Selective Coloring of 3D Printed Resin Layers Using Laser-Activated Leuco Dyes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D printing technologies face challenges in selectively coloring desired portions of three-dimensional structures, such as surfaces or interiors, leading to insufficient designability.
Innovation Solution
The use of stacked resin layers containing leuco dyes, color developing-reducing agents, and photothermal conversion agents, which are selectively colored using laser irradiation, allowing for full-color rendering and reversible color switching, enabling precise coloring of three-dimensional structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional 3D printing is used to manufacture three-dimensional structures, then the manufacturing process is simple and automated, but selective coloring of desired portions such as surfaces or interiors is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coloring function by introducing multiple resin layers with different leuco dyes (first resin layer with first leuco dye, second resin layer with second leuco dye) that can be selectively activated. This allows different portions of the three-dimensional structure to be colored independently through selective laser irradiation, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and selective coloring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using resin layers with different leuco dyes that respond to different wavelengths of laser light. The first resin layer is colored by first wavelength laser, and the second resin layer is colored by second wavelength laser, enabling precise local coloring of specific regions or portions of the three-dimensional structure without affecting other areas.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple resin layers with different leuco dyes are used for selective coloring, then designability and coloring capability are improved, but the structure and manufacturing process become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by using a single laser device that can emit multiple wavelengths (first wavelength and second wavelength) to control both resin layers. This multi-functional approach allows one device to perform multiple coloring operations on different resin layers, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high coloring designability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the first and second resin layers containing different leuco dyes in a predetermined arrangement before manufacturing. This pre-arrangement simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating the need for complex real-time layer placement mechanisms, while still enabling versatile selective coloring through wavelength-specific laser irradiation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If selective coloring is achieved using multiple wavelengths and resin layers, then full-color capabilities and reversible color changes are obtained, but the manufacturing precision and control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses leuco dyes as intermediaries that convert laser energy (first wavelength or second wavelength) into visible color. These intermediary substances simplify the control process by providing a clear, wavelength-specific response mechanism, making it easier to achieve precise selective coloring and full-color capabilities without requiring extremely complex laser control systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
A three-dimensional structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of resin layers including a light curable resin, a coloring compound, a color developing-reducing agent, and a photothermal conversion agent, the plurality of resin layers being stacked.