Method for processing three-dimensionally printed objects using microwave radiation

Abstract

Objects produced by traditional 3D printing methods are often not fully consolidated and cannot be easily repaired. Printing mixtures that address this issue may include a curable matrix and a microwave absorber dispersed in the curable matrix. The microwave absorber may be a plurality of carbon nanostructures comprising a plurality of carbon nanotubes that are branched, cross-linked and share a common wall with each other. A method for processing a three-dimensionally printed object may include providing a three-dimensionally printed object formed from a printing mixture comprising a curable matrix and a microwave absorber dispersed in the curable matrix, and irradiating microwaves at one or more locations The focus input is applied to the printed object. The application of microwave radiation heats the microwave absorber at one or more locations and promotes consolidation of the printing mixture within the printed object.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0002] This application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application Nos. 62 / 010,973 and 62 / 010,977, filed June 11, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. technical field [0003] The present disclosure relates generally to three-dimensional printing, and more particularly, to the use of microwave heating in conjunction with three-dimensional printing. Background technique [0004] Three-dimensional (3D) printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a rapidly growing field of technology that operates by depositing small droplets or streams of molten or curable printing material in precise deposition locations under computer control. The deposition of printing material results in a gradual, layer-by-layer accumulation of objects that can be of any number of complex shapes. Printing materials that can be used for 3D printing include polymers and other curable substances. [0005] ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, for volume manufacturing purposes, the aforementioned defects resulting from incomplete fusion during printing can be problematic, especially for producing high performance and / or tight tolerance objects with a desired degree of durability and quality

Although incomplete fusion can be mitigated to some extent by reducing the size of the deposition nozzle, at the disadvantage of increased printing time and associated higher costs, there is currently no solution to completely solve the problem of poor fusion during or after the 3D printing process. method

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