Multi-Fluid 3D Printing Kit for Polyamide Surface Smoothing
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Solution Overview
Problem
3D printed polyamide objects often exhibit surface roughness and defects, which are difficult to address with existing physical and chemical post-process techniques, and chemical finishing processes involve harsh solvents that complicate post-processing.
Innovation Solution
A multi-fluid kit is used in 3D printing that includes a fusing agent with an electromagnetic radiation absorber and a surface treating agent containing benzyl alcohol, which is jetted during the printing process to improve surface roughness and uniformity by solubilizing polyamide build material particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If physical and chemical post-process techniques are used to address surface roughness, then surface quality may be improved, but the process complexity and difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The surface treating agent is jetted onto the build material layer before electromagnetic radiation exposure, preparing the surface for improved quality during the printing process itself rather than requiring separate post-processing steps. This preliminary action integrates surface treatment into the manufacturing workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface treating agent containing benzyl alcohol acts as an intermediary substance that modifies the build material surface properties. It serves as a mediator between the build material and the electromagnetic radiation, facilitating improved surface quality through controlled solubilization and re-coalescence of particles.
2Manufacturing precision
If chemical finishing processes with harsh solvents are used, then surface defects may be addressed, but post-processing becomes more complicated and hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the surface treatment by using benzyl alcohol in a controlled concentration range (0.1-10 wt%) within the surface treating agent. This parameter modification allows effective surface treatment without requiring harsh solvents, reducing harmful effects while maintaining surface uniformity improvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface treating agent is applied as a consumable liquid that is jetted onto the build material layer and then evaporates or is removed after serving its purpose. This disposable approach avoids the need for complex post-processing with hazardous solvents, as the treatment agent itself is relatively safe and easily managed.
3Strength
If electromagnetic radiation is applied to coalesce build material, then material fusion is achieved, but surface roughness remains problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The surface treating agent is selectively applied to specific regions of the build material layer where surface quality improvement is desired. This local application allows different areas to have different surface properties, with the treated areas exhibiting reduced surface roughness while maintaining the overall structural integrity achieved through electromagnetic radiation coalescence.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite system combining the build material, fusing agent, and surface treating agent. The surface treating agent containing benzyl alcohol forms a composite composition with the polyamide build material, enabling simultaneous achievement of material coalescence and surface roughness reduction through the synergistic interaction of multiple functional components.
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 combination of benzyl alcohol and heat from radiation exposure reduces surface roughness and improves color uniformity in 3D printed objects, allowing for controlled spatial incorporation of surface properties at the voxel level.
Implementation Method 1
a fusing agent with an electromagnetic radiation absorber
Implementation Method 2
the mechanism for material coalescence (e.g., curing, thermal merging/fusing, melting, sintering, etc.) may depend upon the type of build material used
Implementation Method 3
surface treating agent containing benzyl alcohol, which is jetted during the printing process to improve surface roughness and uniformity by solubilizing polyamide build material particles
Implementation Method 4
at least partial coalescence may be accomplished using heat-assisted extrusion
Implementation Method 5
for some other materials (e.g., polymerizable materials), curing or fusing may be accomplished using, for example, infrared light
Data Source
AI summary
An example of a multi-fluid kit for three-dimensional (3D) printing includes a fusing agent and a surface treating agent. The fusing agent includes an electromagnetic radiation absorber and a first aqueous vehicle. The surface treating agent includes a second aqueous vehicle, a surfactant, and benzyl alcohol dissolved in the second aqueous vehicle.