Vortex Tank Cleaning for 3D-Printed Support Resin Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing additive manufacturing processes produce parts that require the removal of unwanted support material or resin, which current methods are inefficient and in need of improvement.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a processing pump to create a vortex in a liquid formulation within a processing tank, facilitating the removal of support material or resin from additively manufactured parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional support material removal methods (agitation in liquid media, temperature changes) are used, then support material can be removed from additively manufactured parts, but the process is inefficient and requires multiple tanks with different properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple support material removal functions into a single processing tank by introducing a vortex-generating device. This device creates a controlled vortex flow that enables effective support material removal through centrifugal force and enhanced liquid circulation, eliminating the need for multiple separate tanks with different temperatures or liquid properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes hydraulic principles by generating a vortex flow in the liquid media within the processing tank. The vortex-generating device creates rotational fluid motion that enhances the removal of support material through centrifugal forces and improved liquid circulation patterns, achieving efficient support material removal through fluid dynamics alone.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple tanks with different temperatures or liquids are used for support material removal, then thorough cleaning can be achieved, but the system complexity and operational time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vortex-generating device creates periodic or continuous rotational motion in the liquid media, generating dynamic flow patterns that repeatedly expose support material to the liquid formulation from multiple angles. This periodic vortex action enhances the completeness of support material removal while maintaining a simple single-tank system.
Solution Approach 2:
The vortex flow generated by the device creates mechanical motion and agitation in the liquid media, producing dynamic forces that enhance the dissolution and removal of support material. The rotational and turbulent flow patterns provide mechanical action that complements the chemical formulation, achieving thorough cleaning without requiring multiple tanks.
3Device complexity
If a single processing tank is used, then device complexity is reduced, but support material removal effectiveness may be insufficient without additional agitation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a vortex-generating device that utilizes hydraulic principles to create rotational fluid motion in the processing tank. This device generates a controlled vortex flow that enhances liquid circulation and creates centrifugal forces, significantly improving support material removal effectiveness while maintaining a simple single-tank configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The vortex-generating device transforms the static liquid media into a dynamic flowing system. The device creates continuous rotational motion and turbulence in the liquid, providing dynamic agitation that enhances support material removal effectiveness without requiring multiple tanks or complex mechanical agitation mechanisms.
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 vortex flow effectively removes support material or resin, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the process, allowing for smoother operation and reduced maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
The processing pump is adapted to create a vortex within the liquid formulation in the processing tank
Implementation Method 2
The processing pump is adapted to create a vortex within the liquid formulation in the processing tank
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method are disclosed for removing support material or resin from additively manufactured parts. The apparatus includes a processing pump at least a portion of which is located in or adjacent to a processing tank filled with a liquid formulation suitable for removal of support material or resin from additively manufactured parts. The processing pump is adapted to create a vortex within the liquid formulation in the processing tank.