material on the surface level by means of electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for producing an object by means of additive manufacturing, comprising a frame unit and a process unit connected to said frame unit. The process unit comprises a process chamber for receiving a bath of powdered material which can be solidified, and a support for positioning the object in relation to a surface level of the bath of material. The apparatus further comprises a solidifying device connected to the frame unit for solidifying a selective part of the powdered material. The apparatus according to the invention comprises a plurality of build plate elements connected to the support.