Dye-Penetration Method for 3D Printed Polyamide Surface Coloring
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Solution Overview
Problem
3D printed plastic objects produced from polyamides like PA11 or PA12 are limited to black and white colors, and existing coloring methods often require multiple steps, result in poor color adhesion, and are prone to scratching or chipping, affecting aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a dyeing mixture of metal complex, acid, reactive, azo, or disperse dyes dissolved in a solvent, heated to a temperature below the plastic's melting or glass transition point, combined with a pretreatment step for surface smoothing and an amphoteric wetting agent, followed by a post-treatment impregnation and sealing to ensure color penetration and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional painting methods are used to color plastic moldings, then color variety is achieved, but multiple painting steps are required and color adhesion is poor leading to scratching and chipping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by heating the dyeing mixture to temperatures between 60°C and 180°C to optimize dye penetration and bonding. This temperature control enables single-step coloring with durable adhesion, resolving the contradiction between color variety and process complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical painting processes with a chemical dyeing process where dyes penetrate and bond with the plastic material at molecular level. This substitution eliminates multiple painting steps and improves color adhesion resistance to scratching and chipping
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional painting methods are used to color plastic moldings, then color variety is achieved, but the applied paint is easily scratched or chipped affecting aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the bonding mechanism parameter by using heat-activated dye penetration and chemical bonding instead of surface-level paint application. The controlled heating process enables the dye to penetrate the plastic and form strong bonds, achieving reliable color adhesion that resists scratching and chipping
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a solvent-based dyeing mixture as an intermediary medium that facilitates deep penetration and strong bonding between the colorant and plastic substrate. This intermediary system enables durable color application without the adhesion problems of conventional painting
3Manufacturing precision
If high temperature dyeing is used to penetrate color into plastic parts, then color penetration is improved, but the temperature must not exceed the melting point or glass transition temperature of the plastic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the temperature parameter within a precise range (60°C to 180°C) that is below the melting and glass transition temperatures of common plastics like polyamides. This controlled temperature range enables sufficient color penetration and bonding while preventing material degradation or deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the glass transition temperature of the plastic as a reference point for the dyeing process. By maintaining temperatures below this critical phase transition point, the plastic remains in its solid state while still allowing adequate dye penetration and bonding, achieving both color penetration and material integrity
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
Enables coloring of 3D printed plastic objects in various colors with improved color adhesion and resistance to flaking, providing a homogeneous and durable finish.
Implementation Method 1
the color can penetrate into the plastic parts
Implementation Method 2
a dye selected from the group consisting of metal complex dyes, acid dyes, reactive dyes, azo dyes, disperse dyes
Implementation Method 3
the coloring mixture to a coloring temperature between 60°C and 180°C, preferably between 80°C and 150°C, particularly preferably between 90°C and 130°C
Implementation Method 4
the surface of the moldings is blasted using plastic shot to smooth the surface of the moldings
Data Source
AI summary
A method for treating the surfaces of plastic objects is provided, wherein in a dyeing step - a dyeing mixture is prepared, wherein a dye (e.g., a metal complex dye) is dissolved in a solvent, with between 0.05 g and 50 g of the dye being added to the solvent per liter, - the dyeing mixture is heated to a dyeing temperature between 60°C and 180°C, - the plastic objects are placed in the heated dyeing mixture for a duration of between 5 minutes and 6 hours for dyeing, wherein the dyeing temperature does not exceed the melting point of the material of the plastic objects, and wherein in a surface treatment step the surface of the plastic objects is blasted using plastic balls to smooth the surface of the molded parts.