3D Printing Support Ink Composition for Easy Water Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D printing support inks require complex removal processes, such as manual removal or water jet methods, which are time-consuming and often result in incomplete removal and curing contraction issues.
Innovation Solution
A 3D printing ink composition comprising an amine-containing monomer, a photo-initiator, a water-soluble polymer, and a vinyl ether compound, which allows for excellent jetting properties, easy water solubility after photo-curing, and reduced curing contraction, enabling simple removal by shaking or sonication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If existing support ink is used in inkjet 3D printing, then the support structure can be formed, but the removal process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the support ink by incorporating specific water-soluble polymers (polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylamide, carboxymethyl cellulose) and controlling the ratio of photoinitiators and monomers. This enables the cured support material to be easily removed by simple water washing, transforming the removal process from complex manual/water jet methods to a simple dissolution process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite ink formulation combining multiple components: amine-containing monomers (N,N-dimethylacrylamide, N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone), photoinitiators (Irgacure 2959, Irgacure 819), and water-soluble polymers. This composite material achieves both good jetting properties and easy water-soluble removal after UV curing, resolving the contradiction between formability and removability.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing support ink is used, then the support function is achieved, but complete removal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters by selecting specific water-soluble polymers (polyvinyl alcohol with degree of hydrolysis 77-89%, polyacrylamide, carboxymethyl cellulose) and controlling their molecular weights and concentrations. These parameter changes ensure the cured support material completely dissolves in water without residue, achieving complete removal reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent treats the support material as a disposable component designed for single-use and complete removal. By formulating the ink with water-soluble polymers and appropriate monomers, the support structure is designed to be temporary and completely removable by water washing, eliminating the need for complex removal equipment and ensuring no residue remains.
3Manufacturing precision
If existing support ink is used, then the support structure is formed, but curing contraction occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the composition parameters by limiting the total monomer content to 5-50 wt% and using specific ratios of amine-containing monomers to other monomers. The inclusion of water-soluble polymers (5-50 wt%) acts as a spacer and plasticizer, reducing the crosslinking density and thereby minimizing curing contraction to maintain dimensional stability of the printed support structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite formulation combining low-concentration monomers with water-soluble polymers to create a support material that cures with minimal shrinkage. The polymer matrix provides structural integrity while the low monomer content reduces polymerization contraction, achieving dimensional stability.
4Ease of operation
If support ink with good jetting property is used, then printing quality is improved, but removal ease may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the viscosity and composition parameters by controlling monomer concentrations (5-50 wt%) and incorporating water-soluble polymers with specific molecular weights. This balance ensures the ink has appropriate viscosity for inkjet dispensing while the polymer structure maintains water solubility after UV curing, enabling both good jetting property and easy removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite ink system where amine-containing monomers provide good jetting properties and UV reactivity, while water-soluble polymers ensure water solubility after curing. The synergistic combination of these materials resolves the contradiction between jetting performance and removal ease.
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 ink composition ensures easy removal and improved dimensional stability by being well dissolved in water after curing, with reduced contraction and enhanced storage stability, making it suitable for efficient 3D printing support applications.
Implementation Method 1
an ink composition for a 3D printing support comprising an amine-containing monomer and a photo-initiator
Implementation Method 2
which is well dissolved in water after being photo-cured to be easily removed
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an ink composition for a 3D printing support, comprising an amine-containing monomer and a curing agent. According to the present invention, an ink composition for a 3D printing support, which retains an excellent jetting property, is well dissolved in water after being photo-cured to be easily removed, and has less curing contraction and excellent storage stability, can be provided.