U.S. patent application number 10/424732 was filed with the patent office on 2003-11-06 for compositions and methods for use in three dimensional model printing.
Invention is credited to Brusilovsky, David, Gothait, Hanan, Levy, Avi, Napadensky, Eduardo.
Application Number | 20030207959 10/424732 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33415906 |
Filed Date | 2003-11-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030207959 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Napadensky, Eduardo ; et
al. |
November 6, 2003 |
Compositions and methods for use in three dimensional model
printing
Abstract
Compositions for use in the manufacture of three-dimensional
objects including compositions for use as a support and/or release
material in the manufacture of the three-dimensional objects are
provided. There is thus provided, in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention, a composition suitable for building a
three-dimensional object. The compositions may include, inter alia,
a curable component, having a functional group, wherein if the
functional group is a polymerizable reactive functional group, then
the functional group is a (meth)acrylic functional group, a
photo-initiator, a surface-active agent and a stabilizer; wherein
said composition has a first viscosity of about 50-500 cps at a
first temperature, wherein said first temperature is ambient
temperature, and a second viscosity lower than 20 cps at a second
temperature wherein said second temperature is higher than said
first temperature, wherein, after curing, the composition results
in a solid form. There is thus provided, in accordance with another
embodiment of the present invention, a composition suitable for
support in building a three-dimensional object. The compositions
may include, inter alia: a non-curable component, a curable
component, wherein the non-curable component is not reactive with
said curable component, a surface-active agent and a stabilizer,
wherein said composition has a first viscosity of about 20-500 cps
at a first temperature, wherein said first temperature is ambient
temperature, and a second viscosity lower than 20 cps at a second
temperature wherein said second temperature is higher than said
first temperature, wherein, after irradiation, the composition
results in a solid, a semi-solid or liquid material. A method for
the preparation of a three-dimensional object by three-dimensional
printing is provided in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention. Embodiments of the present invention further provide a
three-dimensional object prepared according to the methods of the
invention.
Inventors: |
Napadensky, Eduardo;
(Netanya, IL) ; Gothait, Hanan; (Rehovot, IL)
; Brusilovsky, David; (Herzlia, IL) ; Levy,
Avi; (Petach Tileau, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Eitan, Pearl, Latzer & Cohen Zedek, LLP.
Suite 1001
10 Rockefeller Plaza
New York
NY
10020
US
|
Family ID: |
33415906 |
Appl. No.: |
10/424732 |
Filed: |
April 29, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10424732 |
Apr 29, 2003 |
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09803108 |
Mar 12, 2001 |
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6569373 |
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60188698 |
Mar 13, 2000 |
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60195321 |
Apr 10, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
522/183 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B33Y 40/00 20141201;
B41M 3/006 20130101; B33Y 80/00 20141201; C08G 2/00 20130101; B33Y
70/00 20141201; G03F 7/0037 20130101; B29C 64/40 20170801; B29C
64/112 20170801 |
Class at
Publication: |
522/183 |
International
Class: |
C08F 002/46; C08G
002/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A composition suitable for building a three-dimensional object,
said composition comprising: a curable component, having a
functional group, wherein if said functional group is a
polymerizable reactive functional group, then said functional group
is a (meth)acrylic functional group; a photo-initiator; a
surface-active agent; and a stabilizer; wherein said composition
has a first viscosity of about 50-500 cps at a first temperature,
wherein said first temperature is ambient temperature, and a second
viscosity lower than 20 cps at a second temperature, wherein said
second temperature is higher than said first temperature, wherein,
after curing, said composition results in a solid form.
2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein said curable
component is a (meth)acrylic monomer, a (meth)acrylic oligomer, a
(meth)acrylic crosslinker, or any combination thereof.
3. The composition according to claim 1, said curable component
comprising a combination of a mono-functional monomer and a
di-functional oligomer.
4. The composition according to claim 3, wherein said
mono-functional monomer is a high Glass Transition Temperature
mono-functional monomer and said di-functional oligomer is a low
Glass Transition Temperature di-functional oligomer.
5. The composition according to claim 4, comprising at least 40% of
said high Glass Transition Temperature mono-functional monomers and
at least 20% of said low Glass Transition Temperature di-functional
oligomer.
6. The composition according to claim 4, comprising at least 20% of
said high Glass Transition Temperature mono-functional monomers and
not more than 40% of said low Glass Transition Temperature
di-functional oligomer.
7. The composition according to claim 4, wherein the Glass
Transition Temperature of said mono-functional monomer is higher
than 70.degree. C. and wherein the Glass Transition Temperature of
said di-functional oligomer is lower than 40.degree. C.
