Impregnating Agent for 3D Printed Plastic Surface Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
3D printed plastic parts have porous surfaces that are prone to wear, dirt adhesion, and moisture absorption, making them aesthetically and functionally undesirable, and existing surface treatments like polishing are inefficient in creating a water-repellent and waterproof finish without altering the geometry.
Innovation Solution
A method using a liquid or sprayable impregnating agent with a solvent mixture and a plastic mixture that penetrates and anchors into the pores of the surface, creating a smooth, dirt-repellent, and water-repellent seal, suitable for powder-based 3D printing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the surface of 3D printed plastic parts is left as-is, then the manufacturing process is simple and fast, but the surface is porous and prone to wear, dirt adhesion, and moisture absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a preliminary surface treatment process to 3D printed parts before final use. The method involves applying a solvent-based plastic mixture to the porous surface, allowing it to penetrate and seal the pores, then drying and optionally polishing the surface. This preliminary action prevents wear, dirt adhesion, and moisture absorption before the part is put into service.
2Manufacturing precision
If the surface is ground and polished to eliminate pores, then the surface smoothness is improved, but the geometry of the object is altered and the process requires considerable effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the surface by applying a solvent-based plastic mixture that penetrates the porous structure. The solvent dissolves the plastic material and fills the pores, and upon drying, creates a sealed surface layer. This chemical parameter change achieves pore elimination without mechanical removal, preserving the original geometry while reducing process complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If polishing is applied to make the surface smoother, then the feel and appearance are improved, but the surface cannot be guaranteed to be water-repellent or waterproof
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite surface structure by combining the original plastic material with a solvent-based plastic mixture. This composite layer penetrates the porous structure and seals the pores, creating a dual-function surface that is both smooth to the touch and water-repellent. The composite material properties provide both aesthetic and functional benefits simultaneously.
4Reliability
If multiple surface treatment steps are applied to seal pores and create water-repellent surface, then the surface durability is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple surface treatment functions into a single integrated process. The solvent-based plastic mixture simultaneously penetrates pores, seals the surface, and creates a water-repellent layer in one application step. The process combines penetration, sealing, and waterproofing functions that would traditionally require separate operations, thereby improving productivity while maintaining surface durability.
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 impregnation process effectively seals the surface, preventing water and dirt from adhering, enhancing the feel and appearance of the parts while maintaining structural integrity and stability, especially for materials prone to moisture absorption.
Implementation Method 1
the solvent/plastic mixture (impregnation agent) has a particularly good capillary-active property, so that due to the capillary activity, the impregnation agent can penetrate into the pores of the porous surface of the molded parts
Implementation Method 2
25 to 95% by weight of a solvent or solvent mixture, the solvent or solvent mixture being selected from the group comprising butanol, butyl acetate, dichloromethane, methanol, esters, vinyl chloride, toluene, and combinations thereof, and to 100% by weight supplemented proportions of a plastic or plastic mixture that can be dissolved in the solvent or solvent mixture
Implementation Method 3
after the impregnating agent has been applied, the impregnated surface is dried
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(c)
AI summary
A method is provided for impregnating moulded articles which are manufactured in a powder-based manufacturing or printing process (3D printing process) with a liquid and/or sprayable impregnating agent, wherein the impregnating agent has from 25 to 99% by weight of a solvent or solvent mixture and fractions adding up to 100% by weight of a plastic or plastic mixture which can be dissolved in the solvent or solvent mixture, in each case in relation to the overall composition of the impregnating agent, and wherein - the impregnating agent is applied to the surface to be impregnated of the moulded article, and - after the application of the impregnating agent, the impregnated surface is dried. Furthermore, an impregnating agent for impregnating moulded articles and a moulded article which is impregnated with an impregnating agent according to the invention are provided.