3D Printed Indicia via Phosphor-Encapsulated Support Material

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing three-dimensional printing systems face challenges in integrating easily detectable identifiers within printed objects, particularly in ensuring that these identifiers are both readable and durable.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of a three-dimensional printing process that forms a three-dimensional article with encapsulated support material containing a phosphor component, which is deposited in internal channels and remains encapsulated during post-processing, allowing for the removal of unencapsulated support material while maintaining the build material, utilizing phase change wax and tackifier components in the support material.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If support material is used to enable complex three-dimensional printing geometries, then manufacturing capability is improved, but support material removal becomes difficult and may damage the final article

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing capabilityVSAvoidsupport material removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The support material's chemical composition is changed to include a solvent-responsive component that transforms its properties when exposed to solvent, enabling easy removal through chemical dissolution rather than mechanical means

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

A solvent is introduced as an intermediary substance that facilitates the removal of support material by dissolving it, avoiding direct mechanical contact that could damage the final article

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If identifiers are integrated into three-dimensional printed objects, then object identification capability is improved, but detector accessibility to the identifiers is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification capabilityVSAvoiddetector accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The support material incorporates phosphorescent or fluorescent pigments that emit light at specific wavelengths, creating optical contrast that enables detectors to identify and read embedded identifiers even when concealed within the article structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The identifier detection is shifted from visual inspection to electromagnetic spectrum detection, allowing identifiers to be detected through or from within the article rather than requiring surface visibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If phosphor component is embedded in support material for identifier creation, then identifier detectability is improved, but support material removal becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentifier detectabilityVSAvoidsupport material removal process

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support material is segmented into removable components and permanent components, where the phosphor-containing identifier portion is chemically distinct and can be selectively retained or removed based on solvent exposure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The identifier information is copied into the support material through phosphor embedding, allowing the identifier to be detected optically without requiring the physical presence of the original data source

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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 creation of three-dimensional articles with durable, readable indicia that can be easily detected, as the encapsulated phosphor component remains visible and intact, addressing the challenge of integrating identifiers in three-dimensional printed objects.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing phase change wax and tackifier components in the support material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

encapsulated support material containing a phosphor component defining the indicia

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhosphorescence: Phosphorescence

Data Source

PatentUS11104079B2Three-dimensional article having permanent phosphor indicia formed from sacrificial support material

Publication Date: 2021.08.31 3D SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

A method manufacturing a three-dimensional article having readable indicia includes three-dimensionally printing the article and post-processing that following the printing. The three-dimensional printing forms the three-dimensional article in a layer-by-layer manner. The resultant three-dimensional article includes an outer portion of build material defining a plurality of enclosed internal channels, an encapsulated support material containing a phosphor component defining the indicia disposed within the channels, and unencapsulated support material that provides structural support to otherwise unsupported portions of the build material during the three-dimensional printing. The post-processing removes the unencapsulated support material form the build material but leaves the encapsulated build material.