Metal Bis(dithiolene) Fusing Agent for Colorless MJF Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D printing fusing agents used in Multi Jet Fusion Printing (MJFP) often result in strongly colored parts due to high absorption in the 700 nm-1400 nm light range, which is not desirable for applications requiring clear or white parts, and can cause phase separation and unpleasant odors due to the use of surfactants like dodecanethiol.
Innovation Solution
A fusing agent composition including a metal bis(dithiolene) complex, an electron donor compound, a polar aprotic solvent, and water, which absorbs radiation in the 600 nm to 1600 nm range to achieve thermal energy for fusing, while being physically and chemically stable, colorless, and free from phase separation and odor issues, using hindered amine light stabilizers instead of dodecanethiol.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional fusing agents with high absorption in 700 nm-1400 nm range are used, then radiation absorption and heat generation are improved, but part color becomes strongly colored (black)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the absorption parameters of the fusing agent by using metal bis(dithiolene) complexes that absorb in the 600-1600 nm range with peak absorption shifted from traditional carbon black, enabling effective heat generation while producing colorless or white parts instead of black parts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional carbon black with alternative fusing agents that serve the same function (radiation absorption and heat generation) but produce different visual outcomes, allowing disposable parts to be colorless or white rather than inherently black
2Ease of operation
If dodecanethiol surfactant is used in fusing agent composition, then jetting performance is improved, but phase separation and unpleasant odors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes dodecanethiol surfactant from the fusing agent composition, eliminating the source of phase separation and unpleasant odors while maintaining formulation stability through alternative compositions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electron donor compounds as intermediary substances that facilitate the reduction of metal bis(dithiolene) complexes to their active colorless forms without requiring dodecanethiol, thereby achieving stable formulations without harmful surfactants
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 production of 3D parts with mechanical integrity and uniform mechanical properties, eliminating phase separation and odor issues, and improving thermal inkjet performance, allowing for the creation of colorless or white parts without the drawbacks of traditional fusing agents.
Implementation Method 1
a fusing agent composition including a metal bis(dithiolene) complex, an electron donor compound, a polar aprotic solvent, and water, which absorbs radiation in the 600 nm to 1600 nm range to achieve thermal energy for fusing
Implementation Method 2
A fusing agent composition includes a fusing agent. The fusing agent is capable of penetrating into a layer of build material and spreading onto an exterior surface of the build material
Data Source
AI summary
Fusing agent(s) are described herein. In an example, a fusing agent can comprise a metal bis(dithiolene) complex, at least one electron donor compound, a polar aprotic solvent, and water. In some examples, the at least one electron donor compound can comprise at least one hindered amine light stabilizer compound. In some examples, the polar aprotic solvent can be selected from the group consisting of 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, 2-pyrrolidone, 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-pyrrolidone, dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and a combination thereof.