3D Printing Support Material with Hydroxyl Polymer
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Solution Overview
Problem
In three-dimensional forming processes, existing support materials for overhangs or ceilings often require dedicated materials that are difficult to separate from the final product, leading to interface damage and waste, especially when using multi-nozzle discharge heads.
Innovation Solution
A support material comprising a photocurable compound with urethane (meth)acrylate and a non-photocurable polymer with a hydroxyl value of 60 mgKOH/g to 300 mgKOH/g, which improves strippability and prevents reaction with the model material, allowing for easy removal without interface damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a dedicated support material is used for multi-nozzle discharge heads, then the support portion can be easily separated, but the material causes interface damage and waste
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the support material by incorporating a non-photocurable polymer with specific hydroxyl value (60-300 mgKOH/g) alongside a photocurable compound. This parameter modification enables the support material to have different chemical properties from the model material, improving strippability while preventing interface damage through controlled chemical compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite support material system combining a photocurable compound (urethane (meth)acrylate) and a non-photocurable polymer. This composite structure allows the material to exhibit both photocurability for structural integrity during printing and specific chemical properties (hydroxyl value range) that enable easy separation without damaging the model material interface
2Device complexity
If the same material is used for both forming material and support material with single nozzle, then device complexity is reduced, but the support portion requires additional processing and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The invention modifies the chemical parameters of the support material by using a non-photocurable polymer with specific hydroxyl value, making it chemically distinguishable from the model material while still being dischargeable through a single nozzle. This allows the support portion to be easily removed after printing without requiring complex multi-nozzle systems
Solution Approach 2:
The support material is designed as a temporary, disposable component that is easily removed after serving its purpose. The non-photocurable polymer with controlled hydroxyl value enables the support portion to be discarded without damaging the final product, reducing both device complexity and post-processing time
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 support material enables easy and damage-free removal of the support portion from the shaped product, reducing waste and maintaining the integrity of the interface, while preventing unnecessary reactions and maintaining mechanical properties.
Implementation Method 1
a photocurable compound that contains urethane (meth)acrylate
Implementation Method 2
a non-photocurable polymer having a hydroxyl value of 60 mgKOH/g to 300 mgKOH/g
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimension forming support material includes a photocurable compound that contains an urethane (meth)acrylate and a non-photocurable polymer having a hydroxyl value of 60 mgKOH/g to 300 mgKOH/g.