Multi-color 3D Printing Ink with Anti-bleed Agent
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Solution Overview
Problem
3D printing technologies face challenges in preventing intercolor bleeding when different colored inks are printed adjacent to each other, leading to unclear images due to color mixing at the interface.
Innovation Solution
A multi-color ink set comprising a first ink composition with a photocurable material, photoinitiator, and anti-intercolor bleed agent, and a second ink composition with a photocurable material, photoinitiator, and a second colorant having an acid moiety that reacts with the anti-intercolor bleed agent to form aggregates, reducing fluidity and intercolor bleeding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different color inks are printed onto the same layer to be adjacent to each other, then a 3D image with multiple colors is realized, but intercolor bleeding occurs causing colors to intermix at the interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a barrier layer composition containing a barrier agent that reacts with colorants to form aggregates at the interface between adjacent color inks. This intermediary barrier prevents direct mixing of colorants while allowing the multi-color printing function to operate, thus resolving the contradiction between multi-color capability and interface clarity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical state of the interface by introducing reactive barrier agents that alter the local chemical environment. The barrier agents react with colorants to form aggregates, changing the physical-chemical parameters at the interface to prevent intercolor bleeding while maintaining the overall printing process
2Productivity
If ink compositions are jetted adjacent to each other to form colored layers, then a 3D image is formed, but intercolor bleeding causes unclear images
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier layer composition acts as a mediator between adjacent color inks during the jetting process. The barrier agents in this intermediate layer react with colorants to form aggregates that prevent intercolor bleeding, thereby maintaining image clarity without sacrificing printing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier layer is prepared and positioned in advance before the color inks are jetted. This preliminary action ensures that the barrier agents are already in place to prevent intercolor bleeding as the color inks are deposited, maintaining both productivity and image clarity
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 effectively inhibits intercolor bleeding, ensuring clear images by using the reactive anti-intercolor bleed agent and acid moiety to aggregate and reduce fluidity at the interface between ink compositions, thereby maintaining the physical properties of the printed product.
Implementation Method 1
the first ink composition comprises at least one photocurable material, a photoinitiator suitable for curing the photocurable material
Implementation Method 2
the anti-intercolor bleed agent is reactable with the second colourant to prevent intercolor bleeding occurring when the first and second ink compositions come into contact with each other, and wherein the second colourant comprises an acid moiety capable of reacting with the anti-intercolor bleed agent to cause aggregation
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-color ink for 3D printing, a 3D printer, and a method of controlling the 3D printer are provided. The multi-color ink for 3D printing including a first ink composition that includes a photocurable material, a photoinitiator configured to cure the photocurable material, a first colorant, and an anti-intercolor bleed agent configured to prevent intercolor bleeding occurring when the plurality of ink compositions come into contact with each other, and a second ink composition that includes a photocurable material, a photoinitiator configured to cure the photocurable material, and a second colorant having an acid moiety involved in a reaction with the anti-intercolor bleed agent to cause aggregation. The multi-color ink for 3D printing may enable a clear image by inhibiting intercolor bleeding that occurs when ink compositions with different colors are printed to be adjacent to each other before curing during 3D printing.