8. The composition according to claim 1, further comprising a
molecule having one or more epoxy substituents, a molecule having
one or more vinyl ether substituents, vinylcaprolactam,
vinylpyrolidone, or any combination thereof.
9. The composition according to claim 1, wherein said
photo-initiator is a free radical photo-initiator, a cationic
photo-initiator, or a combination thereof.
10. The composition according to claim 1, further comprising a
filler.
11. The composition according to claim 10, wherein said filler
comprises particles having an average diameter of less than 100
nm.
12. The composition according to claim 1, further comprising a
sulfur-containing component.
13. The composition according to claim 1, further comprising a low
molecular weight polymer.
14. The composition according to claim 12, wherein said sulfur
containing component is beta mercaptopropionate, mercaptoacetate,
alkane thiols or any combination thereof.
15. The composition according to claim 1, further comprising at
least one pigment and at least one dispersant.
16. The composition according to claim 15, wherein said pigment is
a white pigment, an organic pigment, an inorganic pigment, a metal
pigment or a combination thereof.
17. The composition according to claim 1, further comprising a
dye.
18. The composition according to claim 1, wherein said first
viscosity is about 80-500 cps.
19. The composition according to claim 1, wherein said first
viscosity is about 300 cps.
20. The composition according to claim 1, wherein said second
viscosity is lower than 20 cps and wherein said second temperature
is higher than 60.degree. C.
21. The composition according to claim 1, wherein said second
viscosity is between 10 and 17 cps and wherein said second
temperature is higher than 60.degree. C.
22. The composition according to claim 1, wherein said second
viscosity is between 10 and 17 cps and wherein said second
temperature is about 70-110.degree. C.
23. The composition according to claim 1, wherein said second
viscosity is between 12 and 15 cps and wherein said second
temperature is about 70-90.degree. C.
24. The composition according to claim 1, said composition further
comprising a phase separation inducing component.
25. The composition according to claim 24, wherein said phase
separation inducing component is a silicon oligomer, wherein the
concentration of said silicon oligomer is at least 5%.
26. A composition suitable for support in building a
three-dimensional object, said composition comprising: a
non-curable component; a curable component; wherein said
non-curable component is not reactive with said curable component,
a surface-active agent; and a stabilizer; wherein said composition
has a first viscosity of about 20-500 cps at a first temperature,
wherein said first temperature is ambient temperature, and a second
viscosity lower than 20 cps at a second temperature wherein said
second temperature is higher than said first temperature; wherein,
after irradiation, said composition results in a solid, a semi
solid or a liquid material.
27. The composition according to claim 26, further comprising
water.
28. The composition according to claim 26, further comprising at
least one photo-initiator.
29. The composition according to claim 26, wherein said curable
component is a (meth)acrylic component.
30. The composition according to claim 29, wherein said
(meth)acrylic component is a (meth)acrylic monomer, a (meth)acrylic
oligomer, a (meth)acrylic crsosslinker or a combination
thereof.
31. The composition according to claim 26, further comprising a
water miscible component that is, after irradiation or curing,
capable of dissolving or swelling upon exposure to water, to an
alkaline or acidic water solution or to water detergent
solution.
32. The composition according to claim 31, wherein said water
miscible component is a (meth)acrylated urethane oligomer
derivative of polyethylene glycol, a partially (meth)acrylated
polyol oligomer, a (meth)acrylated oligomer having hydrophillic
substituents, polyethylene glycol mono or di (meth)acrylated,
acrylamide or any combination thereof.
33. The composition according to claim 32, wherein said hydrophilic
substituents are acidic substituents, amino substituents, hydroxy
substituents, ionic substituents or any combination thereof.
34. The composition according to claim 26, further comprising a
molecule having one or more vinyl ether substituents.
35. The composition according to claim 26, wherein said non-curable
component is polyethylene glycol, methoxypolyethylene glycol,
glycerol, ethoxylated polyol, propylene glycol or any combination
thereof.
36. The composition according to claim 26, wherein said non-curable
component is a non-water miscible compound.
37. The composition according to claim 36, wherein said non-water
miscible compound is paraffin oil.
38. The composition according to claim 28, wherein said
photo-initiator is a free radical photo-initiator, a cationic
photo-initiator, or any combination thereof.
39. The composition according to claim 26, further comprising a
filler.
40. The composition according to claim 39, wherein said filler
comprises particles having an average diameter of less than 100
nm.
41. The composition according to claim 26, further comprising a
sulfur-containing component.
42. The composition according to claim 26, further comprising a low
molecular weight polymer.
