3D Printer Shipping Fluid Thermal Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shipping and handling fluids for inkjet printers are not suitable for 3D printing due to thermal instability and crystallization issues at high temperatures, leading to color changes and interference with print processes.
Innovation Solution
A specially formulated shipping and handling fluid for 3D printers, comprising a co-solvent, sugar alcohols with ring and linear structures, and a surfactant, which provides thermal stability, prevents crystallization, and ensures efficient purging from the printbar assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sugar-containing shipping and handling fluid is used in 3D printers, then the fluid provides densification and lubrication, but the sugar undergoes caramelization at high temperatures causing color changes in printed parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the shipping and handling fluid by replacing sugar with sugar alcohols (xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol) that have different thermal properties. These sugar alcohols maintain the necessary viscosity and lubrication properties while resisting caramelization at 3D printing temperatures, thus preventing color changes in printed parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a purgable fluid formulation that is designed to be temporarily present in the system during shipping and handling, then completely removed before printing. The fluid serves its protective function during transit and is then discarded through purging, eliminating any potential for thermal degradation effects during printing.
2Reliability
If sugar-containing shipping and handling fluid is used in 3D printers, then the fluid provides densification, but the solids components undergo crystal formation during prolonged storage interfering with purging and print processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition from sugar to sugar alcohols, which have different crystallization properties. The selected sugar alcohols (xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol) maintain solution stability over prolonged storage periods and do not undergo unwanted crystal formation, ensuring the fluid remains pumpable and purgable throughout its service life.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional inkjet shipping and handling fluid formulation is used, then the fluid is suitable for inkjet printers, but it is not suitable for 3D printers due to high temperature exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal shipping and handling fluid formulation that can be used across different 3D printing systems and conditions. The fluid provides multiple functions: lubrication during nozzle movement, densification to prevent air bubbles, and thermal stability during high-temperature exposure, making it adaptable to various 3D printing applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the fluid formulation by using sugar alcohols instead of sugar, and by adjusting the concentration ranges of co-solvents and surfactants. These parameter changes ensure the fluid maintains its functional properties across the temperature range encountered in 3D printing operations.
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 fluid maintains color stability at high temperatures, prevents crystallization, and ensures effective purging, enhancing the reliability and quality of 3D printed parts.
Implementation Method 1
the co-solvent, the sugar alcohols, and the surfactant are present in the shipping and handling fluid in the amounts disclosed herein so as to provide a stable mixture at temperatures ranging from about 160° C. to about 300° C.
Implementation Method 2
the solids components of the sugar-containing shipping and handling fluid formulations may undergo crystal formation within the fluidic system of the printbar assembly during prolonged storage
Implementation Method 3
The shipping and handling fluid also includes a surfactant. The surfactant is present in an amount equal to or greater than 0.05 wt % and less than or equal to 5 wt % based on a total weight of the shipping and handling fluid.
Data Source
AI summary
An example of a shipping and handling fluid for a three-dimensional (3D) printer is disclosed. The shipping and handling fluid includes a co-solvent, a first sugar alcohol, a second sugar alcohol, a surfactant, and a balance of water. The first sugar alcohol includes a ring structure, and the second sugar alcohol has a linear structure.