A method for post-processing a photosensitive resin member

Abstract

The application provides a method for post-processing of a photosensitive resin component, and belongs to the technical field of photosensitive resin, and comprises the following steps: immersing the photosensitive resin component into a solution to obtain an intermediate; and sequentially performing atomization treatment and solidification on the intermediate to complete the post-processing. The photosensitive resin component is placed in an atomized environment for photocuring, the surface properties of the component are improved, the adhesion of the model surface is reduced to a certain extent, the surface color of the original component is changed, the surface smoothness is increased, the surface quality of the component after solidification is improved, the surface protection effect of the component is achieved, and the service life of the photosensitive resin component is prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of photosensitive resin technology, and more particularly to a method for post-processing photosensitive resin components. Background Technology

[0002] Breakthroughs in mechanical manufacturing and bionics, along with in-depth research into soft-bodied creatures like geckos and octopuses, have led to the emergence of soft robotics as a new research direction. Due to its unique curing properties induced by photopolymerization, and its inherent flexibility, high elongation, and ability to return to its initial shape after repeated bending and stretching, flexible photosensitive resin is one of the most commonly used raw materials for 3D-printed soft robots, providing researchers with immense creative possibilities. However, when used as body parts for printed soft robots, flexible photosensitive resin is often exposed to prolonged light, causing its performance to fall short of ideal requirements. For example, in the intense ultraviolet light environment of outer space, the flexible photosensitive resin gradually becomes brittle and yellows due to exposure to strong ultraviolet light. This alters the resin's internal microstructure, resulting in deteriorated mechanical properties and a drastically reduced lifespan.

[0003] The most common post-processing technique for flexible photosensitive resin 3D printed parts is coating. On one hand, coating requires high-performance coating materials. Treating flexible photosensitive resin hardens the entire surface of the printed part, significantly altering its mechanical properties and affecting the bending, tensile, and torsional properties of soft robot components. On the other hand, coating itself requires highly skilled operators and is difficult to handle complex surfaces or intricate internal structures. Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for a process that achieves good UV cross-linking and curing effects between the coating materials, while also being economically viable. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for post-processing photosensitive resin components.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0006] This invention provides a method for post-processing photosensitive resin components, comprising the following steps:

[0007] (1) Immerse the photosensitive resin component in the solution to obtain an intermediate;

[0008] (2) The intermediate is sequentially atomized and cured, and then processed.

[0009] Preferably, the immersion time in step (1) is 1 to 5 minutes.

[0010] Preferably, the solution in step (1) is a titanium dioxide solution.

[0011] Preferably, the mass concentration of the titanium dioxide solution is 0.1% to 1%.

[0012] Preferably, the atomization treatment time in step (2) is 40 to 60 minutes.

[0013] Preferably, the gas flow rate for the atomization process in step (2) is 40 to 60 psi.

[0014] Preferably, the spray volume of the atomization treatment in step (2) is 8 to 12 mL / min.

[0015] Preferably, the curing time in step (2) is 35 to 55 minutes.

[0016] Preferably, the curing temperature in step (2) is 50 to 70°C.

[0017] Preferably, the light intensity for curing in step (2) is 170–190 W / m². 2 .

[0018] This invention provides a method for post-processing photosensitive resin components, comprising the following steps: (1) immersing the photosensitive resin component in a solution to obtain an intermediate; (2) sequentially subjecting the intermediate to atomization and curing, followed by post-processing. This invention places the photosensitive resin component in an atomized environment for photocuring, improving the surface properties of the component, reducing the stickiness of the model surface to a certain extent, changing the surface color of the original part, increasing the smoothness of the original part surface, and improving the surface quality of the cured component, thus achieving a surface protection effect and extending the service life of the photosensitive resin component.

[0019] This invention unifies the traditional two-step process of secondary curing and post-processing. Compared with the traditional post-processing process, this invention can be used on photosensitive resin components that are large in size or produced in large batches, saving a lot of time and labor costs; it also reduces the technical requirements such as the skill level of the operator and the requirements for the flatness or complexity of the printed parts, and greatly improves the service life of the material. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 Diagram showing the connection between the curing device and the ultrasonic atomizer;

[0021] Figure 2 A front view of the device connecting the curing unit and the ultrasonic atomizer;

[0022] Among them, 1 is the curing device, 2 is the light source system, 3 is the rotating disk, 4 is the box body, 5 is the rotating transparent support, 6 is the mist outlet, 7 is the water tank, 8 is the water level indicator light, 9 is the operation indicator light, 10 is the ultrasonic atomizer, 11 is the corrugated pipe, 12 is the atomization adjustment knob, 13 is the timer switch knob, and 14 is the wind speed adjustment knob. Detailed Implementation

[0023] This invention provides a method for post-processing photosensitive resin components, comprising the following steps:

[0024] (1) Immerse the photosensitive resin component in the solution to obtain an intermediate;

[0025] (2) The intermediate is sequentially atomized and cured, and then processed.

