Glycol Ether Finishing Solution for 3D Printed Resin and Ceramic Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current finishing solutions for additive manufacturing parts, such as those produced by 3D printing, face challenges in effectively removing unwanted resin and ceramic components without requiring subsequent mechanical processing acts, often due to low flashpoints, high costs, and incomplete removal of ceramic fillers, leading to the need for labor-intensive scrubbing or bead blasting.
Innovation Solution
A finishing solution comprising a glycol ether, a caustic solution, and a diol or triol, which can be used to submerge and ultrasonically agitate 3D printed objects to dissolve and remove uncured resin and ceramic fillers without mechanical intervention, with a flashpoint of at least 200°F (93.3°C) for safer handling and improved efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional finishing solutions (e.g., isopropanol) are used to remove uncured resin, then resin removal is achieved, but ceramic filler cannot be removed and safety precautions are required due to low flashpoint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the finishing solution by combining glycol ether, caustic solution, and diol/triol components. This compositional change enables the solution to achieve both resin and ceramic filler removal while maintaining a high flashpoint of at least 200°F, thereby eliminating safety hazards associated with traditional low flashpoint solvents like isopropanol.
2Manufacturing precision
If mechanical processing acts (brushing, sanding, bead blasting) are used to remove remaining uncured resin and ceramic filler, then complete removal is achieved, but labor intensity and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical processing acts (brushing, sanding, bead blasting) with a chemically-active finishing solution that dissolves and removes both uncured resin and ceramic filler. The solution's chemical composition (glycol ether, caustic solution, diol/triol) enables it to effectively dissolve ceramic fillers that mechanical methods struggle with, thereby achieving complete surface cleanliness without increasing labor intensity or process complexity.
3Productivity
If isopropanol is used as finishing solution, then resin removal is effective, but additional mechanical processing is required and safety precautions are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal finishing solution that performs multiple functions: it removes uncured resin, dissolves ceramic filler, and maintains safety through high flashpoint. The combination of glycol ether, caustic solution, and diol/triol components gives the solution multi-functionality, eliminating the need for separate mechanical processing steps required when using isopropanol alone, thereby reducing overall process complexity while maintaining high productivity.
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 solution enables the complete removal of unwanted resin and ceramic components with fewer or no additional mechanical processing steps, offering faster, cost-effective, and safer processing with improved odor and longevity compared to traditional solutions like isopropanol, while maintaining a high flashpoint for reduced safety concerns.
Implementation Method 1
a finishing solution includes at least one glycol ether, a caustic solution, and at least one diol or triol... uncured resin and ceramic filler are removed from a surface of the 3D printed object
Implementation Method 2
agitating the portion of the 3D printed object in the finishing solution at an ultrasonic frequency
Data Source
AI summary
Compositions or finishing solutions configured to remove unwanted material, such as uncured resin and ceramic filler, from surfaces of additively manufactured objects are disclosed herein. The finishing solutions may be configured to remove such uncured resin and ceramic filler through submersion of the object in the finishing solution and agitating the submerged object at an ultrasonic frequency, without subjecting the object to any subsequent mechanical acts (such as brushing, sanding, or bead blasting) to remove any remaining uncured resin and/or ceramic filler from the object. In one example, the finishing solution includes a first glycol ether and a second glycol ether and/or a high flash point hydrocarbon, wherein the finishing solution has a flash point of at least 93.3° C. In alternative examples, the finishing solution may also include a third glycol ether, a high flash point alcohol, and/or an acetate of a glycol ether.