Coated Powder for 3D Modeling Surface Smoothness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 3D modeling technologies face challenges in achieving surface smoothness and stable layer thickness, leading to potential collapse and reduced dimension accuracy, especially in small lot production of complex objects.

Innovation Solution

A powder material for 3D modeling is developed, comprising a base material coated with a water-soluble organic material and a fluorine-containing surfactant, which improves surface smoothness, layer thickness stability, and dimension accuracy by forming a thin, strong, and accurate 3D object.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a powder material is used for 3D modeling, then productivity is improved through additive manufacturing, but surface smoothness deteriorates leading to rough surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidsurface smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the surface properties of powder particles through coating with organic materials and surfactants. This changes the surface energy and wettability parameters, enabling better surface finish during the 3D modeling process while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by creating coated powder particles consisting of a base material core with an organic material shell and surfactant layer. This composite structure combines the structural integrity of the base material with the surface-active properties of the coating, achieving both productivity and surface quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Manufacturing precision

If layer thickness is reduced to improve dimension accuracy, then manufacturing precision is improved, but layer strength deteriorates leading to collapse

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimension accuracyVSAvoidlayer strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical and physical parameters of the powder surface through organic coating and surfactant addition. This modifies adhesion properties and material strength characteristics, allowing thin layers to maintain sufficient strength while achieving high dimension accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The organic material coating and surfactant act as intermediaries between the powder particles and the binding agent. This intermediary layer enhances interlayer adhesion and structural integrity, preventing collapse of thin layers while enabling precise dimensional control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If mixed powder is used to achieve desired properties, then adaptability is improved, but fluidity deteriorates causing uneven distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial property rangeVSAvoidfluidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by introducing surfactants that modify the surface energy and flow characteristics of the powder mixture. This enables mixed powders with diverse material properties to maintain good fluidity and uniform distribution during the modeling process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by ensuring uniform coating distribution across all powder particles. This consistent surface treatment throughout the powder batch maintains uniform flow properties and fluidity, enabling adaptable material compositions to be processed evenly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 powder material ensures excellent surface smoothness and stable layer thickness, preventing collapse and enhancing dimension accuracy, allowing for the efficient and precise manufacturing of complex objects with improved handling properties and aesthetic quality.

Implementation Method 1

contains a base material (particle) covered with a water soluble organic material, at least one surfactant, which includes a fluorine-compound

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurfactant: Surfactant

Data Source

PatentEP3069855B1Powder material for three-dimensional modeling, kit for three-dimensional modeling and method of manufacturing three-dimensional object
Publication Date: 2018.08.15 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP3069855B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3069855B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3069855B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A powder material for three-dimensional modeling includes a base particle and a coverage film including an organic material. The coverage film covers the base particle. The powder material is used for three dimensional modeling and when the coverage film is dissolved in a solvent to prepare a solution and the solution is formed into a coated film on a smooth surface, the coated film has a wetting tension of from 22 mN/m to 28 mN/m.