[0026] In this invention, the photosensitive resin component is first cleaned in a cleaning machine and then immersed in a solution. The cleaning time is preferably 1 to 5 minutes, more preferably 2 to 4 minutes, and even more preferably 2.5 to 3.5 minutes.

[0027] In this invention, the solution in step (1) is preferably a titanium dioxide solution.

[0028] In this invention, the mass concentration of the titanium dioxide solution is preferably 0.1-1%, more preferably 0.2-0.9%, and even more preferably 0.4-0.7%.

[0029] In this invention, immersing the component in a titanium dioxide solution allows the titanium dioxide solution to fully contact the inner and outer surfaces of the component, enabling it to be cured to the entire inner and outer cavity surfaces of the component during the subsequent curing process.

[0030] In this invention, the titanium dioxide solution adhering to the surface of the component can color the component, enhance its resistance to ultraviolet light, delay the yellowing and brittleness caused by curing under normal light, improve the smoothness and flatness of the component surface, and extend its service life.

[0031] In this invention, the immersion time in step (1) is preferably 1 to 5 minutes, more preferably 2 to 4 minutes, and even more preferably 2.5 to 3.5 minutes.

[0032] In this invention, after obtaining the intermediate, the intermediate is placed in the suspended transparent support of the curing device to wait for curing, and then the solution that has been soaked in the photosensitive resin component is placed in the ultrasonic atomizer to wait for atomization.

[0033] In this invention, using a suspended transparent bracket to fix the position of the intermediate body ensures that each surface of the intermediate body is under uniform light during the curing process, preventing cracking of the component during use due to uneven irradiation angle.

[0034] In this invention, the curing device and the ultrasonic atomizer are connected as follows: Figure 1 As shown.

[0035] In this invention, the front view of the device connecting the curing apparatus and the ultrasonic atomizer is shown below. Figure 2 As shown.

[0036] In this invention, the atomization time in step (2) is preferably 40 to 60 minutes, more preferably 45 to 55 minutes, and even more preferably 48 to 52 minutes.

[0037] In this invention, the gas flow rate of the atomization process in step (2) is preferably 40 to 60 psi, more preferably 45 to 55 psi, and even more preferably 48 to 52 psi.

[0038] Gas flow rate affects atomization quality and adhesion efficiency. If the gas flow rate is too low, the particle size of the atomized particles will increase, reducing the atomization effect and coverage area. If the gas flow rate is too high, the particle size of the atomized particles will decrease, causing the atomized particles to move too fast and become scattered, which is not conducive to adhesion to the target surface and reduces the atomization effect and adhesion rate.

[0039] In this invention, the spray volume of the atomization treatment in step (2) is preferably 8 to 12 mL / min, more preferably 9 to 11 mL / min, and even more preferably 9.5 to 10.5 mL / min.

[0040] In this invention, the atomized solution is converted into particles and then passed into the curing device through a corrugated pipe.

[0041] In this invention, the particle size of the solution particles after atomization is preferably 2-4 μm, more preferably 2.5-3.5 μm, and even more preferably 2.8-3.2 μm.

[0042] In this invention, the curing time in step (2) is preferably 35 to 55 minutes, more preferably 40 to 50 minutes, and even more preferably 44 to 46 minutes.

[0043] In this invention, the curing temperature in step (2) is preferably 50-70°C, more preferably 55-65°C, and even more preferably 58-62°C.

[0044] In this invention, excessively high curing temperatures can easily cause material deformation, reduce the accuracy of the dimensions of the cured component, and consequently affect its future service life.

[0045] In this invention, the light intensity for curing in step (2) is preferably 170–190 W / m. 2Further preferred is 175–185 W / m 2 More preferably, it is 178–182 W / m 2 .

[0046] In this invention, curing is carried out under particle atomization conditions because in order to achieve the purpose of adapting to high intensity UV resistance and improving lifespan after the component is cured for the second time, the light transmittance of the solution after the material attached to the surface of the component is dissolved is very low. If the component is placed directly in the solution for curing, the component will float on the surface of the solution. After photocuring, only the part of the surface that floats out of the solution is cured, and the curing effect of the rest of the surface is very poor or even not cured.

[0047] By placing it in an atomized environment, the light scattering effect is utilized to ensure sufficient illumination. The solution particles under atomized conditions can absorb the heat generated during curing, minimizing the impact of temperature. Furthermore, the ultraviolet light used for curing in an atomized environment has a better scattering effect than the ultraviolet light used for curing in air, which greatly reduces the light exposure time and improves curing efficiency. On the other hand, the atomized environment can also isolate a portion of the air, reducing the quenching effect of oxygen and further improving the curing efficiency of the printed parts.