43. The composition according to claim 41, wherein said sulfur
containing component is beta mercaptopropionate, mercaptoacetate,
alkane thiols or any combination thereof.
44. The composition according to claim 26, further comprising a
pigment, a dye or a combination thereof.
45. The composition according to claim 44, wherein said pigment is
a white pigment, an organic pigment, an inorganic pigment, a metal
pigment or a combination thereof.
46. The composition according to claim 26, wherein said first
viscosity is about 30-200 cps.
47. The composition according to claim 26, wherein said second
viscosity is lower than 20 cps.
48. The composition according to claim 26, wherein said second
viscosity is between 10 and 17 cps.
49. The composition according to claim 26, wherein said second
viscosity is between 12 and 16 cps.
50. The composition according to claim 26, further comprising a
component able to produce gas upon exposure to water or to an
alkaline or acidic water solution.
51. The composition according to claim 50, wherein said component
is sodium bicarbonate, calcium bicarbonate or a combination
thereof.
52. A composition suitable for support in building a
three-dimensional object, said composition comprising: at least one
non-curable component; at least one curable component comprising a
molecule having one or more epoxy substituents; wherein said
non-curable component is not reactive with said curable component,
at least one surface-active agent; at least one cationic
photo-initiator; and at least one stabilizer; wherein said
composition has a first viscosity of about 20-500 cps at a first
temperature, wherein said first temperature is ambient temperature,
and a second viscosity lower than 20 cps at a second temperature
wherein said second temperature is higher than said first
temperature; wherein, after irradiation, said composition results
in a solid, a semi solid or a liquid material.
53. The composition according to claim 52, further comprising a
molecule having one or more vinyl ether substituents.
54. The composition according to claim 52, wherein said non-curable
component is a non-water miscible compound.
55. The composition according to claim 54, wherein said non-water
miscible compound is paraffin oil.
56. The composition according to claim 52, further comprising a
filler.
57. The composition according to claim 56, wherein said filler
comprises particles having an average diameter of less than 100
nm.
58. The composition according to claim 52, further comprising a low
molecular weight polymer.
59. The composition according to claim 52, further comprising a
pigment, a dye or a combination thereof.
60. The composition according to claim 59, wherein said pigment is
a white pigment, an organic pigment, an inorganic pigment, a metal
pigment or a combination thereof.
61. The composition according to claim 52, wherein said first
viscosity is about 30-200 cps.
62. The composition according to claim 52, wherein said second
viscosity is lower than 20 cps.
63. The composition according to claim 52, wherein said second
viscosity is between 10 and 17 cps.
64. The composition according to claim 52, wherein said second
viscosity is between 12 and 16 cps.
65. The composition according to claim 52, further comprising a
component able to produce gas upon exposure to water or to an
alkaline or acidic water solution.
66. The composition according to claim 65, wherein said component
is sodium bicarbonate, calcium bicarbonate or a combination
thereof.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation-In-Part application of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/803,108, filed Mar. 12, 2001,
entitled "Compositions And Methods For Use In Three Dimensional
Model Printing", which claims priority of provisional application
serial No. 60/188,698, filed Mar. 13, 2000, entitled "Methods And
Formulations For Three-Dimensional Printing", and provisional
application serial No. 60/195,321 filed Apr. 10, 2000, entitled
"Methods And Formulations For Three-Dimensional Printing", each of
which are incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to three-dimensional object
building in general and to methods and compositions for use in
three-dimensional printing of complex structures in particular.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Three-dimensional printing, which typically works by
building parts in layers, is a process used for the building up of
three-dimensional objects. Three-dimensional printing is relatively
speedy and flexible, allowing for the production of prototype
parts, tooling and rapid manufacturing of three-dimensional complex
structures directly from a CAD file, for example.
[0004] Using three-dimensional printing may enable a manufacturer
to obtain a full three-dimensional model of any proposed product
before tooling, thereby possibly substantially reducing the cost of
tooling and leading to a better synchronization between design and
manufacturing. A lower product cost and improved product quality
may also be obtained.
[0005] Using three-dimensional printing also enables the direct
manufacturing of full three-dimensional objects, thereby
substantially reducing costs and leading to a better
synchronization between design, production and consumption (use). A
lower product cost and improved product quality may thus also be
obtained.
[0006] Various systems have been developed for computerized
three-dimensional printing. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,259,962 to the
Assignees of the present application, and incorporated herein by
reference, embodiments of an apparatus and a method for
three-dimensional model printing are described. The apparatus
according to some embodiments in this patent include a printing
head having a plurality of nozzles, a dispenser connected to the
printing head for selectively dispensing interface material in
layers, and curing means for optionally curing each of the layers
deposited. The depth of each deposited layer may be controllable by
selectively adjusting the output from each of the plurality of
nozzles.
