3D Shaping Apparatus Partial Support Immersion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing shaping apparatuses using inkjet heads face inefficiencies in shaping three-dimensional objects due to the time-consuming process of removing support layers, which are typically immersed in liquids after the shaping is complete, leading to prolonged completion times and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
A shaping apparatus and method where the support layer is partially immersed in a liquid during the shaping process, allowing for partial removal of the support layer during object formation, utilizing a water-soluble support material that dissolves in water or an alkalescent aqueous solution, and employing a liquid reservoir or flowable material to facilitate efficient dissolution and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the support layer is removed after completion of shaping by immersing in liquid, then the shaped object can be fully formed, but the time required for support layer removal is long and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support layer is immersed in liquid during the shaping process itself, before the shaping is complete. This preliminary immersion starts the dissolution process early, so that when shaping finishes, the support layer has already been partially or fully removed, eliminating the need for separate post-shaping removal time.
Solution Approach 2:
The support layer removal process is merged with the shaping process. Instead of performing removal as a separate operation after shaping, the immersion in liquid is integrated into the shaping timeline, allowing both object formation and support removal to occur concurrently or overlapping.
2Productivity
If the support layer is immersed in liquid during shaping, then the support layer removal time is reduced, but the support layer must maintain structural integrity during partial dissolution
Solution Approach 1:
Only the necessary portion of the support layer is immersed in liquid during shaping - specifically the portions that need to be removed. The immersion is controlled to achieve partial removal during the process, with the remaining support structure maintaining sufficient integrity to continue providing support functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the support layer have different treatment - some portions are immersed in liquid for removal while other portions remain dry to maintain structural integrity. This local differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of removal speed and structural strength where needed.
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 significantly reduces the time required for support layer removal after shaping, enabling more efficient and timely completion of the shaping process while maintaining necessary support for the object during formation.
Implementation Method 1
The support layer is removable by being immersed in a predetermined liquid
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A shaping apparatus 10 configured to shape a three-dimensional shaped object 50 includes ejection heads 102w to k being object-shaping material heads configured to eject an object-shaping material constituting the shaped object 50 and an ejection head 104 being a support material head configured to eject a support material being a material of a support layer 52, the support layer 52 is removable by being immersed in a predetermined liquid, and in a case of forming the support layer 52, the shaped object 50 is shaped while at least a part of the support layer 52 is immersed in the predetermined liquid in at least a part of a period during the shaping of the shaped object 50.