Volumetric 3D Printing With Non-Parallel Beams for Striation Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing volumetric 3D-printing apparatuses produce three-dimensional objects with undesired artefacts such as striping or striation, compromising their optical appearance and properties due to local variations in light intensity, laser speckle effects, and optical interferences.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a light modulation device that generates non-parallel and non-coherent light beams within a light plane by intersecting them at specific angles, reducing speckle effects and improving optical properties of the printed objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional volumetric 3D-printing apparatuses use standard light beams for polymerization, then the manufacturing process is simple, but artefacts like striping and striation appear on the surface and inside the printed objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light beam into multiple independent light sources arranged in a specific geometric pattern. Each light source emits light that traverses the working volume at different angles, creating multiple overlapping light paths that eliminate regular striping patterns while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric angular arrangement of multiple light sources rather than symmetric parallel beams. The light sources are positioned and oriented at different angles relative to the working volume, creating an asymmetric light field that prevents formation of regular striation patterns and improves surface quality without requiring complex active modulation systems
2Manufacturing precision
If laser beams are used for volumetric printing, then polymerization efficiency is high, but laser speckle effects and optical interferences create undesired artefacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent light sources into a single integrated optical system that works together to illuminate the working volume. By combining the effects of multiple light sources traveling at different angles, the system achieves uniform polymerization while the geometric arrangement naturally disperses speckle patterns and optical interferences that would otherwise appear as artefacts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional single-plane light illumination to multi-dimensional light paths by arranging light sources at different angles and positions in three-dimensional space. This dimensional expansion of the light field creates overlapping cones and planes of illumination that eliminate two-dimensional speckle patterns and interference artefacts while maintaining high polymerization efficiency
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 apparatus significantly reduces undesired artefacts like striping or striation, enhancing the optical appearance and properties of the manufactured three-dimensional objects without compromising resolution.
Implementation Method 1
positive and/or negative optical interferences of the light in the light beam or light plane
Implementation Method 2
laser speckle effects in the light beam or light plane
Implementation Method 3
at least one local polymerization process of a polymerizable material for continuously additively manufacturing of at least one three-dimensional object by means of multiphoton photopolymerization
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for volumetric 3d-printing for forming a three-dimensional object, the apparatus comprising:a working volume configured to receive a photopolymerizable material, particularly a photopolymerizable polymer resin, which is to be irradiated with light for forming a three-dimensional object;at least one first irradiation device configured to radiate light of a first wavelength into the working volume to generate at least one first light projection in the working volume, the at least one first light projection comprising multiple light beams traversing the working volume in at least one light plane;at least one light modulation device assigned to the at least one first irradiation device.