Stabilized Cutting Tool Assembly for Build Platform Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cutting tools in additive manufacturing processes face issues with poor rigidity, frequent tool breakages, reduced accuracy, and degraded surface finish due to unsupported distal ends during cutting operations, especially when dealing with densely arranged or large-based parts.
Innovation Solution
The cutting tool assemblies incorporate stabilizers that engage the build platform during cutting operations, providing additional rigidity and support through stabilizers such as glide rings, bearing races, bearings, or point stabilizers, with features like guards and self-lubrication to manage chip clearance and reduce friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cutting tool is used to cut parts from the build platform, then the parts can be removed from the build platform, but the cutting tool experiences poor rigidity and frequent breakages due to unsupported distal end
Solution Approach 1:
A stabilizer component is introduced as an intermediary element between the cutting tool and the build platform. This stabilizer engages with the build platform during cutting operations to provide additional support and rigidity to the cutting tool's distal end, preventing tool breakage without requiring fundamental changes to the cutting tool structure
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting tool system is segmented into distinct functional components: the cutting tool itself, the stabilizer component, and the build platform interface. This segmentation allows the stabilizer to be independently designed and optimized for providing support while keeping the cutting tool design relatively simple
2Productivity
If the cutting tool operates on densely arranged or large-based parts, then more parts can be produced, but the cutting accuracy and surface finish degrade due to tool instability
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer acts as a mediator that maintains cutting accuracy by providing continuous support to the cutting tool during operations on densely arranged or large-based parts, enabling high productivity without sacrificing precision
3Length of moving object
If the cutting tool is extended to reach the build platform, then the tool can access parts for cutting, but the unsupported distal end causes reduced rigidity and increased breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer serves as a intermediate support structure that allows the cutting tool to maintain adequate length for accessing the build platform while preventing excessive deflection and breakage by providing localized support at the distal end
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer introduces a new dimensional aspect to the cutting tool system by engaging with the build platform surface, creating a stable base that compensates for the length-related rigidity issues without requiring the tool itself to be structurally more complex
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 solution enhances tool stability, reduces breakages, increases accuracy, and improves surface finish by supporting the cutting tool's distal end on the build platform, thereby improving the cutting process efficiency and quality.
Implementation Method 1
with features like guards and self-lubrication to manage chip clearance and reduce friction
Data Source
AI summary
Stabilized cutting tool assemblies. A cutting tool assembly for use with a reference surface includes a tool holder having a rotational axis. The tool holder is arranged for attachment to a drive source arranged to rotate the tool holder and move the tool holder relative to a reference surface. The cutting tool assembly includes a rotatable cutting tool coupled to the tool holder. The cutting tool includes a cutting surface and has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is disposed adjacent the tool holder. The cutting tool assembly includes a stabilizer coupled to the cutting tool adjacent the second portion. The stabilizer has a bearing surface. The bearing surface is positioned on the second portion to abut the reference surface and to stabilize the cutting tool when the drive source moves the tool holder and the cutting tool to a position adjacent the reference surface.