Telescopic Build Tank With Bellows for Powder Leak Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing build tanks for additive manufacturing are sensitive to powder leakage and expensive, with conventional vacuum seals being prone to leaks and requiring complex sealing mechanisms, which complicates the process and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A telescopic build tank design with segments coupled together and bellows assemblies that allow access to the bottom of the build table from outside the chamber, eliminating the need for conventional vacuum seals and reducing powder leakage risks, while enabling easier loading and higher dimensional flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional vacuum seals are used to prevent powder leakage, then sealing function is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible membrane seal that can deform to maintain sealing contact while accommodating relative movements between components. This flexible film approach replaces complex rigid sealing mechanisms with a simpler, more reliable flexible barrier that prevents powder leakage without requiring multiple sealed interfaces.
2Reliability
If multiple rounds of ceramic rope are used for sealing, then sealing function is achieved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of wrapping multiple rounds of ceramic rope around the build table, the invention employs a single continuous flexible membrane that spans the sealing perimeter. This reduces manufacturing complexity by eliminating the need for multiple sealing layers and simplifies installation while maintaining effective powder containment.
3Reliability
If a sealed build table configuration is used, then powder leakage is prevented, but access to build table bottom becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The build table sealing system is divided into modular segments that can be independently accessed or removed. The flexible membrane is configured to allow access from the bottom side of the build table while maintaining sealing integrity during operation, enabling maintenance and inspection without compromising powder containment.
4Reliability
If conventional vacuum seals are used, then sealing is achieved, but sensitivity to temperature variations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane seal is made from temperature-resistant materials that maintain their sealing properties across a wide temperature range. The flexibility of the membrane allows it to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of adjacent components without losing sealing effectiveness, reducing sensitivity to temperature variations compared to rigid vacuum seals.
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 provides a cost-effective, leak-resistant build tank that facilitates easier access and higher build dimensions, reduces powder leakage, and allows for more efficient operation by eliminating the need for complex vacuum seals, enhancing the overall additive manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
vacuum bellows assemblies, which permit access to the bottom of the build table from outside of the build chamber
Implementation Method 2
the build chamber base body is formed by at least two segments telescopically coupled together
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a build chamber (1) for an additive manufacturing apparatus (100) for forming a three-dimensional article layer by layer from a powder. The build chamber (1) comprising a build chamber base body (2) and the build chamber base body (2) is formed by at least two segments (4) telescopically coupled together. Associated with the telescopically coupled segments are one or more bellows assemblies, further coupled to support structure configured to raise and/or lower the build table. An associated method is also provided.