1-Butene Copolymer Base Plate for 3D Printing Adhesion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 3D printing technologies lack effective base plate materials for extrusion-based 3D printing, particularly for polyolefin-based materials, as existing solutions do not provide adequate adhesion and easy removal of printed objects.

Innovation Solution

A base plate with a top layer comprising 1-butene based copolymer containing 0 to 50 wt% of ethylene, propylene, or alpha olefins, which ensures stable adhesion and easy removal of printed objects during and after the printing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional base plate materials (heated glass plate with vinylic glue) are used for ABS printing, then good adhesion is achieved, but the plate is not suitable for polyolefin-based materials and requires complex preparation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different materialsVSAvoidplate preparation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameter of the base plate by using 1-butene based copolymer instead of conventional glass plate with vinylic glue. This material substitution enables compatibility with polyolefin-based materials while maintaining adhesion capabilities, eliminating the need for complex preparation steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The base plate comprises a composite structure with a top layer of 1-butene based copolymer containing specific comonomers (ethylene, propylene, or alpha olefins) in controlled amounts. This composite material design provides both adhesion for diverse materials and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If strong adhesion is achieved during printing, then printing stability is improved, but object removal becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting stabilityVSAvoidobject removal ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The 1-butene based copolymer's chemical composition parameters are specifically controlled (comonomer content, molecular weight distribution) to achieve optimal adhesion strength that balances printing stability with easy removal capability. The material provides sufficient grip during printing but allows clean release afterward

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The base plate material itself provides both the adhesion function during printing and the release function afterward through its inherent material properties, eliminating the need for additional adhesives or complex removal procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 1-butene based copolymer plate provides perfect adhesion with various materials, allowing for stable printing and easy removal of objects, even when used as a film or with heating, and is compatible with different filaments like propylene, nylon, ABS, and PLA.

Implementation Method 1

The 1-butene based copolymer plate provides perfect adhesion with various materials, allowing for stable printing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

even when used as a film or with heating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal heating: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3523344B1Use of a sheet or film comprising 1-butene copolymer as a plate in 3D printing
Publication Date: 2020.11.11 BASELL POLIOLEFINE ITALIA SRL
  • EP3523344B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

A plate for use in an extrusion-based additive manufacturing system comprising as a top layer a sheet or film comprising 1-butene based copolymer containing from 0 to 50 wt% of ethylene, propylene or alpha olefins of formula CH2=CHR, wherein R is a C3 -C10 alkyl radical.