3D Printing Suction Element with Beam Passage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for generative production of three-dimensional objects via selective solidification of building material layers using energy beams lack an effective, targeted, and local option for extracting unsolidified material particles and process gases, which can impair the construction process and object quality.
Innovation Solution
A device incorporating a suction system with strategically positioned suction elements and passage openings allows for targeted extraction of unsolidified building material particles and process gases at the point of energy input, utilizing a suction flow that can be filtered and reused, enhancing the quality of the manufactured object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a suction system is added to extract building material particles and process gases, then the quality of the manufactured object is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction system is integrated with the energy beam delivery system by positioning suction elements at the same location where the energy beam is directed onto the building plane. The suction elements are arranged to extract particles and gases exactly at the point of energy input, merging the extraction function with the existing beam delivery infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction system implements localized extraction at specific points where building material particles and process gases are generated during the selective solidification process. Multiple suction elements are strategically positioned to target specific problem areas around the energy beam interaction zone, providing local quality improvement without requiring a complete system overhaul.
2Productivity
If suction elements are positioned close to the building plane for effective extraction, then extraction efficiency is improved, but the risk of interfering with the energy beam and solidification process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction system is divided into multiple discrete suction elements rather than using a single large suction component. Each suction element can be independently positioned and optimized, allowing them to be placed close to the building plane for effective extraction while maintaining sufficient spacing to avoid interfering with the energy beam and solidification process.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction elements are positioned to extract particles and gases at the point of energy input without directly contacting or interfering with the energy beam itself. The suction flow acts as an intermediary mechanism that removes harmful byproducts from the critical solidification zone without disrupting the primary manufacturing 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
The solution enables improved extraction of unsolidified materials and gases, thereby enhancing the quality and integrity of the three-dimensional objects produced by reducing residual stresses and improving the overall generative construction process efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A device (1) for the generative production of a three-dimensional object (2) by successive layer-by-layer selective solidification of building material layers (3) made of solidifiable building material by means of at least one energy beam (5), comprising a suction device (12) designed to extract unsolidified building material (3) that has been released from a construction plane (9) due to the process and/or process gases that arise due to the process
Implementation Method 2
a device for generating at least one energy beam for the layer-by-layer selective solidification of individual building material layers made of solidifiable building material, wherein the device is configured to generate an energy beam directed directly onto a building plane
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for the generative production of a three-dimensional object (2) by means of successive layer-by-layer selective solidification of construction material layers which consist of a solidifiable construction material (3), using at least one energy beam (5), comprising at least one device (4) for generating at least one energy beam (5) for layer-by-layer selective solidification of individual construction material layers consisting of a solidifiable construction material (3), said device (4) being configured to generate an energy beam (5) directed directly onto a construction plane (9), as well as a suction device (12) that is configured to suck up non-solidified construction material (3) which detaches itself from the construction plane (9) as a result of processing and/or process gases produced as a result of processing, said suction device (12) comprising at least one suction element (16) through which a suction current flows or can flow, and at least one passage opening (18) for the passage of an energy beam (5) generated by the device (4) and directed directly onto the construction plane (9) being designed in said at least one suction element (16).