Metal Bis(dithiolene) Fusing Agent for Color-Controlled 3D Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D printing fusing agents often result in strongly colored parts due to significant absorption in the visible region, making it difficult to produce parts with desired colors like white or off-white.
Innovation Solution
A fusing agent comprising a metal bis(dithiolene) salt, a polar aprotic solvent, and a thiol surfactant is used, which absorbs radiation in the near-infrared region, allowing for the production of parts with mechanical integrity and desired colors by converting absorbed radiation to thermal energy without significant color change during the printing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional fusing agents are used, then radiation absorption and heat generation are achieved, but the parts become strongly colored and lose aesthetic appeal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by selecting fusing agents with absorption spectra shifted to the near-infrared region, where they do not absorb visible light. This allows the parts to maintain their intrinsic color or appear white/off-white while still achieving effective heating through near-infrared radiation absorption, thereby resolving the contradiction between heat generation and undesired coloration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the absorption parameter of the fusing agent from visible region to near-infrared region. By modifying the spectral absorption characteristics of the fusing agent, the patent achieves effective radiation absorption for heating while avoiding absorption in the visible region that causes unwanted coloration, thus resolving the technical contradiction
2Use of energy by moving object
If fusing agents with significant visible absorption are used, then effective heating is achieved, but the mechanical properties and color uniformity of parts deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spectral absorption parameter of the fusing agent from visible to near-infrared region. This parameter change enables the fusing agent to absorb radiation efficiently for heating while not absorbing visible light, thereby maintaining mechanical integrity and achieving uniform color appearance without the harmful effects of strong visible absorption
Solution Approach 2:
By utilizing fusing agents that operate in the near-infrared region, the patent enables effective energy absorption while preventing visible light absorption that would cause coloration. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining both energy absorption efficiency and mechanical/color uniformity through spectral region selection
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 fusing agent effectively fuses polymeric or composite build materials, producing parts with uniform mechanical properties and desired colors such as white or off-white by shifting absorption to the near-infrared region, enabling the creation of parts with enhanced mechanical integrity and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
The fusing agent is capable of absorbing radiation and converting the absorbed radiation to thermal energy
Implementation Method 2
converting absorbed radiation to thermal energy, which in turn melts or sinters the build material
Implementation Method 3
melts or sinters the build material that is in contact with the fusing agent
Implementation Method 4
melts or sinters the build material that is in contact with the fusing agent
Implementation Method 5
A fusing agent comprising a metal bis(dithiolene) salt, a polar aprotic solvent, and a thiol surfactant
Data Source
AI summary
An example of a fusing agent includes a metal bis(dithiolene) salt, a polar aprotic solvent, and a balance of water. An example of a method for making an example of the fusing agent includes adding a metal bis(dithiolene) salt into a liquid vehicle including at least a polar aprotic solvent and water.