Solid Water-Soluble Cleaning Composition for 3D Printing Support Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing support material from three-dimensional objects in additive manufacturing are labor-intensive, hazardous, and inefficient, often requiring hazardous chemicals and special equipment, with liquid solutions posing storage challenges and high alkali concentrations posing risks to users and the environment.
Innovation Solution
A solid water-soluble cleaning composition comprising at least 50 wt.% inorganic carbonate, 0.1 to 15 wt.% alkali metal hydroxide, 0.1 to 30 wt.% organic acid, and up to 5 wt.% surfactant, which dissolves in water to provide a high-alkaline solution for efficient support material removal while being safer and more environmentally friendly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If liquid cleaning solutions with high alkali concentrations are used to remove support material, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but user safety and environmental friendliness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter from liquid to solid (anhydrous form) while maintaining the chemical composition capabilities. This allows the cleaning agent to achieve high cleaning efficiency when dissolved, but stores and transports in a safe solid form with reduced hazards
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system is segmented into two states: solid anhydrous form for safe storage and transport, and liquid dissolved form for actual cleaning application. This segmentation allows each form to optimize for its specific function
2Reliability
If liquid cleaning solutions are used, then cleaning performance is achieved, but storage and handling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the parameter change from solid to liquid state upon dissolution, transforming a complex liquid storage problem into a simpler solid storage problem. The solid anhydrous form requires no special storage conditions, while the liquid form is generated in-situ when needed
3Reliability
If frequent solution changes are required, then cleaning effectiveness is maintained, but time and resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solid cleaning composition maintains effective cleaning action over extended periods without requiring frequent changes. The stable solid form prevents degradation and contamination that would necessitate frequent solution replacement, ensuring continuous effective cleaning
4Productivity
If conventional support material removal methods are used, then support material is removed, but labor intensity and hazard level increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical removal methods (manual labor, tools) with a chemical dissolution system. The solid cleaning composition chemically dissolves support material, eliminating the need for labor-intensive mechanical removal processes
Solution Approach 2:
The solid cleaning composition is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable cleaning agent that dissolves during use, eliminating the need for complex equipment maintenance and reducing labor intensity associated with equipment operation and cleaning
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 composition allows for prolonged use and higher support material dissolution capacity with reduced harm to users and the environment, reducing the need for frequent solution changes and handling steps, and is more cost-effective compared to existing solutions.
Implementation Method 1
A solid water-soluble cleaning composition... which dissolves in water to provide a high-alkaline solution
Implementation Method 2
0.1 to 5 wt.% of at least one surfactant
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention refers to solid water-soluble cleaning compositions usable for removing support material from three-dimensional objects formed by additive manufacturing, an aqueous solution prepared from such a composition and a method for removing support material from a three-dimensional object formed by additive manufacturing.