3D Printed Dielectric Parts via Selective Agent Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D printing techniques face challenges in efficiently embedding dielectric and piezoelectric properties into 3D parts, requiring specialized equipment and materials, and struggle with achieving precise control over these properties at the voxel level.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a dielectric agent with a dielectric material, such as barium titanate nanoparticles, combined with a fusing agent, is applied using inkjet technology to selectively fuse and harden polymeric build material, imparting dielectric and piezoelectric properties to specific regions of the 3D part through thermal merging, allowing for controlled property modification at the voxel level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If specialized equipment and materials are used to embed dielectric and piezoelectric properties, then the functional capabilities are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inkjet printing system is adapted to print multiple types of functional materials (dielectric materials, piezoelectric materials, and polymers) using a single platform. The system uses different inkjet print heads configured for different materials, allowing one piece of equipment to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require specialized equipment for each material type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different materials with specific properties to different regions of the 3D part based on functional requirements. Dielectric materials are applied where capacitance is needed, piezoelectric materials where transduction is needed, and polymers for structural support, creating local variations in material properties throughout the part.
2Manufacturing precision
If dielectric agent and fusing agent are applied selectively to specific regions, then manufacturing precision at voxel level is improved, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The printing process is divided into separate sequential steps: first applying the dielectric agent to specific regions, then applying the fusing agent to different regions, and finally selectively fusing. This segmentation allows precise control over which areas receive which materials and when, enabling voxel-level precision without requiring all materials to be applied simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric agent and fusing agent are applied to the green body (unfired ceramic or polymer matrix) before the final firing or curing process. This preliminary application allows the materials to be positioned precisely in their final locations, and the subsequent firing process permanently sets these materials in place, achieving high precision through preparatory steps.
3Strength
If thermal merging is used to fuse polymeric build material, then mechanical strength is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thermal energy to induce phase transitions in the polymer material during the firing process, transforming the green body from a loose particulate structure into a dense, mechanically strong solid. This phase transition approach achieves high mechanical strength through controlled heating that melts and re-solidifies the polymer matrix, binding the particles together.
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 approach enables the creation of 3D parts with tailored dielectric and piezoelectric properties, enhancing their functional capabilities while maintaining mechanical strength, and can be used to form components like high dielectric capacitors and piezoelectric transducers.
Implementation Method 1
The fusing agent is capable of absorbing radiation and converting the absorbed radiation to thermal energy, which in turn fuses the polymeric or polymeric composite build material that is in contact with the fusing agent
Implementation Method 2
The fusing agent is capable of absorbing radiation and converting the absorbed radiation to thermal energy, which in turn fuses the polymeric or polymeric composite build material that is in contact with the fusing agent
Implementation Method 3
the dielectric agent 26 including a dielectric material having an effective relative permittivity (εr) value ranging from 1.1 to about 10,000
Implementation Method 4
a piezoelectric property, or a combination thereof... wherein the region 44 exhibits a dielectric property, a piezoelectric property, or a combination thereof
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~2C
Figure 2D~2E
AI summary
In an example of a method for three-dimensional (3D) printing, a polymeric or polymeric composite build material is applied. A dielectric agent is selectively applied on at least a portion of the polymeric or polymeric composite build material. The dielectric agent includes a dielectric material having an effective relative permittivity (εr) value ranging from 1.1 to about 10,000. A fusing agent is selectively applied on the at least the portion of the polymeric or polymeric composite build material, and the polymeric or polymeric composite build material is exposed to radiation to fuse the at least the portion of the polymeric or polymeric composite build material to form a region of a layer of a 3D part. The region exhibits a dielectric property, a piezoelectric property, or a combination thereof..