Selective Post-Curing Chamber for Variable 3D Print Properties
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stereolithography 3D printing techniques are limited in creating 3D objects with varying material properties, such as color shade, opacity, and flexural strengths, which are desirable for applications like dental restorations and appliances.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for selectively post-curing 3D-printed objects using a processing module to determine a curing toolpath and a selective post-curing chamber with a light source to emit curing light along a predetermined path, achieving variable properties in different regions of the object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a massive amount of energy is used to post cure a 3D object in a curing chamber, then the desired and formulated properties are achieved, but the process cannot result in a 3D object with variable properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a movable light source that can selectively illuminate different regions of the 3D object with varying intensity and duration. This allows different portions of the object to receive customized curing conditions, creating variable material properties such as different degrees of cure, color shades, and mechanical characteristics in specific areas while maintaining reliable curing overall.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the light source movable rather than stationary, allowing the curing system to dynamically adjust which regions receive light and for how long. The light source can move along predetermined paths and pause at specific locations, enabling temporal and spatial variation in curing parameters to achieve diverse material properties from a single curing process.
2Ease of manufacture
If stereolithography is used to print parts with uniform material properties, then the current limitations and techniques are maintained, but it is not possible to generate 3D objects with varying material properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using support structures and positioning systems prepared in advance to hold the 3D object in specific orientations during curing. These pre-configured support structures enable the movable light source to access different surfaces and regions systematically, facilitating variable property creation without requiring complex real-time adjustments during the curing process.
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 creation of 3D objects with variable properties like color shade, opacity, and flexural strengths, enhancing the functionality and aesthetics of dental restorations and appliances.
Implementation Method 1
a selective post-curing chamber adapted to receive a 3D-printed object; a post-curing light source housed in the selective post-curing chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a device and a method for post-curing a three-dimensionally (3D) printed object. The device includes a curing chamber with a removable platform adapted to house the 3D-printed object. A curing light assembly emits curing light onto the 3D-printed object and an airflow module generates an airflow within the curing chamber. A heating module controls a temperature of the airflow. The airflow module and heating module simultaneously dissipate residual heat from the curing chamber and heat the airflow circulated within the curing chamber to facilitate curing the 3D-printed object. The method includes providing the curing chamber with the curing light, circulating an airflow within the curing chamber, emitting a curing light onto the 3D-printed object, and, simultaneously, heating the airflow circulated within the curing chamber to facilitate curing the 3D-printed object and dissipating a residual heat from the curing chamber.