3D Printed Parts With Embedded Photoluminescent Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D printing technologies lack the ability to effectively integrate secure, photoluminescent features beneath the surface of printed parts, which are not easily visible without compromising the structural integrity or aesthetic appeal of the final product.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for 3D printing that incorporates a photoluminescent security feature beneath a surface layer, using a combination of thermoplastic polymer powder and fusing agents, where the security feature is encapsulated between the part body and the masking feature, allowing the photoluminescent emission to be visible through a translucent masking area, achieved by adjusting the drop volume and concentration of fusing ink.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a photoluminescent security feature is integrated beneath the surface layer, then security and serialization capabilities are enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the printing process into distinct operations: printing the security feature with photoluminescent ink, applying fusing ink, and selectively removing portions of the surface layer to reveal the security feature. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently while maintaining overall security capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The security feature is nested beneath the surface layer, with the photoluminescent material embedded in the subsurface region. The surface layer acts as a container that both protects and conceals the security feature, requiring complex manufacturing to achieve proper nesting and integration.
2Ease of manufacture
If the surface layer is made translucent to allow photoluminescent emission visibility, then the security feature becomes visible upon irradiation, but the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The surface layer exhibits local quality variations: certain regions are made translucent with reduced fusing agent concentration to allow photoluminescent visibility, while other regions maintain full structural integrity and opacity. This spatial differentiation enables simultaneous achievement of security visibility and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the concentration parameter of the fusing agent in the ink formulation for the surface layer, creating a translucent region with lower concentration that allows light transmission while maintaining sufficient structural properties through the thermoplastic polymer matrix.
3Illumination intensity
If the concentration of fusing agent is reduced in the masking area, then the photoluminescent emission becomes visible through the surface layer, but the fusing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fusing agent concentration is optimized locally: higher concentrations are used in regions requiring strong fusing and structural integrity, while lower concentrations are applied in masking areas where photoluminescent visibility is the priority. This local optimization balances fusing efficiency with security feature visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial fusing action in the masking area by using reduced fusing agent concentration, which is sufficient to bind the thermoplastic particles but insufficient to completely mask the photoluminescent emission. This partial action achieves the desired translucency while maintaining basic structural coherence.
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
Enables the creation of 3D printed parts with secure, photoluminescent features that are invisible under ambient conditions but visible upon irradiation, enhancing security and serialization capabilities while maintaining the part's appearance and structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a fusing agent, wherein the fusing agent absorbs electromagnetic radiation and converts the electromagnetic radiation to thermal energy
Implementation Method 2
converting the electromagnetic radiation to thermal energy to a temperature sufficient to fuse the thermoplastic polymer powder
Implementation Method 3
a photoluminescent material, wherein the photoluminescent material absorbs electromagnetic radiation and emits visible light
Data Source
AI summary
A 3-dimensional printed part can include a part body including a first matrix of fusing agent and thermoplastic polymer powder, a security feature including a second matrix of fusing agent, thermoplastic polymer powder, and photoluminescent agent, and a masking feature including a third matrix of fusing agent and thermoplastic polymer powder. The security feature can be positioned beneath and visible through the masking feature upon photoluminescent emission of the security feature.