Proof of concept of a novel combined consolidation and transfer mechanism for electrophotographic 3D printing
ISSN: 1355-2546
Article publication date: 1 October 2018
Issue publication date: 15 October 2018
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to develop and then evaluate a novel consolidation and powder transfer mechanism for electrophotographic 3D printing, designed to overcome two longstanding limitations of electrophotographic 3D printing: fringing and a build height limitation.
Design/methodology/approach
Analysis of the electric field generated within electrophotographic printing was used to identify the underlying causes of the fringing and build height limitations. A prototype machine was then designed and manufactured to overcome these limitations, and a number of print runs were carried out as proof of concept studies.
Findings
The analysis suggested that a machine design which separated the electrostatic powder deposition of the print engine from the layer transfer and consolidation steps is required to overcome fringing and build height limitations. A machine with this build architecture was developed and proof of concept studies showed that the build height and fringing effects were no longer evident.
Research limitations/implications
Electrophotography (EP) was initially seen as a promising technology for 3D printing, largely because the potential for multi-material printing at high speed. As these limitations can now be overcome, there is still potential for EP to deliver a high-speed 3D printing system which can build parts consisting of multiple materials.
Originality/value
The analysis of EP, the new method for the transfer and consolidation of layers and the proof of concept study are all original and provide new information on how EP can be adopted for 3D printing.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge the EPSRC and Newcastle University for supporting the work through a PhD Studentship for Benning.
Citation
Benning, M.J. and Dalgarno, K. (2018), "Proof of concept of a novel combined consolidation and transfer mechanism for electrophotographic 3D printing", Rapid Prototyping Journal, Vol. 24 No. 6, pp. 1040-1048. https://doi.org/10.1108/RPJ-04-2018-0111
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited