3D printed sleeve and a method for preparing thereof
AssigneeSuominen Oyj
InventorsCharlie Blackwell, Justin Boncher, Gian Luca Polosa, Tero Haaparanta, Markku Koivisto
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Abstract
The invention relates to a manufacturing process of equipment for use in the production of nonwoven fabrics and paper products. According to the present invention, a sleeve for an embossing roller is produced using additive manufacturing, specifically 3D printing. These technologies permit the preparation of pattern-forming and dewatering details in the sleeve in a single operation. The dewatering properties may thus be optimised for the selected pattern, resulting in uniform dewatering tailored for the pattern. Preferably, the technique used is stereolitography.
Claims10
A method for preparing a cylindrical sleeve for a drum for forming, pressing, or molding a fibrous web, wherein the method comprises:
- forming the cylindrical sleeve comprising pattern-forming details and dewatering holes therein by additive manufacturing, wherein the pattern-forming details comprise valleys in a radially outward facing external surface of the cylindrical sleeve;
- applying a coating comprising a cross-linked resin to the radially outward facing external surface of the cylindrical sleeve and in the dewatering holes;
- using a vacuum to distribute the coating evenly in the dewatering holes to achieve predetermined dimensions in the dewatering holes;
- and curing the cross-linked resin.
An additive manufacturing process for producing a cylindrical sleeve for forming, pressing, or molding a fibrous web, the additive manufacturing process comprising:
- providing a resin bath of a photocurable resin;
- repeatedly illuminating portions of the photocurable resin within the resin bath to cure the photocurable resin and form the cylindrical sleeve for forming, pressing, or molding a fibrous web on a layer-by-layer basis, wherein successive layers of cured resin are built up on an underside or a topside of previously formed layers;
- forming pattern-forming details and dewatering holes in the cylindrical sleeve when forming the cylindrical sleeve on the layer-by-layer basis;
- applying a coating comprising a cross-linked resin to a radially outward facing external surface of the cylindrical sleeve and in the dewatering holes;
- using a vacuum to distribute the coating evenly in the dewatering holes to achieve predetermined dimensions in the dewatering holes;
- and curing the cross-linked resin.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.