Bio-Based Resin for 3D Printing Reduces VOC Emissions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3-D printing materials, such as ABS and PLA, pose health concerns due to VOC emissions and moisture sensitivity, and lack desirable mechanical properties, necessitating the development of sustainable, renewable, and high-quality materials for FDM printers that are accessible to consumers and manufacturers.
Innovation Solution
A sustainable three-dimensional printing material comprising a bio-based resin derived from succinic acid and 1,4-butane-diol, combined with a colorant and optional additives, which is produced through fermentation of corn-derived glucose, offering improved mechanical properties and environmental friendliness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If ABS or PLA thermoplastics are used for FDM printing, then the printing process is simple and cost-effective, but health issues arise due to VOC emissions and moisture sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the printing material by using bio-based polyesters with different molecular structures and properties compared to traditional ABS and PLA, thereby reducing VOC emissions and moisture sensitivity while maintaining printability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material formulations combining bio-based polyesters with specific additives and modifiers to achieve both environmental safety (reduced VOCs and moisture sensitivity) and manufacturing ease, creating a new class of eco-friendly printing materials
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional thermoplastics like ABS and PLA are used, then printing material cost is low, but mechanical properties such as impact strength are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops composite material systems incorporating bio-based polyesters with enhanced mechanical properties, combining multiple components to achieve superior impact strength while maintaining cost-effectiveness through sustainable原料 selection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes molecular weight, crystallinity, and compositional parameters of the bio-based polyester materials to simultaneously improve mechanical strength and control manufacturing cost, moving away from standard commercial plastics
3Object-affected harmful factors
If PLA is used for printing, then the material is biodegradable and environmentally friendly, but issues occur with support material removal and moisture absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical and physical parameters of biodegradable materials by selecting specific bio-based polyester compositions with adjusted glass transition temperatures, crystallinity, and hydrophobicity to enable reliable support removal and reduced moisture absorption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary substances or surface treatments that facilitate support material removal and reduce moisture sensitivity, allowing biodegradable materials to maintain reliability during the printing and post-processing stages
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 bio-based resin provides enhanced mechanical properties, reduced VOC emissions, and environmental sustainability, making 3-D printing more accessible and cost-effective while ensuring the quality of printed objects.
Implementation Method 1
produced through fermentation of corn-derived glucose
Implementation Method 2
heating the thermoplastic filament to its melting point
Implementation Method 3
heating the thermoplastic filament to its melting point; extruding the melted thermoplastic filament
Data Source
AI summary
A sustainable material suitable for three-dimensional printing is disclosed. The sustainable material comprises a resin derived from a bio-based diacid monomer and a bio-based glycol monomer. The resulting sustainable material provides a much more robust 3-D printing material with different properties than conventional materials.