3D Printing Fluids for Hydrophobic-Hydrophilic Surface Patterning
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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 incorporation of colored agents can be challenging without compromising structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
The use of multi-fluid kits and methods that include hydrophobizing and hydrophilizing agents, which are applied during the 3D printing process to create hydrophobic and hydrophilic patterns on the surface of printed articles, allowing for customizable patterning and high-resolution coloring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional 3D printing materials and methods are used, then the structural integrity of printed parts is maintained, but the range of functional properties and material diversity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the printing material system into separate components: a base polymer powder providing structural integrity, and liquid functional agents (hydrophobizing, hydrophilizing, colored agents) that impart specific properties. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while combining to achieve both strength and functional diversity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite structures by combining polymer particles with liquid functional agents during the printing process. The resulting printed parts have a composite composition where the polymer matrix provides mechanical strength while embedded functional agents provide desired properties like hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, or coloration.
2Shape
If colored agents are incorporated into 3D printed parts, then visual appearance is improved, but the structural integrity and material purity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies colored agents and other functional liquids to the polymer powder bed before or during the printing process, rather than attempting to mix them into the powder. This preliminary action ensures uniform distribution and prevents contamination of the polymer material while achieving desired visual appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses liquid agents as intermediaries that temporarily interact with the polymer surface during printing, providing color and functional properties without becoming part of the structural matrix. These intermediaries can be applied, cured, or removed without compromising the underlying polymer structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If post-processing steps are added to achieve surface properties and coloring, then functional properties are improved, but manufacturing complexity and time are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple operations into a single integrated printing process: depositing polymer material, applying functional agents (hydrophobizing, hydrophilizing, colored), and curing all occur in one continuous printing cycle. This eliminates separate post-processing steps and reduces manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it deposits structural material, applies functional coatings, and cures the composition all through one printing process. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated equipment for each operation.
4Manufacturing precision
If high-resolution patterning is achieved through multiple post-processing steps, then surface quality is improved, but productivity and manufacturing efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies all necessary functional agents and colorants to the powder bed before or during the printing process, preparing the surface with desired properties in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for multiple subsequent processing steps to achieve high-resolution patterning.
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 controlled hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties and high-quality coloring, eliminating labor-intensive post-processing and maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The fusing agent includes water and an electromagnetic radiation absorber. The electromagnetic radiation absorber absorbs radiation energy and converts the radiation energy to heat.
Implementation Method 2
The hydrophobizing agent includes water and a hydrophobic additive. The hydrophobic additive includes a first polymer having a hydrophobic group.
Implementation Method 3
The hydrophilizing agent includes water and a hydrophilic additive. The hydrophilic additive includes a second polymer having a hydrophilic group.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5C
AI summary
The present 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 hydrophobizing agent, and a hydrophilizing agent. The fusing agent can include water and an electromagnetic radiation absorber, wherein the electromagnetic radiation absorber absorbs radiation energy and converts the radiation energy to heat. The hydrophobizing agent can include water and a hydrophobic additive including a first polymer having a hydrophobic group, a monomer that is polymerizable to form a first polymer having a hydrophobic group, or a combination thereof. The hydrophilizing agent can include water and a hydrophilic additive including a second polymer having a hydrophilic group.