3D Printing Pigment Reactants for Stable In-Situ Color Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D printing technologies are limited by the range of materials used, making it difficult to produce functional parts with desired properties such as mechanical strength and visual appearance, and the use of dyes can result in inferior color stability and migration within the polymer matrix.
Innovation Solution
A multi-fluid kit for 3D printing that includes a fusing agent, first and second reactive agents, where the reactive agents contain dissolved pigment reactants that form water-insoluble pigments in-situ, allowing for precise color formation and improved thermal stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dyes are used for coloring in 3D printing, then color customization is achieved, but color stability deteriorates and pigment migration occurs within the polymer matrix
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical state of the colorant from soluble dye molecules to insoluble pigment particles formed in-situ. The reactive agents are applied in a dissolved state, but they undergo chemical reactions to form water-insoluble pigments that remain stable within the polymer matrix, eliminating migration while maintaining color customization capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite coloring systems by combining multiple reactive agents (each containing different pigment reactants) that react to form diverse pigment types including iron oxide red, barium white, basic copper carbonate, zinc chrome yellow, and Prussian blue. This composite approach enables multiple color options with superior stability compared to single-dye systems
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional dye-based coloring is used, then ease of application is maintained, but mechanical properties and thermal stability of the printed part deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the coloring agents from organic dye molecules to inorganic pigment reactants that form stable compounds. The reactive agents are applied in aqueous solution (maintaining ease of application), but the resulting pigments provide enhanced mechanical properties and thermal stability due to their inorganic nature and strong chemical bonds within the polymer matrix
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 production of 3D printed articles with customizable colors and improved mechanical properties by forming pigments in-situ, enhancing thermal stability and colorfastness, and avoiding the limitations of traditional dye-based coloring.
Implementation Method 1
The radiation absorber can absorb radiation energy and convert the radiation energy to heat
Implementation Method 2
The second pigment reactant can be reactive with the first pigment reactant to form a water-insoluble pigment
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes multi-fluid kits for three-dimensional printing, three-dimensional printing kits, and methods of making three-dimensional printed articles. In one example, a multi-fluid kit for three-dimensional printing can include a fusing agent, a first reactive agent, and a second reactive agent. The fusing agent can include water and a radiation absorber. The radiation absorber can absorb radiation energy and convert the radiation energy to heat. The first reactive agent can include water and a dissolved first pigment reactant. The second reactive agent can include water and a dissolved second pigment reactant. The second pigment reactant can be reactive with the first pigment reactant to form a water-insoluble pigment.