Low MW Amide Gellant Ink for Transparent 3D Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ink compositions for 3D printing are limited in their ability to produce clear, transparent objects that do not yellow over time, and they often require support layers for overhangs, which can be cumbersome and result in objects that may yellow with age.
Innovation Solution
A curable ink composition comprising a monomer, oligomer, or prepolymer, an optional photoinitiator, and a low molecular weight amide gellant with a molecular weight of 800 to 2,500 g/mole, where the onset of gelation is defined by the glass transition of the gellant according to the relationship Onset of Gelation (K)=(Constant) Tg of gellant (K), with the Constant being less than 1.5, enabling the formation of clear, non-yellowing objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional UV curable inks are used for 3D printing transparent objects, then the objects can be printed with structural features, but the objects yellow over time and are not completely clear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular weight parameter of the gellant from conventional high molecular weight to low molecular weight (800-2500 g/mole), which fundamentally alters the ink's gelation behavior. This parameter change enables the ink to remain clear and non-yellowing while maintaining proper gelation properties for 3D printing, resolving the contradiction between transparency stability and printing processability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite ink formulation combining low molecular weight amide gellant with monomers, oligomers, or prepolymers. This composite material achieves both the clarity/transparency stability of low molecular weight compounds and the gelation properties needed for 3D printing, resolving the contradiction between transparency and manufacturability
2Strength
If high molecular weight gellants are used to provide structural support, then the ink has sufficient gelation strength, but the objects become opaque and yellow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular weight parameter of the gellant to a low range (800-2500 g/mole), which is sufficient to provide gelation strength for structural support while maintaining transparency. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between gelation strength and transparency by finding the optimal molecular weight range that satisfies both requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple colors are used in UV curable materials, then color variety is achieved, but the curing rates and final hardness values differ, precluding multi-color printing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the gellant molecular weight parameter to low molecular weight (800-2500 g/mole), which provides a consistent gelation baseline that can be maintained across multiple color formulations. This enables different color inks to have uniform curing characteristics, resolving the contradiction between color variety and curing consistency
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 ink composition allows for the creation of clear, transparent, and colored objects that remain stable and non-yellowing for extended periods, with improved gelation properties and reduced yellowing issues compared to traditional inks, and can be used in various thicknesses without the need for wax, which affects gelation temperature.
Implementation Method 1
the ink has an onset of gelation defined by the glass transition of the amide gellant according to the relationship Onset of Gelation (K)=(Constant) Tg of gellant (K)
Implementation Method 2
curable ink comprising at least one monomer, oligomer, or prepolymer; an optional photoinitiator
Data Source
AI summary
A curable ink including at least one monomer, oligomer, or prepolymer; an optional photoinitiator; an optional colorant; and amide gellant having a molecular weight of from about 800 to about 2,500 g/mole; wherein the ink has an onset of gelation defined by the glass transition of the low molecular weight amide gellant according to the relationship Onset of Gelation (K)=(Constant) Tg of gellant (K); wherein the Constant is less than 1.5. A process for printing a three-dimensional article including providing a curable ink; depositing the curable ink in one or more layers; and curing the deposited ink to form the three-dimensional object.