UV-LED 3D Printing Selective Liquid Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional printing technologies face challenges in efficiently producing objects due to energy inefficiencies and uneven heating of particulate materials, particularly when using wideband energy sources.
Innovation Solution
The use of a UV-LED energy source emitting electromagnetic energy with a maximum intensity between 200 nm to 405 nm, which is selectively absorbed by liquids used in 3D printing, allowing for improved energy efficiency and uniform heating of particulate materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If wideband energy sources are used to heat particulate material, then the material can be heated, but energy efficiency is poor and uneven heating occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies selective heating by targeting specific regions where liquid binding agent is deposited on particulate material. The electromagnetic energy source is tuned to a wavelength that is selectively absorbed by the liquid binding agent rather than the particulate material itself, creating localized heating zones that improve energy efficiency and prevent uneven heating of the entire layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of electromagnetic radiation wavelength to optimize energy absorption. By selecting a specific wavelength that matches the absorption characteristics of the liquid binding agent, the system achieves efficient energy transfer and heating only where needed, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and uniform heating.
2Temperature
If wideband energy sources are used, then heating can occur, but uneven solidification of particulate material results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves uniform solidification by applying electromagnetic energy at a wavelength selectively absorbed by the liquid binding agent. This creates localized heating that precisely controls which regions of particulate material undergo solidification, ensuring uniform structural properties throughout the printed object while maintaining heating efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid binding agent acts as an intermediary that mediates the energy transfer from the electromagnetic source to the particulate material. By tuning the wavelength to be absorbed by the liquid rather than the particulate material directly, the system achieves controlled and uniform heating that prevents uneven solidification.
3Productivity
If conventional heating methods are used, then particulate material can be fused, but fabrication time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the electromagnetic energy source to match the absorption characteristics of the liquid binding agent. This optimization enables rapid and efficient energy absorption, accelerating the heating and solidification processes, thereby reducing overall fabrication time while maintaining fusion quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pulsed or periodic electromagnetic energy delivery to the particulate material layers. This periodic action allows for controlled heating cycles that efficiently fuse the material while minimizing total processing time, improving productivity without sacrificing fabrication quality.
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 enhances energy efficiency by maximizing energy absorption by the liquid, reduces the risk of uneven solidification, and allows for faster fusion of printing agent liquids, thereby reducing overall fabrication time.
Implementation Method 1
a UV-LED energy source to emit electromagnetic energy having a maximum intensity at a wavelength between about 200 nm to about 405 nm. The liquid is to absorb the ultraviolet radiation emitted by the UV-LED energy source
Implementation Method 2
an ultraviolet light emitting diode energy source (UV-LED) to emit electromagnetic energy having a maximum intensity at a wavelength between about 200 nm to about 405 nm
Implementation Method 3
Heat from the liquid is transmitted, for example by conduction, to particulate material in the vicinity of the liquid. The temperature of the particulate material in the vicinity of the liquid therefore also increases
Implementation Method 4
If the temperature of the particulate material in the vicinity of the liquid reaches a threshold temperature, such as a temperature sufficient for the particulate material to melt or sinter, the particulate material will fuse and solidify as it cools
Data Source
AI summary
An example apparatus to produce a three-dimensional object comprises a controller, a build area configured to receive a layer of particulate material, a printhead, and an ultraviolet light emitting diode energy source. The controller is to cause the printhead to deposit a liquid which absorbs ultraviolet radiation onto the layer of particulate material. The controller is further to cause the ultraviolet light emitting diode energy source to irradiate the liquid, after the liquid has been deposited onto the layer of particulate material, thereby to heat the liquid and cause a portion of the particulate material to solidify.