Temperature-Dependent Adhesive for 3D Printing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 3D printing technologies face challenges with weak bonds between print materials and print pads, leading to premature separation and print failures, or strong bonds that make it difficult to remove printed objects without damaging them.

Innovation Solution

An adhesive comprising a poly(vinyl alcohol) and poly(2-oxazoline) components, which provides temperature-dependent and water-sensitive bonding properties to securely attach print materials to the print pad during printing while allowing easy separation after the process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a strong bond is formed between print material and print pad, then print material separation is prevented, but removal of printed object becomes difficult and may cause damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebond strengthVSAvoidremoval ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive's bonding properties are made dynamic through temperature dependence. During printing at elevated temperatures, the adhesive provides strong bonding. After printing, when temperature decreases, the adhesive's bonding strength reduces, enabling easy removal of the printed object without damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive composition is specifically formulated with poly(vinyl alcohol) and poly(2-oxazoline) components whose bonding characteristics change with temperature parameters. This allows the adhesive to provide strong adhesion during the printing process at high temperature, then become easily releasable at lower temperatures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If a weak bond is formed between print material and print pad, then removal is easy, but print material separates prematurely causing print failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremoval easeVSAvoidbond strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive provides dynamically adjustable bond strength based on temperature. At printing temperatures, the bond is strong enough to prevent premature separation and ensure printing reliability. After printing, the bond weakens naturally with temperature reduction, facilitating easy removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive's bonding strength is controlled by temperature parameter changes during the printing process. The specific polymer composition ensures adequate adhesion strength at elevated temperatures while allowing for clean release at ambient temperatures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 adhesive ensures strong adhesion during printing, preventing premature separation and distortion, while enabling easy removal of printed objects without damage, improving the accuracy and efficiency of the 3D printing process.

Implementation Method 1

the adhesive properties of an adhesive described herein are temperature dependent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature-dependent adhesion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

the adhesive properties are water-sensitive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWater-sensitive adhesion: Hydrophile

Data Source

PatentEP2849931B1Use of an adhesive for 3D printing
Publication Date: 2018.04.25 3D SYSTEMS INC
  • EP2849931B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2849931B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

in one aspect, adhesives for use with a 3D printer are described herein. In some embodiments, an adhesive for use with a 3D printer comprises a first polymeric component comprising a poly(vinyl alcohol) and a second polymeric component. The polyvinyl alcohol), in some embodiments, comprises amorphous poly(vinyl alcohol). In some embodiments, the second polymeric component comprises a water-soluble polymer. Further, in some embodiments, an adhesive described herein further comprises a solvent, a surfactant, and/or a preservative.