3D Object Aging With UV and Heat for Discoloration Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for reducing discoloration in three-dimensional objects formed using electron beam curable inks, such as those described in Patent Literature 1, are inefficient or require prolonged treatment times.
Innovation Solution
A method involving irradiation with light of wavelengths less than 430 nm and subsequent heat treatment is applied to three-dimensional objects formed using electron beam curable inks to decompose residual polymerization initiators and intermediate products, thereby reducing discoloration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If irradiation treatment with light of wavelengths 430 nm to 500 nm is performed to reduce discoloration, then discoloration reduction is achieved, but the treatment time is long and efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the irradiation light from the conventional 430-500 nm range to a shorter wavelength range (400-430 nm), which accelerates the decomposition of residual polymerization initiators and intermediate products, thereby reducing discoloration more rapidly and improving treatment efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines light irradiation treatment with heat treatment to accelerate the decomposition process. The heat treatment provides thermal energy that synergistically enhances the photolytic decomposition of residual initiators and intermediate products, significantly reducing the time required to eliminate discoloration compared to light irradiation alone
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional light irradiation treatment is used to remove residual polymerization initiator, then discoloration is reduced, but the process is slow and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses light with wavelengths of 400-430 nm (shorter wavelength than conventional 430-500 nm) to irradiate the treated three-dimensional object. This wavelength parameter change enables more efficient absorption by residual polymerization initiators and intermediate products, accelerating their decomposition and increasing the productivity of the discoloration reduction process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges light irradiation treatment with heat treatment into a combined aging step. This combination creates a synergistic effect where light provides photolytic decomposition while heat provides thermal energy, together significantly accelerating the removal of residual polymerization initiators and intermediate products compared to either method alone
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
The method effectively and rapidly decreases discoloration in three-dimensional objects by combining irradiation with light of specific wavelengths and heat treatment, achieving a significant reduction in color tone.
Implementation Method 1
irradiation treatment in which the treated three-dimensional object is irradiated with light including wavelengths of less than 430 nm... caused by disappearance of the remaining portion of the polymerization initiator and the intermediate products
Implementation Method 2
heat treatment in which heat is applied to the treated three-dimensional object... reduction in the discoloration is caused by additional heating
Data Source
AI summary
Discoloration of a three-dimensional object formed by three-dimensional forming using an electron beam curable ink is effectively decreased.A method for producing a three-dimensional object includes a preparing step S1 of preparing a treated three-dimensional object formed by three-dimensional forming using an electron beam curable ink; and an aging step S2 of performing irradiation treatment S2-1 in which the treated three-dimensional object is irradiated with light including wavelengths of less than 430 nm and heat treatment S2-2 in which heat is applied to the treated three-dimensional object, to decrease color tone of a discolored portion in the treated three-dimensional object.