Solubilized Avobenzone Fusing Agent for Consistent 3D Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional printing technologies face challenges in achieving rapid production speed, part consistency, and variable mechanical properties, particularly in the fusion of polymeric particles, while also requiring improved equipment reliability and coloration.
Innovation Solution
The use of a fusing agent containing solubilized avobenzone as a radiation absorber, combined with C7 to C12 aliphatic ester cosolvent and other additives, to selectively fuse polymeric particles through UV or violet electromagnetic radiation, allowing for precise layer-by-layer construction of three-dimensional objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional three-dimensional printing methods are used, then production speed can be improved, but part consistency and fusion quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fusing agent as an intermediary substance that mediates between the UV radiation source and the polymeric particles. This fusing agent contains avobenzone as a radiation absorber that converts UV energy into heat, which then transfers to the polymeric particles to achieve consistent fusion. The intermediary fusing agent ensures uniform energy distribution and consistent part quality while maintaining rapid production speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the fusing agent system by using solubilized avobenzone in a specific concentration range (0.5-10 wt%) within the fusing agent composition. This parameter optimization ensures that the radiation absorber provides consistent heat generation across different printing conditions, achieving both high production speed and consistent part quality through controlled parameter ranges.
2Productivity
If rapid prototyping is performed to improve production speed, then equipment reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical fusion methods with a photothermal conversion system. Instead of using mechanical heating elements or contact-based fusion mechanisms that wear out and require maintenance, the system uses UV radiation absorbed by avobenzone to generate heat directly at the particle level. This substitution of mechanical systems with optical-thermal conversion improves equipment reliability while maintaining rapid production speeds.
3Manufacturing precision
If solubilized avobenzone is used as radiation absorber, then fusion quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameters of solubilized avobenzone in the fusing agent to achieve effective fusion quality without requiring complex device modifications. By controlling the avobenzone concentration within specific ranges (0.5-10 wt%) and using appropriate solubilization techniques, the system achieves high fusion quality while keeping the printing device architecture relatively simple.
4Manufacturing precision
If layer-by-layer construction is performed to ensure part consistency, then production speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by using a fusing agent formulation that provides consistent and reliable fusion performance across all layers. The solubilized avobenzone system maintains stable radiation absorption and heat generation properties throughout the printing process, allowing each layer to be constructed with consistent quality without requiring speed reductions or additional processing steps between layers.
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
This approach enhances production speed, ensures consistent part quality, and provides variable mechanical properties, while improving equipment reliability and enabling coloration in three-dimensional printed objects.
Implementation Method 1
The radiation absorber can absorb the electromagnetic radiation and emit heat to the surrounding polymeric particles thereby fusing the adjacent polymeric particles to one another
Implementation Method 2
The radiation absorber can absorb the electromagnetic radiation and emit heat to the surrounding polymeric particles thereby fusing the adjacent polymeric particles to one another
Data Source
AI summary
A fusing agent for three-dimensional printing can include from about 5 wt % to about 40 wt % water; from about 4 wt % to about 60 wt % C7 to C12 aliphatic ester cosolvent; and from about 0.5 wt % to about 10 wt % solubilized avobenzone.