3D Printer Substrate Removal Machine with Ultrasonic and Spray Cleaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
3-D printed parts often have scaffolding or substrate material attached that needs to be removed and cleaned, with existing methods being inefficient and lacking in automation for thorough washing and substrate dissolution.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a housing containing two chambers, utilizing multi-directional spray jets, ultrasonic submersible packs, and a filtration system, along with customizable wash cycles and temperature control, to break down and isolate substrate material for efficient removal and washing of 3-D printed parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual removal methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and cleaning thoroughness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The machine is divided into two separate chambers: a working chamber for substrate removal and a disposal chamber for debris collection. This segmentation allows each chamber to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system efficiency and managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine integrates multiple functions into a single system: ultrasonic substrate removal, hot water washing, debris separation, and filtration. By combining these functions in one automated machine, productivity increases while the device complexity is managed through integrated design rather than multiple separate processes.
2Manufacturing precision
If thorough washing and substrate dissolution are achieved, then manufacturing precision improves, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic pretreatment chamber performs initial substrate breakdown and loosening before parts enter the washing chamber. This preliminary action reduces the time required for thorough washing by pre-processing the substrate material, thereby achieving both high cleanliness and reduced cycle time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses temperature control in the washing chamber to accelerate substrate dissolution and cleaning effectiveness. By optimizing water temperature and flow parameters, the machine achieves thorough cleaning faster than conventional methods, balancing manufacturing precision with time efficiency.
3Productivity
If automated substrate removal is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The machine is designed with automatic draining and pump systems that self-regulate fluid levels and debris removal without requiring constant operator intervention. The disposal chamber automatically collects and drains debris, reducing the need for complex control systems while maintaining high productivity through automated operation.
4Manufacturing precision
If chemical solutions are used for substrate breakdown, then manufacturing precision improves, but object-generated harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The disposal chamber is designed to separate and collect chemical-laden debris and used washing solutions from the working chamber. This separation allows for targeted treatment and potential recovery of chemicals, reducing harmful waste discharge while maintaining effective substrate removal through controlled chemical exposure in the working chamber.
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 machine effectively removes and cleans 3-D printed parts by combining mechanical fluid flow, chemical reactions, heat, and ultrasonic vibrations, ensuring thorough substrate dissolution and efficient debris management, with customizable cycles for optimal results.
Implementation Method 1
ultrasonic submersible packs, and a filtration system, along with customizable wash cycles and temperature control, to break down and isolate substrate material
Implementation Method 2
Multi-directional spray jets 19, 22, 25 for conveying fluid into the chamber 16 and for creating a turbulent flow inside the chamber 16
Implementation Method 3
The system 66 and the machine 10 may be powered by a 110V/60 Hz or 220V/60 Hz electricity source connected at electrical input 57
Implementation Method 4
a filtration system 43a, 43b. Filter 43a may provide a pre-filter stage with coarser screening followed by a finer filtration occurring in filter 43b
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for washing and removing substrate material for parts produced by a 3D printer. The machine includes a housing having a working chamber and a disposal chamber. The machine has at least one inlet in fluid communication with the working chamber. The disposal chamber is disposed adjacent to the working chamber. A dividing wall is disposed between the working chamber and the disposal chamber. A pump conveys a working fluid to the at least one inlet in the working chamber. The disposal chamber and the working chamber are disposed in fluid communication via a passageway such that working fluid passes from the working chamber to the disposal chamber. The machine may also include an ultrasonic generator for generating ultrasonic vibrations within the working chamber and a heater for warming the working fluid.