Multi-Color Volumetric Printing for Isotropic 3D Photopolymerization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Volumetric printing methods for three-dimensional objects using multi-color photopolymerization face issues of structural anisotropy, leading to undesired shrinkage and deformation, which compromise geometrical accuracy and structural fidelity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving dual-color photopolymerization with light of different wavelengths intersecting in a formation zone, combined with spatial and temporal variation of printing parameters to control the curing behavior of a photocurable resin, ensuring each volume element receives individual irradiation settings based on its position and proximity to cured resin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If volumetric printing is used to print three-dimensional objects quickly, then productivity is improved, but structural anisotropy occurs leading to geometrical inaccuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying printing parameters (such as light intensity, exposure time, or scanning speed) at different spatial locations within the formation zone. This ensures that each volume element receives optimized irradiation conditions tailored to its position, compensating for structural anisotropy and achieving uniform geometrical accuracy throughout the three-dimensional object while maintaining volumetric printing speed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multi-color photopolymerization is used to enable color printing, then adaptability is improved, but structural anisotropy and deformation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by dynamically adjusting printing parameters (such as light wavelength, intensity, or exposure duration) based on the specific color and position of each volume element. This allows the system to optimize curing conditions for different photoinitiators and resin compositions used in multi-color printing, thereby achieving accurate color reproduction while minimizing structural anisotropy and deformation.
3Manufacturing precision
If dual-color photopolymerization is used to improve color accuracy, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a dynamic control system that adjusts printing parameters in real-time based on the color and position of each volume element. This dynamic approach allows the use of a single versatile irradiation device that can adapt its output (wavelength, intensity, timing) to match the requirements of different photoinitiators and resin formulations, achieving dual-color photopolymerization accuracy without requiring multiple fixed irradiation systems.
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
This approach enhances structural isotropy, reduces undesired shrinkage and deformation, and improves geometrical accuracy and structural fidelity of the printed three-dimensional objects.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating, on basis of a plurality of printing parameters, a photocurable resin with light of a first wavelength and light of a second wavelength, different from the first wavelength, to form, via multi-color photopolymerization, particularly via dual-color photopolymerization, a three-dimensional object
Data Source
AI summary
A method for volumetric printing a three-dimensional object by multi-color photopolymerization of a photocurable resin.