3D Printing Support Removal Agent Composition

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies face challenges in removing water-soluble support materials from 3D objects without causing damage or discoloration, particularly in FDM systems where alkaline solubility increases support material solubility but also risks harming the object.

Innovation Solution

A three-dimensional object precursor treatment agent composition containing a compound represented by Formula (I), an anionic surfactant with an alkyl group of 6-20 carbon atoms, and acidic groups, which inhibits the penetration of the compound into the resin, allowing for effective removal of the support material while protecting the object.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If an alkaline treatment agent composition is used to increase support material solubility, then the support material removal efficiency is improved, but the three-dimensional object may be damaged or discolored

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport material removal efficiencyVSAvoiddamage or discoloration of three-dimensional object

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a specific compound (Formula I) as an intermediary substance that mediates between the alkaline treatment agent and the three-dimensional object. This compound allows the support material to be effectively removed while preventing direct harmful interaction between the alkaline solution and the object, thus resolving the contradiction between removal efficiency and object protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the treatment agent by incorporating a specific compound (Formula I) with defined molecular structure and properties. This parameter change enables the treatment agent to maintain high alkalinity for effective support material dissolution while the added compound modifies the interaction dynamics to prevent object damage and discoloration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If a water-soluble support material is used to enable FDM 3D printing, then the modeling process is simplified, but the support material removal requires careful control to avoid object damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodeling process simplicityVSAvoidobject integrity during support material removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The compound (Formula I) serves as a protective intermediary that allows the use of water-soluble support materials while ensuring object integrity during removal. It facilitates the solubility mechanism while blocking harmful effects, thus maintaining both ease of manufacture and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating the protective compound (Formula I) into the treatment agent before contact with the three-dimensional object. This pre-established protective layer prevents potential damage before the support material removal process begins, ensuring object integrity throughout the operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 effectively removes water-soluble support materials from 3D objects while preventing damage and discoloration, as evidenced by improved removal rates and reduced swelling rates in evaluation samples.

Implementation Method 1

an anionic surfactant (component B), and water (component C), and the component B including an alkyl group having 6 or more and 20 or less carbon atoms, and an acidic group

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface tension reduction: Surfactant

Implementation Method 2

a compound (component A) represented by Formula (I) below, an anionic surfactant (component B), and water (component C)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Data Source

PatentUS20230340229A1Three-dimensional object precursor treatment agent composition

Publication Date: 2023.10.26 KAO CORP

AI summary

The present invention is a three-dimensional object precursor treatment agent composition configured to remove a water-soluble support material from a three-dimensional object precursor that includes a three-dimensional object containing a resin, and the water-soluble support material, the three-dimensional object precursor treatment agent composition containing a compound (component A) represented by Formula (I) below, an anionic surfactant (component B), and water (component C), and the component B including an alkyl group having 6 or more and 20 or less carbon atoms, and an acidic group. The present invention can provide: a three-dimensional object precursor treatment agent composition capable of removing a water-soluble support material while inhibiting damage to a three-dimensional object and discoloration of the three-dimensional object caused by such damage; a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional object; a method for removing a support material; and a method for inhibiting damage to a three-dimensional object.