Neutral Water Solvent for 3D Print Support Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing support materials from three-dimensional objects in FDM systems using alkaline solutions pose safety risks and environmental hazards, and neutral water methods are slow, limiting the use of materials like polylactic acid due to erosion concerns and slow support material removal.
Innovation Solution
A composition containing water and a water-soluble compound with a specific solubility parameter (SP value) of 8 to 13 (cal/cm3)1/2, which facilitates quick removal of support materials using neutral water, potentially incorporating copolymers with hydrophilic groups and aromatic rings to enhance solubility and mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an aqueous strong alkaline solution is used to remove support material, then the support material is effectively removed through neutralization, but safety risks and environmental hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the removing agent from strong alkaline solution to neutral or weakly acidic aqueous solution, and specifies a solubility parameter range of 7-13 (cal/cm³)¹/² for the support material. This parameter change enables effective support material removal through solubility control rather than chemical neutralization, eliminating safety and environmental hazards while maintaining removal efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable support material with specific solubility characteristics that can be easily removed by neutral or weakly acidic aqueous solutions. This support material is designed to be consumed during the removal process, replacing the need for hazardous strong alkaline solutions that require careful handling and disposal
2Object-affected harmful factors
If neutral water is used to remove support material, then safety and environmental impact are improved, but the removal process becomes slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the solubility parameter of the support material to fall within the range of 7-13 (cal/cm³)¹/², which enables rapid dissolution in neutral or weakly acidic aqueous solutions. This parameter optimization allows the removal process to be both safe (using neutral water) and efficient (fast removal), resolving the contradiction between safety and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance - the water-soluble support material with specific solubility parameters - that acts as a mediator between the modeling material and the removing agent. This intermediary enables effective removal by neutral water through controlled solubility, avoiding the need for harsh chemicals while maintaining fast removal speed
3Adaptability or versatility
If polylactic acid is used as modeling material, then material diversity is improved, but resistance against alkaline erosion decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pH parameter of the removing agent from strongly alkaline to neutral or weakly acidic range. This parameter change eliminates the alkaline erosion problem that limits the use of polylactic acid and other sensitive modeling materials, thereby expanding material diversity while maintaining reliability of the modeling material during the removal process
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
Enables rapid and safe removal of support materials from three-dimensional objects, allowing for the use of materials with higher heat resistance and reducing environmental impact, while maintaining the integrity of the three-dimensional object.
Implementation Method 1
a water-soluble compound having a solubility parameter (SP value) calculated by using the Fedors' method of 8 (cal/cm3)1/2 to 13 (cal/cm3)1/2
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a composition of an agent for treating a precursor of a three-dimensional object for removing a support material from a precursor of the three-dimensional object containing a three-dimensional object and the support material, the composition containing water and a water-soluble compound having a solubility parameter (SP value) calculated by using the Fedors' method of 8 (cal/cm3)1/2 to 13 (cal/cm3)1/2. The present invention can provide a composition of an agent for treating a precursor of a three-dimensional object that is capable of removing the support material quickly and a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object using the composition of an agent for treating a precursor of a three-dimensional object by a fused deposition modeling system.