[0007] In U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/412,618 to the
Assignees of the present invention, and incorporated herein by
reference, embodiments are described including an apparatus and a
method for three-dimensional model printing. Some embodiments of
this application describe a system and a method for printing
complex three-dimensional models by using interface materials
having different hardness or elasticity and mixing the interface
material from each of the printing heads to control the hardness of
the material forming the three-dimensional model. The construction
layers of the model may be formed from interface material having a
different (harder) modulus of elasticity than the material used to
form the release (and support) layers, thereby allowing for the
forming of complex shapes.
[0008] Radiation curable inks are disclosed in, for example, U.S.
Pat. Nos. 4,303,924, 5,889,084, and 5,270,368. U.S. Pat. No.
4,303,924 discloses, inter alia, radiation curable compositions for
jet-drop printing containing multifunctional ethylenically
unsaturated material, monofunctional ethylenically unsaturated
material, a reactive synergist, a dye colorant and an oil soluble
salt. U.S. Pat. No. 5,889,084 discloses, inter alia, a radiation
curable ink composition for ink-jet printing which includes a
cationically photoreactive epoxy or vinyl ether monomer or
oligomer, a cationic photo-initiator and a coloring agent. U.S.
Pat. No. 5,270,368 discloses, inter alia, a UV curable ink
composition for ink-jet printing including a resin formulation
having at least two acrylate components, a photo-initiator and an
organic carrier.
[0009] The ink compositions disclosed in these references are
typically formulated for use in ink-jet printing. Compositions for
ink-jet printing are typically formulated differently from
compositions for building three-dimensional objects, and thus have
different properties. For example, high viscosity at room
temperature is a desirable property for three-dimensional objects,
and thus compositions for building three-dimensional objects are
typically designed to have a high viscosity at room temperature. In
contrast, compositions for ink-jet printing are designed to have
low viscosity at room temperature in order to function well in the
printing process. None of the above-mentioned references disclose
compositions that are especially formulated for three-dimensional
printing.
[0010] Radiation curable compositions for stereolithography are
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,705,316. U.S. Pat. No. 5,705,316
discloses compounds having at least one vinyl ether group, which
also contain in the molecule at least one other functional group
such as an epoxy or an acrylate group; compositions including these
compounds; and methods of producing three-dimensional objects using
these compositions. The compounds of U.S. Pat. No. 5,705,316 are
complex molecules that are not readily available and thus need to
be especially synthesized, which incurs additional time and
costs.
[0011] Thus, there is a need for simple, easily obtainable curable
compositions, that are specially formulated to construct a
three-dimensional object. There is further a need for simple,
easily obtainable curable compositions, that are specially
formulated to provide support to a three-dimensional object, by
forming support/and or release layers around the object during its
construction. Lastly, there is a need for methods of constructing a
three-dimensional object by using the above mentioned
compositions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention relates to compositions for use in the
manufacture of three-dimensional objects. The present invention
further relates to compositions for use as a support and/or release
material in the manufacture of the three-dimensional objects. The
present invention further relates to a method for the preparation
of a three-dimensional object by three-dimensional printing, and to
a three-dimensional object obtained by the method.
[0013] There is thus provided, in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention, a composition for use in the manufacture of
three-dimensional objects by a method of selective dispensing. The
composition may include, inter alia, at least one reactive
component, at least one photo-initiator, at least one
surface-active agent, and at least one stabilizer.
[0014] The composition has a first viscosity above 50 cps at room
temperature, and a second viscosity compatible with ink-jet
printers at a second temperature, wherein the second temperature is
higher than room temperature.
[0015] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
the reactive component is an acrylic component, a molecule having
one or more epoxy substituents, a molecule having one or more vinyl
ether substituents, vinylcaprolactam, vinylpyrolidone, or any
combination thereof.
[0016] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the reactive component is an acrylic component. The
acrylic component is an acrylic monomer, an acrylic oligomer, an
acrylic crosslinker, or any combination thereof.
[0017] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the reactive component may include, inter alia, an
acrylic component and in addition a molecule having one or more
epoxy substitutents, a molecule having one or more vinyl ether
substituents, vinylcaprolactam, vinylpyrolidone, or any combination
thereof.
[0018] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the reactive component may include, inter alia, an
acrylic component and vinylcaprolactam.
[0019] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the reactive component may include, inter alia, a
molecule having one or more vinyl ether substitutents.
