Ceramic Granule Coloring via Metal Ion Solution Spraying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for coloring ceramics and glass ceramics are inefficient for producing smaller quantities with consistent results, requiring individual coloring of each dental prosthetic part and resulting in deviations in final color despite careful process adherence.
Innovation Solution
A method involving spraying granules of ceramic, glass-ceramic, or glass with a solution containing metal ions or metal complexes, ensuring even distribution and sparing use of the solution, which can then be further processed into shaped bodies with desired color and properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If coloring agents are mixed into powdered ceramic base material in dry powder form, then large quantities of colored ceramic materials can be produced, but smaller quantities with individual color shades cannot be efficiently produced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state of the coloring agent from dry powder to liquid solution form. This parameter change enables precise control of coloring agent quantity through solution volume and concentration, making it efficient for both large and small batch productions with individual color shades.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses liquid solution instead of dry powder for applying coloring agents. The solution can be precisely metered and applied to ceramic granules, enabling efficient production of small quantities with consistent individual color shades while maintaining scalability for larger quantities.
2Ease of manufacture
If porous ceramic components are stained using solutions containing metal ions or metal complexes by immersion or application, then coloring can be achieved, but considerable effort is required for each individual blank or prosthetic component
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies the coloring solution to ceramic granules before they are pressed into blanks or prosthetic components. This preliminary action ensures that the coloring is already incorporated into the material structure, eliminating the need for subsequent individual coloring steps for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the coloring process with the granule preparation and blank formation processes. By incorporating the coloring solution application into the earlier stages of material preparation, multiple operations are merged into one efficient workflow, reducing overall procedural effort.
3Ease of manufacture
If porous ceramic components are stained using solutions containing metal ions or metal complexes, then coloring is achieved, but variations in final color of different parts cannot always be avoided
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the application method from immersion or surface application to spraying, which provides more uniform distribution of the coloring solution. The spraying process delivers a consistent fine mist that penetrates granules uniformly, ensuring consistent color across different parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the manual or less precise immersion/application method with a controlled spraying system. The spraying mechanism provides better control over solution distribution, ensuring uniform penetration and consistent coloring results across different batches and individual parts.
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 method allows for reproducible and efficient coloring of both large and small quantities, reducing procedural effort and ensuring consistent color across multiple dental prosthetic parts, while also enabling modification of material properties for specific applications.
Implementation Method 1
The porous ceramic mold is typically immersed in the dyeing solution, or the dyeing solution is applied to the ceramic using a suitable applicator. This allows the dyeing solution to penetrate partially or completely into the porous ceramic part.
Implementation Method 2
spraying granules of ceramic, glass-ceramic, or glass with a solution containing metal ions or metal complexes, ensuring even distribution
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for doping or colouring ceramics, glass ceramics, or glass, in which the ceramics, glass ceramics or glass is/are supplied in granulate form and these granules are brought into contact with a solution that contains metal ions and/or metal complexes. This method is used in particular for the production of shaped bodies that at least partially consist of the materials named. Preferably, a shaped dental ceramic article is produced in this manner.