Resin Composition for 3D Modeling with Light-Transmitting Inorganic Fillers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Three-dimensional modeled objects made with resin using stereolithography or similar methods are fine and precise but lack mechanical strength, and adding inorganic filler particles to improve strength is hindered by reduced transparency and inadequate UV irradiation due to the fillers.
Innovation Solution
A resin composition combining a curable resin with light-transmitting inorganic filler particles whose refractive index and Abbe number match those of the cured resin, allowing for high filler content without compromising transparency, achieved by using glass beads with specific optical constants and compositions that maintain resin liquidity and prevent light scattering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If inorganic filler particles are added to photocurable resin to improve mechanical strength, then mechanical strength is improved, but transparency is deteriorated and UV irradiation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the inorganic filler particles by selecting materials with refractive indexes (1.40-1.65) and Abbe numbers (45-65) that closely match the photocurable resin. This parameter matching prevents light scattering at interfaces, maintaining transparency while allowing high filler content (1-70 volume %) for improved mechanical strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system combining photocurable resin with specifically selected light-transmitting inorganic filler particles. The composite achieves both high mechanical strength from the filler and transparency from the optical parameter matching, resolving the contradiction between strength enhancement and transparency maintenance
2Strength
If inorganic filler particles are added to photocurable resin to improve mechanical strength, then mechanical strength is improved, but UV irradiation is disturbed and curing is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects inorganic filler particles with specific optical parameters (refractive index 1.40-1.65, Abbe number 45-65) that match the photocurable resin, minimizing light scattering and absorption. This allows UV rays to penetrate effectively through high filler content compositions, ensuring sufficient curing while maintaining high filler loading for mechanical strength
3Strength
If inorganic filler particles are added to photocurable resin to improve mechanical strength, then mechanical strength is improved, but light scattering occurs and transparency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent precisely controls the optical parameters of inorganic filler particles, selecting materials with refractive indexes of 1.40-1.65 and Abbe numbers of 45-65. This parameter optimization minimizes refractive index differences between filler and resin, preventing light scattering and maintaining transparency while enabling high filler content for mechanical strength improvement
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 modeled objects with high mechanical strength and transparency, as the matched optical constants of the filler particles prevent light scattering and allow for sufficient UV irradiation, even with high filler content.
Implementation Method 1
light scattering which occurs at an interface between the curable resin and the inorganic filler particles is prevented
Implementation Method 2
a cured layer of a desired pattern is made by irradiating the photocurable resin on the modeling stage with an ultraviolet laser
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a resin composition for three-dimensional modeling to which inorganic filler particles of a sufficient amount can be added, without damaging transparency. The resin composition for three-dimensional modeling includes a curable resin and inorganic filler particles, in which the inorganic filler particles are light-transmitting particles of which a difference in refractive index nd to the curable resin after curing is ±0.02 or less, and a difference in Abbe number vd to the curable resin after curing is ±10 or less.