Organic Amine Treatment for 3D Printed Support Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional agents for removing support materials from three-dimensional objects using (meth)acrylic acid-based copolymers in FDM systems are inefficient, as increasing alkali concentration or temperature leads to swollen support materials that cannot be quickly removed.
Innovation Solution
A composition of an agent containing organic amine compounds such as secondary and tertiary monoamines and diamines, with a limited content of alkali metal hydroxide and alkali metal carbonate, is used to contact the precursor object, facilitating quicker removal of support materials by suppressing swelling and enhancing solubility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If alkali concentration is increased to enhance reactivity for removing support material, then removal speed is improved, but support material swells and cannot be removed quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the treatment agent by using organic amine compounds with specific pH values (6-9) instead of conventional high alkali concentration solutions. This parameter change allows effective support material removal without causing swelling, as the organic amine compounds provide sufficient reactivity at lower pH levels compared to traditional strong alkalis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces organic amine compounds as intermediary substances that mediate between the support material and the treatment environment. These compounds act as a buffer system that maintains optimal pH levels during the removal process, preventing the extreme alkaline conditions that cause swelling while still enabling effective neutralization and dissolution of the support material.
2Productivity
If temperature is increased to enhance reactivity for removing support material, then removal speed is improved, but support material swells and cannot be removed quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter by specifying a treatment range of 20-80°C, avoiding high temperatures that would cause support material swelling. This moderate temperature range maintains the structural integrity of the support material while still providing sufficient thermal energy for the organic amine compounds to effectively neutralize and dissolve the support material over time.
3Reliability
If conventional alkali-based agents are used to remove support material, then removal capability is achieved, but treatment time is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the conventional mechanical/chemical approach of using strong alkalis with a bio-inspired organic amine compound system. These compounds naturally occur in biological systems and provide gentler yet effective removal action, eliminating the need for prolonged exposure times required by harsh alkali-based agents while maintaining reliable removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the pH parameter range (6-9) of the treatment agent, which is closer to neutral compared to conventional high-alkali solutions. This parameter optimization enables faster and more controlled support material removal without the need for extended treatment times, as the organic amine compounds operate most effectively in this moderate pH range.
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 proposed method allows for the rapid and effective removal of support materials from three-dimensional objects, maintaining removability for a longer period while preventing damage to the object.
Implementation Method 1
This method uses carboxylic acid in the (meth)acrylic acid-based copolymer being neutralized by alkalis and dissolved into an alkaline aqueous solution
Implementation Method 2
dissolved into an alkaline aqueous solution
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a composition of an agent for treating a precursor of a three-dimensional object for removing a support material from the precursor of the three-dimensional object containing a three-dimensional object and the support material containing a (meth)acrylic acid-based copolymer having a hydrophilic monomer and a hydrophobic monomer as a monomer unit; the composition of the agent for treating the precursor of the three-dimensional object having at least one or more type of organic amine compounds selected from the group consisting of a secondary monoamine compound, a tertiary monoamine compound, a secondary diamine compound, and a tertiary diamine compound; in which a total content of alkali metal hydroxide and alkali metal carbonate is less than a content of the organic amine compound and less than 2.5% by mass. The present invention can provide a composition of an agent for treating a precursor of a three-dimensional object that is capable of removing the support material containing a (meth)acrylic acid-based copolymer more quickly than before.