[0048] In this invention, unless otherwise specified, all raw materials required for preparation are commercially available products well known to those skilled in the art.

[0049] The technical solutions provided by the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the embodiments, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0050] The following photosensitive resin components were printed using Elastic 50AResin material in a Formlabs 3D printer.

[0051] Example 1

[0052] The photosensitive resin component was cleaned in a cleaning machine for 3 minutes, and then immersed in a 0.5% titanium dioxide solution for 1 minute to obtain an intermediate.

[0053] The intermediate is placed in a suspended transparent support of the curing device and left to cure. The titanium dioxide solution that has been soaked in the photosensitive resin component is placed in an ultrasonic atomizer and left to atomize.

[0054] The titanium dioxide solution was atomized into 3μm particles by atomization for 50 min at a gas flow rate of 50 psi and a spray volume of 10 mL / min. The atomized particles were then introduced into the curing device through a corrugated pipe. After complete diffusion within the curing device, a rotating disk rotated the suspended transparent support. The curing process was carried out under a light intensity of 180 W / m². 2The photosensitive resin component was cured at 60℃ for 45 minutes to complete the post-treatment process.

[0055] Example 2

[0056] The photosensitive resin component was cleaned in a cleaning machine for 1 minute, and then immersed in a 0.1% titanium dioxide solution for 2.5 minutes to obtain an intermediate.

[0057] The intermediate is placed in a suspended transparent support of the curing device and left to cure. The titanium dioxide solution that has been soaked in the photosensitive resin component is placed in an ultrasonic atomizer and left to atomize.

[0058] The titanium dioxide solution was atomized into 4μm particles by atomization at a gas flow rate of 40psi and a spray volume of 8mL / min for 40min. The atomized particles were then introduced into the curing device through a corrugated pipe. After complete diffusion within the curing device, a rotating disk rotated the suspended transparent support. The curing process was carried out under a light intensity of 170W / m². 2 The photosensitive resin component is cured at 50℃ for 35 minutes to complete the post-treatment process.

[0059] Example 3

[0060] The photosensitive resin component was cleaned in a cleaning machine for 5 minutes, and then immersed in a 1% titanium dioxide solution for 5 minutes to obtain an intermediate.

[0061] The intermediate is placed in a suspended transparent support of the curing device and left to cure. The titanium dioxide solution that has been soaked in the photosensitive resin component is placed in an ultrasonic atomizer and left to atomize.

[0062] The titanium dioxide solution was atomized into 2μm particles by atomization for 60 min at a gas flow rate of 60 psi and a spray volume of 12 mL / min. The atomized particles were then introduced into the curing device through a corrugated pipe. After complete diffusion within the curing device, a rotating disk rotated the suspended transparent support. The curing process was carried out under a light intensity of 190 W / m². 2 The photosensitive resin component was cured at 70℃ for 55 minutes to complete the post-treatment process.

[0063] As can be seen from the above embodiments, the present invention provides a method for post-processing photosensitive resin components, comprising the following steps: immersing the photosensitive resin component in a solution to obtain an intermediate; sequentially subjecting the intermediate to atomization and curing, followed by post-processing. The present invention places the photosensitive resin component in an atomized environment for photocuring, improving the surface properties of the component, reducing the stickiness of the model surface to a certain extent, changing the surface color of the original part, increasing the surface smoothness, and improving the surface quality of the cured component, thus achieving a surface protection effect and extending the service life of the photosensitive resin component.

[0064] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for post-processing photosensitive resin components, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: (1) Immerse the photosensitive resin component in the solution to obtain an intermediate; (2) The intermediate is sequentially atomized and cured, followed by post-processing; The solution mentioned in step (1) is a titanium dioxide solution; The mass concentration of the titanium dioxide solution is 0.1% to 1%. The gas flow rate for atomization in step (2) is 40~60 psi; The curing temperature in step (2) is 50~70℃; The curing described in step (2) is carried out under particle atomization conditions; After obtaining the intermediate in step (1), the intermediate is placed in the suspended transparent bracket of the curing device and waited for curing. Then, the solution that has been soaked in the photosensitive resin component is placed in the ultrasonic atomizer and waited for atomization.

2. The method for post-processing photosensitive resin components as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The immersion time in step (1) is 1 to 5 minutes.

3. The method for post-processing photosensitive resin components as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The atomization process in step (2) takes 40 to 60 minutes.

4. The method for post-processing photosensitive resin components as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The spray volume of the atomization treatment in step (2) is 8~12 mL / min.

5. The method for post-processing photosensitive resin components as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The curing time in step (2) is 35~55 min.

6. The method for post-processing photosensitive resin components as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The light intensity for curing in step (2) is 170~190W / m. 2 .

Images