3D Wall Printing Path Texturing for Structured Lateral Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Additive manufacturing processes, such as RLP, are inadequate for producing large quantities of three-dimensional objects efficiently due to the time-consuming nature of building up thin layers, and they lack the ability to provide structured lateral surfaces on the walls of objects like prosthesis liners for enhanced comfort and design.
Innovation Solution
A method where the printing path deviates from the path of progression by superimposing a texturing path, allowing for the creation of structured lateral surfaces by oscillations, such as sine, triangle, or rectangular waves, which are parameterized by wavelength and amplitude, to enhance the texture on the lateral surfaces of the wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If additive manufacturing processes build up thin layers to produce three-dimensional objects, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming production
Solution Approach 1:
The feed-in needle continuously moves along the printing path while manufacturing material is continuously fed and cured, eliminating the traditional layer-by-layer discrete process. This continuous action maintains precision while significantly increasing production speed for large objects
2Ease of manufacture
If the feed-in needle follows the path of progression along the wall course, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but surface quality deteriorates due to lack of lateral surface structure
Solution Approach 1:
The texturing path is merged with the path of progression to create a unified printing path. This combines the simplicity of following the wall course with the ability to create structured lateral surfaces, achieving both ease of manufacture and improved surface quality
Solution Approach 2:
The texturing path introduces lateral deviations from the path of progression, adding a transverse dimension to the printing motion. This enables creation of structured lateral surfaces while maintaining the forward progression along the wall course
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
Enables efficient production of large quantities of three-dimensional objects with structured lateral surfaces, improving comfort and design features, particularly in prosthesis liners, by varying the texture and structure on the inner and outer surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
the manufacturing material is introduced into the support material in a free-flowing state, for example as a liquid or gel, at the desired positions... by way of which the free-flowing manufacturing material transforms into a non-free-flowing state
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing at least one wall of a three-dimensional object includes an additive manufacturing process in which at least one manufacturing material is fed in a free-flowing state from at least one feed-in opening of at least one feed-in needle into a supporting material and then cures. The wall extends along a course which comprises a first lateral surface and a second lateral surface opposite the first. The feed-in needle is moved through the supporting material along a printing path, and the printing path corresponds to a path of progression along the course of the wall on which a texturing path is superimposed.