UV Curing Verification Subsystem for 3D Printers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for verifying the curing of UV curable materials in 3D printing are manual, time-consuming, and expose personnel to potentially hazardous vapors, leading to inconsistent results due to human variability.
Innovation Solution
A 3D printing system with a UV curing verification subsystem that includes a ribbon for engaging the printed image, an imaging device for capturing data, and a controller to automate the verification process, ensuring complete curing before the object is removed from the printer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual testing with solvent-rubbed cloth or swab is used to verify UV curing, then the curing completeness can be detected, but the testing person is exposed to hazardous vapors and non-reacted components causing health risks and inconsistent results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a solvent-impregnated ribbon as an intermediary between the UV-cured image and the human tester. The ribbon absorbs the solvent and any uncured material through friction contact, allowing the tester to evaluate curing completeness by examining the ribbon rather than directly contacting the uncured material. This eliminates human exposure to hazardous vapors and non-reacted components while maintaining verification accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If manual testing by hand-rubbing with solvent is used, then curing verification can be performed, but the results vary due to differences in tester techniques and it is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service verification system where the ribbon automatically contacts the printed image through friction as it feeds through the printer mechanism. The ribbon itself performs the rubbing action that previously required manual human intervention. This standardizes the testing process, eliminates variability between different testers' techniques, and integrates verification into the printing workflow, reducing time loss.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If UV curable materials are used to form images on objects, then the materials can be cured by UV light to eliminate vapors, but incomplete curing leads to noxious vapors and skin irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the solvent-impregnated ribbon provides immediate visual evidence of curing completeness. After the ribbon frictionally contacts the cured image, any uncured material transfers to the ribbon, making the curing status visible. This feedback allows operators to verify that UV curing was complete before the object leaves the printing system, ensuring reliability and preventing subsequent vapor emission or skin irritation.
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
Automates the verification of UV curable material curing, reducing human exposure to hazardous vapors and ensuring consistent results by confirming full curing before the object is processed further, thus improving efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
UV curable materials require a UV radiation source that directs UV light onto the materials on the object surface. This light cures the materials
Implementation Method 2
a member positioned to support a portion of the ribbon to enable an image on an object containing UV curable material to frictionally engage the ribbon portion supported by the member
Data Source
AI summary
A direct-to-object printer includes an ultraviolet (UV) curing verification subsystem. The verification subsystem includes a ribbon that frictionally engages an image on an object that contains UV curable material. An imaging device generates image data of the ribbon that engaged the image and the image data is processed to determine whether any uncured UV material is present on the ribbon.