Avobenzone Fusing Agents for Consistent Polymer Fusion in MJF
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional printing technologies face challenges in achieving rapid production speed, part consistency, and method flexibility, particularly in multi-jet fusion (MJF) processes, where the fusion of polymeric particles is not efficiently achieved using conventional radiation absorbers.
Innovation Solution
The use of avobenzone particles in a fusing agent with a specific particle size and absorption spectrum, combined with an aqueous liquid vehicle, to absorb electromagnetic radiation and heat polymeric particles for efficient intra-layer and inter-layer fusion in MJF processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional radiation absorbers are used in MJF processes, then the printing process can be performed, but the fusion of polymeric particles is not efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the radiation absorber by using avobenzone particles with specific properties (particle size D50 from 30 nm to 1000 nm, concentration from 0.5 wt% to 20 wt%) instead of conventional radiation absorbers. This parameter change enables efficient absorption of electromagnetic radiation at wavelengths from 345 nm to 415 nm, achieving both rapid production speed and reliable fusion efficiency in MJF processes.
2Reliability
If avobenzone particles with specific properties are used, then fusion efficiency is improved, but the complexity of the fusing agent formulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite fusing agent formulation combining avobenzone particles (radiation absorber), aqueous liquid vehicle (solvent system with water and organic cosolvent), surfactant, and dispersant. This composite material approach achieves efficient fusion while managing formulation complexity through systematic integration of multiple functional components, each serving a specific purpose in the overall system.
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 enables rapid and consistent fusion of polymeric particles, allowing for the creation of high-quality, white three-dimensional objects with precise detail, using a method that is adaptable and efficient in terms of energy utilization.
Implementation Method 1
The jetting fluid(s) can be ejected from a print head, such as a fluid ejector similar to an inkjet print head, for example, and then the layer can be exposed to electromagnetic radiation to heat the layer of the build material. 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.
Implementation Method 3
a fusing agent that can include an aqueous liquid vehicle including water, organic cosolvent, and dispersant, from about 0.5 wt % to about 20 wt % avobenzone particles in the aqueous liquid vehicle based on a total weight of the fusing agent
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional printing kit can include a build material with from about 80 wt % to 100 wt % polymeric particles having a D50 particle size from about 10 μm to about 150 μm, and a fusing agent including from about 0.5 wt % to about 20 wt % avobenzone particles dispersed in an aqueous liquid vehicle based on a total weight of the fusing agent.