COC Polymer Compounds for Safe Desktop 3D Printing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D printing technologies for polymer materials lack a ductile and flexible filament suitable for desktop-sized printers, which are safe for consumer use and capable of withstanding high temperatures, while also being versatile for various 3D printer types.
Innovation Solution
Cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) is used as a polymer material, offering sufficient melt strength, thermal stability, and flexibility, allowing for the creation of filaments that can be safely used in desktop 3D printing, with optional additives for enhanced properties like impact toughness and color differentiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If polymer material is made ductile and flexible for filament formation, then ease of manufacture is improved, but thermal stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the molecular weight and composition ratios of COC polymer to achieve the optimal balance between ductility for filament formation and thermal stability for safe desktop use. Specific molecular weight ranges and copolymer compositions are selected to control melting temperature and viscosity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by formulating COC polymer with specific additives and stabilizers to enhance both flexibility for filament winding and thermal resistance for safe consumer use, creating a multi-component system that satisfies both requirements.
2Ease of operation
If polymer material is made safe for consumer use in desktop printers, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the melt viscosity and flow characteristics of COC polymer through molecular weight selection and composition adjustment, enabling precise deposition while maintaining safety for consumer desktop printers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adopts a disposable filament approach where the polymer is formulated to be safe for single-use in consumer printers, with the filament itself being the consumable material that combines safety with adequate printing precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If filament diameter is reduced for better printing precision, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the filament diameter within a specific range and adjusting the polymer composition to maintain adequate flexibility and handling characteristics even at reduced diameters suitable for precise printing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by ensuring the filament has uniform composition and properties throughout, with specific local characteristics in the coating or surface layer that maintain handling ease while the core provides the necessary precision for printing.
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
COC-based filaments provide stable and safe 3D printing capabilities, preventing warping and ensuring precise deposition, making them suitable for a wide range of applications from prototypes to end-use articles, while being safe for consumer use.
Implementation Method 1
3D printing involves bringing polymer material to high temperature melt conditions
Implementation Method 2
a space is filled by a material coming from a filamentary form and being heated for delivery precisely to the x-y-z axis coordinates
Implementation Method 3
building in the z direction... deposition of each layer of build material on an x-y plane
Data Source
AI summary
Cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) is useful as a build material for 3D printing, especially desktop 3D printing.