Chemical Polishing of 3D Printed Objects With Modulus Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

3D printed objects often exhibit surface roughness and mechanical properties that are characteristic of their manufacturing method, limiting their performance and application in certain contexts.

Innovation Solution

A method involving chemical polishing with solvents to reduce surface roughness and control the Young's modulus of 3D printed objects by selectively removing solvent, allowing for tailored mechanical properties without altering the powder bed material or print protocol.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If 3D printing is used to manufacture objects, then production flexibility and complexity are improved, but surface roughness increases and mechanical properties become characteristic of the manufacturing method

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction flexibilityVSAvoidsurface roughness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by treating the 3D printed object with solvent under controlled conditions to modify the surface morphology. The solvent treatment changes the physical-chemical parameters of the surface, reducing roughness from the characteristic 3D printed state to a smoother finish that meets application requirements while preserving the bulk mechanical properties gained through additive manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If solvent treatment is applied to reduce surface roughness, then surface quality is improved, but Young's modulus may deviate from target values

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface qualityVSAvoidYoung's modulus

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by measuring the Young's modulus after solvent treatment and adjusting the treatment parameters accordingly. If the measured Young's modulus deviates from the target range, the solvent treatment conditions (such as exposure time, solvent concentration, or temperature) are modified in subsequent treatments to bring the mechanical properties back within specification while maintaining surface quality improvements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 reduces surface roughness and adjusts the Young's modulus of 3D printed objects to desired values, enhancing their mechanical properties and suitability for various applications.

Implementation Method 1

treating a 3D printed object with solvent to reduce the surface roughness of the 3D printed object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical polishing:

Implementation Method 2

controlling the Young's modulus of the 3D printed object within a target value by selectively removing at least part of the solvent from the 3D printed object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolvent removal:

Data Source

PatentUS12570048B2Manufacturing 3D printed objects

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 PERIDOT PRINT LLC

AI summary

The present disclosure relates a method of chemical polishing a 3D printed object. The method comprises treating a 3D printed object with solvent to reduce the surface roughness of the 3D printed object, and controlling the Youngs modulus of the 3D printed object within a target value by selectively removing at least part of the solvent from the 3D printed object.