Curable Composition for High-Strength Transparent 3D Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional lamination manufacturing techniques using the MJ method face challenges in achieving high strength and transparency in cured products due to high viscosity issues with multifunctional urethane (meth)acrylate monomers and the addition of inorganic fillers, which hinder inkjet dischargeability and product transparency.
Innovation Solution
A curable composition comprising a multifunctional urethane (meth)acrylate monomer, a low-viscosity (meth)acrylate monomer, and a transparent inorganic filler, such as silica, at specific mass ratios, which improves inkjet dischargeability and produces cured products with high strength and transparency by maintaining optimal viscosity and refractive index matching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a multifunctional urethane (meth)acrylate monomer is used to improve strength and mechanical properties, then the cured product strength is improved, but the viscosity increases and inkjet dischargeability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the mass ratio of multifunctional urethane (meth)acrylate monomer to (meth)acrylate monomer within 65:35 through 40:60. This optimization balances the viscosity-reducing effect of the simple (meth)acrylate monomer with the strength-enhancing effect of the multifunctional monomer, achieving both inkjet dischargeability and high cured product strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite monomer system combining multifunctional urethane (meth)acrylate monomer and (meth)acrylate monomer in specific proportions. This composite approach allows the mixture to exhibit both low enough viscosity for inkjet dispensing and sufficient crosslinking density for high strength after curing
2Strength
If an inorganic filler is added to improve mechanical properties, then the strength and hardness are improved, but the transparency of the cured product deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by carefully selecting and controlling the characteristics of the inorganic filler (particle size, refractive index, surface treatment) to achieve transparency in specific regions of the material. The filler is optimized to have minimal impact on light transmission while providing mechanical reinforcement, creating localized enhancement without compromising overall transparency
3Ease of operation
If the viscosity is reduced to improve inkjet dischargeability, then the ease of operation is improved, but the mechanical properties of the cured product deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by optimizing the mass ratio composition and selecting specific monomer types to achieve viscosity within the range of 10 to 5000 mPa·s. This parameter optimization ensures both inkjet dischargeability and sufficient mechanical properties after curing
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 composition enables the production of three-dimensional objects with high mechanical properties, including strength and transparency, while maintaining inkjet dischargeability, as demonstrated by achieving a total light transmittance of 60% or higher and suitable viscosity for inkjet methods.
Implementation Method 1
curing the deployed curable composition by irradiation with active energy rays using, for example, a light irradiator
Data Source
AI summary
A curable composition is provided. The curable composition contains a multifunctional urethane (meth)acrylate monomer (component 1), a (meth)acrylate monomer (component 2), and an inorganic filler (component 3). A mass content ratio (component 1:component 2) of the component 1 to the component 2 is from 65:35 through 40:60.