Vibratory Platform for Additive Manufacturing Powder Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In additive manufacturing processes like SLS, e-beam, MJF, or PBF, unwanted material such as powder often adheres to the printed objects, requiring effective removal methods to prepare them for further processing.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing vibratory and/or acoustic energy to detach unwanted material from additively manufactured parts, involving a vibratory platform in a chamber where the parts are placed, and optional application of acoustic energy to aid in material removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual removal methods are used to remove unwanted powder from additively manufactured parts, then the parts can be prepared for subsequent processing, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration through a vibratory platform to automatically remove unwanted powder from additively manufactured parts. The vibration causes the powder to detach from the part surfaces through mechanical agitation, eliminating the need for manual removal methods and significantly improving productivity while reducing time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical removal operations with an automated vibratory system. Instead of hand-cleaning or manual brushing, the system uses controlled mechanical vibration to achieve powder removal, substituting labor-intensive processes with an automated mechanical system that increases efficiency and reduces operational time.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional cleaning methods are used to remove powder, then parts can be prepared for coating or assembly, but the removed material cannot be easily recovered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a powder recovery system where the unwanted material removed during the vibratory decaking process is collected and recycled. Instead of being discarded, the powder is captured and can be reused in subsequent additive manufacturing processes, thereby reducing material loss and improving overall manufacturing efficiency.
3Productivity
If simple vibration is applied to remove powder, then removal efficiency improves, but rough surfaces and build lines remain on parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated system: the vibratory platform performs both powder removal and surface finishing operations. By merging the decaking function with surface smoothing capabilities, the system achieves both high productivity in powder removal and improved surface finish quality, eliminating the need for separate processing steps.
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 method efficiently removes unwanted material from printed parts, allowing for their effective preparation for subsequent stages of manufacturing, such as coating or assembly, while also enabling the recycling of removed material.
Implementation Method 1
The platform is caused to vibrate thereby causing the unwanted material to detach from the parts
Implementation Method 2
The system and method may also include the application of acoustic energy to cause unwanted material to detach from the parts
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are disclosed for removal of unwanted material from additively manufactured parts by application of vibratory and/or acoustic energy. The system and method include a vibratory platform located in a chamber. Additively manufactured parts having unwanted material adhered thereto are placed on the vibratory platform. The platform is caused to vibrate thereby causing the unwanted material to detach from the parts. The system and method may also include the application of acoustic energy to cause unwanted material to detach from the parts. Advantageously, the unwanted material removed from the additively manufactured object can be recycled.