High-Flash-Point Finishing Solution for 3D Printed Resin Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing finishing solutions for additive manufacturing, such as isopropanol (IPA), have limitations including low flash point, high vapor pressure, high cost, and inefficiency in removing unwanted material, requiring safety precautions and large volumes.
Innovation Solution
A finishing solution comprising 20-60% by weight of a first glycol ether, 20-60% by weight of a second glycol ether, and/or 20-60% by weight of a high flash point hydrocarbon with a flash point of at least 93.3°C, which is used to dissolve unwanted material from 3D printed objects through agitation and submersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If strong acids or alkalis are used to remove unwanted material, then the removing power is improved, but the object is damaged and discolouration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by using oxidising agents instead of strong acids or alkalis. This substitution maintains effective removal capability while reducing harmful effects on the object surface, preventing damage and discolouration through a different chemical mechanism that is less aggressive to the base material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful strong acids or alkalis into oxidising agents that achieve the desired removal effect without the same level of harm. The oxidising agents provide the necessary reactivity to remove unwanted material while inherently being less damaging to the object, effectively turning a harmful approach into a beneficial one.
2Productivity
If strong acids or alkalis are used to remove unwanted material, then the removing power is improved, but safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical nature from strong acids or alkalis to oxidising agents, which typically have lower safety hazards. This parameter change maintains the productivity benefit of strong chemical action while reducing the safety risks associated with handling and applying strong acids or alkalis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces harmful strong acids or alkalis with oxidising agents that are generally safer to handle. This substitution converts a high-hazard process into a lower-hazard process while preserving the effective removal capability, thereby benefiting from reduced safety concerns.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If mechanical means are used to remove unwanted material, then safety hazards are reduced, but the removing power is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces oxidising agents as an intermediary between mechanical means and strong acids/alkalis. This intermediary provides enhanced removing power compared to mechanical methods alone, while maintaining lower safety hazards than strong chemical agents. The oxidising agents act as a mediator that bridges the gap between mechanical and strong chemical approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical removal methods with chemical oxidation. This substitution provides significantly improved removing power while maintaining acceptable safety levels. The chemical action of oxidising agents removes unwanted material more effectively than mechanical means without the high safety hazards of strong acids or alkalis.
4Productivity
If strong acids or alkalis are used to remove unwanted material, then the removing power is improved, but the composition penetrates into the object causing stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical mechanism from strong acid/base action to oxidation. This parameter change achieves effective material removal while being less penetrating and less likely to cause internal stress or compromise structural integrity. The oxidation process acts more selectively on the unwanted material rather than penetrating deeply into the object.
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 provides a safer, more efficient, and cost-effective method for removing unwanted material with a higher capacity and faster removal time compared to commercial solutions, allowing for reduced equipment safety protocols and increased longevity.
Implementation Method 1
The composition comprises an oxidising agent which is effective to remove the unwanted material from the object
Data Source
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AI summary
Compositions or finishing solutions configured to remove unwanted material, such as uncured material or resin, from additively manufactured objects are disclosed herein, 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.