3D Printing UV Fusing Agent for Polymer Degradation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 3D printing methods using infrared and visible radiation for fusing polymeric build materials face issues of polymeric build material degradation due to UV radiation exposure, leading to discoloration and reduced quality of 3D printed objects.

Innovation Solution

A fusing agent containing a multi-functional antioxidant and UV light absorber, including metal oxide particles that absorb UV radiation and a passivating agent, is used to stabilize the polymeric build material during printing, reducing degradation and improving object quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If UV radiation is used for fusing polymeric build material, then fusing efficiency is improved, but polymeric build material degradation occurs leading to discoloration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefusing efficiencyVSAvoidpolymeric build material degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A fusing agent comprising UV absorber particles and passivating agent particles is introduced as an intermediary substance. The UV absorber particles absorb UV radiation and convert it to thermal energy, while the passivating agent particles prevent polymer degradation. This intermediary agent mediates between the UV radiation source and the polymeric build material, enabling efficient fusing without direct harmful UV exposure to the polymer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct UV radiation fusion (optical/chemical process) with a thermal fusion mechanism. The UV absorber particles convert UV radiation into heat, which then thermally fuses the polymeric build material. This substitution of the fusion mechanism eliminates the need for direct UV exposure of the polymer, preventing degradation while maintaining fusing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If infrared and visible radiation are used for fusing, then polymeric build material degradation is reduced, but fusing effectiveness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolymeric build material degradationVSAvoidfusing effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameters by introducing a fusing agent with specific UV absorber particles that have optimized absorption characteristics. This allows the system to operate with UV radiation at parameters that are effective for fusing but do not cause polymer degradation, effectively tuning the radiation-polymer interaction parameters through the intermediary agent.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If direct UV radiation exposure is applied to polymeric build material, then curing speed is improved, but discoloration and quality reduction occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecuring speedVSAvoidobject quality

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The fusing agent acts as a mediator that receives UV radiation and transfers its energy to the polymeric build material in a controlled manner. The UV absorber particles in the fusing agent capture UV photons and convert them to thermal energy, which then heats and fuses the polymer particles. This indirect energy transfer maintains high curing speed while preventing direct UV-induced polymer degradation and discoloration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 fusing agent effectively mitigates polymeric build material degradation, enhancing the color stability and quality of 3D printed objects by stabilizing the material during the printing process.

Implementation Method 1

an ultraviolet (UV) light fusing agent... exposing the build material layer to UV radiation to coalesce the at least the portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUV radiation absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

The energy absorber in the fusing agent is capable of absorbing radiation and converting the absorbed radiation to thermal energy, which in turn fuses/coalesces the polymeric build material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy conversion: Photoacoustic Effect

Implementation Method 3

metal oxide particles that absorb UV radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUV radiation absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 4

a passivating agent complexed with at least a portion of a surface of the metal oxide particle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectComplexation: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS12447672B2Three-dimensional printing

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 PERIDOT PRINT LLC

AI summary

An example of an ultraviolet (UV) light fusing agent for three-dimensional (3D) printing includes a vehicle and a multi-functional antioxidant and UV light absorber dispersed in the vehicle. The vehicle includes water and a water miscible or water soluble organic solvent. The multi-functional antioxidant and UV light absorber includes a metal oxide particle that is to absorb UV radiation having a wavelength within a range from about 330 nm to about 405 nm and a passivating agent complexed with at least a portion of a surface of the metal oxide.