3D Printing Reactive Precursor Liquid-Liquid Deposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D-printing methods are limited by the need for specific ink compositions and pre-formed particles, restricting the variety of materials that can be printed and making it challenging to produce materials with desirable compositions and properties.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the reaction of first molecules with specific functional groups and second molecules to form solid materials, allowing for the deposition of a first liquid onto a second liquid to create solid layers with controlled thickness and patterns, enabling the formation of 3D-printed articles with unique features and compositions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional 3D-printing methods using specific ink compositions and pre-formed particles are employed, then manufacturing process is simplified, but material variety and compositional flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the printing system by using reactive precursors that undergo chemical transformation during or after printing. Instead of relying on pre-formed particles with fixed properties, the system uses liquid precursors that can be converted into diverse solid materials through chemical reactions, enabling material variety while maintaining process simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces chemical reactions as an intermediary step between depositing liquid precursors and forming solid materials. This intermediary chemical transformation process enables the system to produce diverse materials from simple liquid precursors, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and material versatility
2Stability of the object's composition
If photoresponsive inks and thermoplastic polymers are used, then material properties are controlled, but the ability to create certain complex geometries and voids is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes phase transitions during chemical reactions to create complex geometries and voids. By controlling the timing and location of chemical reactions that produce gas evolution or phase changes, the system can generate intricate internal structures, cavities, and voids within solid materials while maintaining compositional control through the chemical reaction process
3Manufacturing precision
If a first liquid is deposited onto a second liquid to form solid layers, then thin solid layers with controlled thickness are achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs liquid-liquid deposition where a first liquid is deposited onto a second liquid bath. The interaction between the two liquids, combined with controlled evaporation or chemical reaction, enables precise control of solid layer thickness. This hydraulic approach provides manufacturing precision without requiring complex mechanical positioning 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 expands the range of printable materials, allowing for the creation of articles with specific properties and structures that are difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional methods, such as those without photoresponsive inks or substantial thermoplastic polymers, and enables the formation of complex geometries and voids.
Implementation Method 1
a first molecule having a first functional group reacts with a second molecule having a second functional group to form a solid material
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is related to methods for forming 3D-printed articles and associated systems. In some embodiments, a method may comprise depositing a first liquid comprising first molecules having first functional groups onto a portion of a second liquid comprising second molecules having second functional groups such that the first functional groups react with the second functional groups to form a solid material or layer. The portion of the second liquid onto which the first liquid is deposited is positioned over a platform that is at least partially submerged within the second liquid. In some embodiments, a system may comprise a nozzle configured to expel a first liquid, a vessel configured to contain a second liquid, and a platform configured to be translated through at least a portion of the depth of the vessel when the vessel comprises the second liquid.