Volumetric 3D Printing Light-Sheet Layout for Uniform Multi-Color Curing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing volumetric 3D printing apparatuses for multi-color photopolymerization of photocurable resins require complex setups with multiple light sources and light sheet generators, leading to increased installation space and cost, and often result in non-uniform light intensity distribution.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a single light source and a light sheet generator that produces multiple light sheets with controlled angles and overlapping zones, using a beam combining device and optical reflectors to achieve uniform intensity distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple light sources and light sheet generators are used to generate multiple light sheets, then the light sheets can extend in different directions and overlap to improve printing quality, but the device complexity increases and installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single light beam is segmented into multiple light sheets by the light sheet generator using optical elements such as cylindrical lenses or diffractive optical elements. This segmentation allows one light source to produce multiple light sheets extending in different directions, eliminating the need for multiple light sources while maintaining the capability to create complex 3D structures through overlapping light sheets
Solution Approach 2:
The single light source is designed to serve multiple functions by generating multiple light sheets simultaneously through the light sheet generator. This multi-functional approach allows one light source to replace what would traditionally require multiple light sources, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to print high-quality multi-color 3D objects
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple light sources and light sheet generators are used to generate multiple light sheets, then the light sheets can extend in different directions and overlap to improve printing quality, but the installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light sheets are generated from a single light source by combining optical functions within one compact light sheet generator. This merging of functions that would traditionally require separate light sources and generators into a single integrated unit significantly reduces the installation space required while maintaining the capability to produce multiple light sheets in different directions for high-quality printing
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple light sources are used to generate multiple light sheets, then the light sheets can have the same properties, but the adjustment complexity increases due to synchronization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The single light beam is segmented into multiple light sheets with identical properties by the light sheet generator, ensuring uniform intensity and characteristics across all light sheets. This segmentation approach from a single source inherently provides synchronization, eliminating the complex control and adjustment requirements that would arise from coordinating multiple independent light sources
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are used to generate multiple light sheets, then the light sheets can extend in different directions, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single light source is designed to perform multiple functions by generating light sheets in different directions through the light sheet generator. This multi-functional design achieves the same versatility as multiple light sources would provide, but at a lower cost by eliminating the need to purchase, install, and maintain multiple separate light sources and their associated control systems
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 simplifies the setup, reduces costs, and enhances the quality of printed objects by ensuring homogeneous light intensity across the working volume, improving the resolution and uniformity of the 3D printing process.
Implementation Method 1
The light sheet generator (33) is configured to process a light beam of the light of the first wavelength emitted by the first light source (31) to generate at least four individual light sheets (LS1-LS4) of the light of the first wavelength
Implementation Method 2
an optical reflector (34) which is configured to direct the at least four individual light sheets (LS1-LS4) such that they extend through the working volume (11) at specific angles
Implementation Method 3
The irradiation device (30) is configured to irradiate a photocurable resin within the working volume (11) with light of a first wavelength and light of a second wavelength, different from the first wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for volumetric 3d-printing a three-dimensional object by multi-color photopolymerization of a photocurable resin.