3D Printing Wetting Agent for Layer Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
3D printing techniques face issues with surface roughness and cavities in printed objects due to the disruptive impact of binding agents, leading to reduced density and increased susceptibility to fatigue and cracking.
Innovation Solution
A multi-fluid kit comprising a wetting agent and a binding agent, where the wetting agent includes amphiphilic and film-forming solvents, is used to minimize structural disruption and enhance the penetration of the binding agent, thereby improving the adhesion and density of the printed layers, which are then sintered to form a heat-fused object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If binding agent is applied to bind build materials together, then adhesion between layers is improved, but surface roughness increases and cavities form
Solution Approach 1:
A wetting agent is introduced as an intermediary substance between the binding agent and the particulate build material. The wetting agent modifies the surface properties of the particles, enabling the binding agent to penetrate more effectively and bind particles together without causing surface disruption, craters, or cavities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface tension parameters of the binding agent by adding a wetting agent. This parameter modification allows the binding agent to wet and penetrate the particulate material more effectively, reducing surface roughness and cavity formation while maintaining adhesion strength.
2Strength
If binding agent is applied with velocity and force, then binding effectiveness is improved, but structural defects such as craters are created
Solution Approach 1:
The wetting agent serves as a mediator that reduces the impact force of the binding agent on the particle surface. By modifying surface properties, it allows effective binding at lower velocities and forces, preventing crater formation and other structural defects.
Solution Approach 2:
The wetting agent is applied or mixed with the binding agent beforehand to prepare the surface for binding. This preliminary action prevents the harmful effects of high-velocity binding agent application by pre-modifying the surface to accept the binding agent more gently and effectively.
3Strength
If binding agent penetrates particulate build material, then adhesion is improved, but penetration time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The wetting agent changes the surface tension and wetting parameters of the binding agent, enabling faster penetration into the particulate build material. This parameter modification accelerates the infiltration process while ensuring complete adhesion, eliminating the delay in penetration.
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 solution results in improved surface smoothness, reduced porosity, and increased mechanical strength of the printed objects, enhancing their durability and resistance to fatigue and cracking.
Implementation Method 1
a wetting agent can be utilized to reduce a surface tension of the binding agent to enhance an infiltration of the binding agent into a layer of the particulate build material
Implementation Method 2
The wetting agent can include from about 30 wt % to about 99.5 wt % amphiphilic solvent
Implementation Method 3
from about 0.2 wt % to about 30 wt % film-forming organic solvent
Implementation Method 4
The green body object can then be heat fused to form a fused 3D object
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-fluid kit for three-dimensional printing can include a wetting agent and a binding agent. The wetting agent can include from 0 wt % to about 49.8 wt % water, from about 0.5 wt % to about 30 wt % film-forming organic solvent that can have a boiling point from greater than about 100° C. to about 350° C., and from about 30 wt % to about 99.5 wt % amphiphilic solvent that can have a boiling point from about 45° C. to less than about 100° C. The amphiphilic solvent can be water-miscible and can be present in the wetting agent at a greater concentration than the water and at a greater concentration than the film-forming solvent. The binding agent can include from about 2 wt % to about 30 wt % of a polymer binder dispersed in an aqueous liquid vehicle.