Temperature-Controlled 3D Printer Head for Soluble Supports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D printing technologies face challenges in balancing and supporting complex objects without using multiple materials, leading to increased complexity and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A single material is used with temperature control to alter its solubility in a solvent by adjusting heat, allowing for soluble and insoluble states, enabling the construction of complex objects without multiple materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple materials are used to balance and support complex objects in 3D printing, then the ability to create complex geometries is improved, but the device complexity and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the temperature of a single printing material to alter its solubility properties. By heating the material above its melting point, it becomes insoluble in the solvent, while cooling it below the melting point makes it soluble. This allows one material to serve multiple functions (structural support and removable temporary material) without requiring multiple different materials, thus resolving the contradiction between geometric versatility and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by enabling a single printing material to perform multiple functions through temperature-controlled solubility changes. The same material can be deposited in a soluble state for temporary support structures and in an insoluble state for permanent object features, eliminating the need for separate material systems and simplifying the printing device while maintaining the ability to create complex geometries.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple materials are used for different object portions, then the functional versatility is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes (temperature control) to alter the solubility of the printing material during the manufacturing process. By controlling the temperature above or below the melting point, the system can deposit material that is either soluble or insoluble in the solvent, enabling functional versatility in the printed object while maintaining a simple single-material printing process that is easier to manufacture and operate.
3Ease of operation
If temperature control is used to change material solubility, then the ease of operation is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits phase transitions (melting and solidification) of the printing material to control its solubility properties. By heating the material above its melting point, it transitions to a molten state that is insoluble in the solvent; cooling it below the melting point returns it to a solid state that is soluble. This phase transition mechanism provides precise control over material properties during printing, enabling easy operation while the energy consumption is managed through controlled heating and cooling cycles.
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 approach simplifies the 3D printing process by using a single material with controlled temperature changes to achieve soluble and insoluble states, facilitating the creation of complex objects with support structures that can be easily removed.
Implementation Method 1
adjusting a temperature of the printing material during printing to cause state changes of the printing material resulting in the printing material being one of soluble and insoluble in a solvent
Implementation Method 2
cause state changes of the printing material resulting in the printing material being one of soluble and insoluble in a solvent
Implementation Method 3
printing first and second portions of an object by dispensing the printing material at first dispensing temperatures, which exceed the melting temperature and are lower than the second vaporizing temperature, and at second dispensing temperatures, which exceed the second vaporizing temperature and are lower than the first vaporizing temperature
Data Source
AI summary
An additive manufacturing device is provided and includes a printing material source, a printing head and a temperature control system. The printing material source is configured to contain a supply of printing material. The printing head is receptive of the printing material from the printing material source and is configured to print an object with the printing material. The temperature control system is coupled to the printing head and is configured to adjust a temperature of the printing material during printing to cause state changes of the printing material resulting in the printing material being one of soluble and insoluble in a solvent.