Vaporized Solvent Treatment With Controlled Vacuum Extraction

Solution Overview

Problem

The extraction of solvent from 3D printed parts using vacuum can result in defects such as blisters due to rapid solvent outgassing, which bursts through the softened surface, and there is a need to balance solvent extraction time to prevent over-exposure and defects.

Innovation Solution

A predefined pressure profile is controlled within the chamber during solvent extraction to prevent defects by applying a stronger vacuum at higher pressures and a weaker vacuum at lower pressures, using a stepped or smoothly varying pressure reduction to optimize solvent removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a strong vacuum is applied to extract solvent quickly, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to blisters forming on parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolvent extraction speedVSAvoidpart surface quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The vacuum pressure is dynamically adjusted during the extraction process rather than maintaining a constant strong vacuum. The system transitions from a stronger vacuum phase to a weaker vacuum phase, adapting the extraction intensity to the current state of solvent removal and part condition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The extraction process is divided into distinct time periods with different vacuum intensities. A first period uses stronger vacuum for rapid initial solvent removal, followed by a second period with weaker vacuum to complete extraction without causing surface defects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Manufacturing precision

If solvent extraction time is extended to prevent defects, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to longer processing time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepart surface qualityVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The extraction process is divided into distinct time periods with different vacuum intensities. A first period uses stronger vacuum for rapid initial solvent removal, followed by a second period with weaker vacuum to complete extraction without causing surface defects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The vacuum pressure parameter is changed during the extraction process. The system transitions from a stronger vacuum pressure in the first period to a weaker vacuum pressure in the second period, optimizing both extraction efficiency and part quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If rapid pressure reduction is applied to speed up extraction, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to solvent bursting through softened surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction speedVSAvoidpart surface integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The vacuum pressure is dynamically adjusted during the extraction process rather than maintaining a constant strong vacuum. The system transitions from a stronger vacuum phase to a weaker vacuum phase, adapting the extraction intensity to the current state of solvent removal and part condition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares for potential surface damage by reducing vacuum intensity in the second period before solvent bursting can occur. This cushioning approach prevents defects by anticipating the risk when solvent accumulates beneath the softened surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 method effectively prevents defects in 3D printed parts by controlling the vacuum pressure profile, ensuring efficient solvent extraction without damaging the parts, while maintaining surface smoothness and mechanical properties.

Implementation Method 1

a printed part is exposed to a vaporized solvent, which condenses on and softens the surfaces of the part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 2

the extraction process can result in defects, such as blisters, forming on the parts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 3

applying a stronger vacuum at higher pressures and a weaker vacuum at lower pressures

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS12472708B2Treatment of parts by vaporized solvent

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 PERIDOT PRINT LLC

AI summary

A method is described in which a part is placed within a chamber. Vaporized solvent is provided within the chamber such that the solvent condenses onto and treats the part. A vacuum is then applied to the chamber to extract the solvent and stop the treatment. The vacuum is controlled such that a pressure within the chamber over time has a predefined profile to prevent defects in the part from occurring due to the extraction of solvent from the part.