3D Printed Support Fluid Path Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing support material from three-dimensional printed objects are time-consuming and inefficient, especially for larger production runs, as they often rely on manual processes or chemical soaking, which are not scalable for high-speed production.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating fluid paths within the support material that allow a fluid to flow through and dislodge the support material, either by dissolving, melting, or breaking it away, using a connected fluid source to efficiently remove the support material from the object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional methods (soaking, jetting, heating) are used to remove support material, then the support material can be removed, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient especially for larger production runs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates fluid paths directly into the support material structure during the 3D printing process itself, before removal is needed. These pre-integrated fluid paths enable rapid fluid circulation that quickly removes support material, transforming a traditionally slow post-processing operation into an efficient automated process that can handle large production runs
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses fluid circulation through integrated fluid paths to remove support material. By pumping fluid through the support structure, the system mechanically flushes out support material from internal cavities and complex geometries, replacing manual soaking or jetting methods with an automated hydraulic system that significantly reduces processing time
2Productivity
If multiple parts are stacked in three-dimensions for low to mid volume production runs, then production capacity increases, but a substantial amount of support material must be removed during post-processing
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid paths are built into the support material during printing, creating an integrated removal system before the parts are even completed. This preliminary integration allows for efficient removal of the substantial support material required for multi-part stacking, making high-density part arrangement viable for production
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the support material removal function from traditional external processes (soaking tanks, manual tools) and integrates it directly into the support structure itself through embedded fluid paths. This allows support material to be systematically extracted through the fluid paths, enabling efficient handling of the large quantities of support material generated by multi-part production runs
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 method significantly accelerates the removal of support material, enhancing overall production speeds by enabling the use of fluid paths to mechanically, thermally, or chemically dislodge and transport the support material, thereby improving the efficiency of the post-processing step in three-dimensional object printing.
Implementation Method 1
at least one portion of the support having a body with at least one fluid path that enables fluid to flow through the body of the support portion and contact a portion of the support material that formed the support
Implementation Method 2
dislodge the support material, either by dissolving, melting, or breaking it away
Implementation Method 3
dislodge the support material, either by dissolving, melting, or breaking it away
Implementation Method 4
flow through the at least one fluid path to contact the support material and exit from another end of the at least one fluid path to remove at least an inner portion of the support from the object
Data Source
AI summary
A system for producing three-dimensional objects forms fluid paths within the support structure to facilitate the removal of the support structure following manufacture of the object. The system includes a first ejector configured to eject a first material towards a platen to form an object, a second ejector configured to eject a second material towards the platen to form support for portions of the object, at least one portion of the support having a body with at least one fluid path that connects at least one opening in the body to at least one other opening in the body, and a fluid source that connects to the at least one fluid path of the support to enable fluid to flow through the at least one fluid path to remove at least an inner portion of the support from the object.