[0020] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the reactive component may include, inter alia, a
molecule having one or more epoxy substituents.
[0021] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the reactive component may include, inter alia, a
molecule having one or more vinyl ether substituents, and a
molecule having one or more epoxy substitutents.
[0022] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the photo-initiator is a free radical photo-initiator, a
cationic photo-initiator, or any combination thereof.
[0023] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the composition further includes at least one pigment
and at least one dispersant. The pigment is a white pigment, an
organic pigment, an inorganic pigment, a metal pigment or a
combination thereof. In one embodiment, the composition further
includes a dye.
[0024] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the first viscosity of the composition is greater than
80 cps. In one embodiment, the first viscosity is between 80 and
300 cps. In another embodiment, the first viscosity is around 300
cps.
[0025] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the second viscosity of the composition is lower than 20
cps at a second temperature, which is greater than 60.degree. C.
Preferably, the second viscosity is between 8 and 15 cps at the
second temperature, which is greater than 60.degree. C. In one
embodiment, the second viscosity is about 11 cps at a temperature
around 85.degree. C.
[0026] In addition, in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention, there is thus provided a composition for use as
a support and/or release material in the manufacture of
three-dimensional objects by a method of selective dispensing. The
composition may include, inter alia, at least one non-reactive and
low toxicity compound, at least one surface-active agent and at
least one stabilizer.
[0027] The composition has a first viscosity above 50 cps at room
temperature, and a second viscosity compatible with ink-jet
printers at a second temperature, wherein the second temperature is
higher than room temperature.
[0028] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
the composition may further include, inter alia, at least one
reactive component and at least one photo-initiator. The reactive
component is at least one of an acrylic component, a molecule
having one or more vinyl ether substituents, or the reactive
component is a water miscible component that is, after curing,
capable of swelling upon exposure to water or to an alkaline or
acidic water solution.
[0029] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention the reactive component is an acrylic component. The
acrylic component is an acrylic oligomer, an acrylic monomer, or a
combination thereof.
[0030] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the reactive component may include, inter alia, at least
one water miscible component that is, after curing, capable of
swelling upon exposure to water or to an alkaline or acidic water
solution. The water miscible component is preferably an acrylated
urethane oligomer derivative of polyethylene glycol, a partially
acrylated polyol oligomer, an acrylated oligomer having
hydrophillic substituents, or any combination thereof The
hydrophilic substituents are preferably acidic substituents, amino
substituents, hydroxy substituents, or any combination thereof.
[0031] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the reactive component may include, inter alia, a
molecule having one or more vinyl ether substituents.
[0032] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the non-reactive component is polyethylene glycol,
methoxy polyethylene glycol, glycerol, ethoxylated polyol, or
propylene glycol.
[0033] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the photo-initiator is a free radical photo-initiator, a
cationic photo-initiator, or a combination thereof.
[0034] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the first viscosity of the composition is greater than
80 cps. In one embodiment, the first viscosity is between 80 and
300 cps. In another embodiment, the first viscosity is around 200
cps.
[0035] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the second viscosity of the composition is lower than 20
cps at a second temperature, which is greater than 60.degree. C.
Preferably, the second viscosity is between 8 and 15 cps at the
second temperature, which is greater than 60.degree. C. In one
embodiment, the second viscosity is about 11 cps at a temperature
around 85.degree. C.
[0036] In addition, there is thus provided, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention, a method for preparation of a
three-dimensional object by three-dimensional printing. The method
according to an embodiment includes:
[0037] dispensing a first interface material from a printing head,
the first interface material may include, inter alia, at least one
reactive component, at least one photo-initiator, at least one
surface-active agent and at least one stabilizer, dispensing a
second interface material from the printing head, the second
interface material may include, inter alia, at least one
non-reactive and low toxicity compound, at least one surface-active
agent, and at least one stabilizer, combining the first interface
material and the second interface material in pre-determined
proportions to produce construction layers for forming the
three-dimensional object.
[0038] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the reactive component of the first interface material
is an acrylic component, a molecule having one or more epoxy
substituents, a molecule having one or more vinyl ether
substituents, vinylpyrolidone, vinylcaprolactam, or any combination
thereof.
[0039] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the reactive component of the first interface material
may include, inter alia, an acrylic component. The acrylic
component is an acrylic monomer, an acrylic oligomer, an acrylic
crosslinker, or any combination thereof.
[0040] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the reactive component of the first interface material
may include, inter alia, an acrylic component and in addition a
molecule having one or more epoxy substituents, a molecule having
one or more vinyl ether substituents, vinylcaprolactam,
vinylpyrolidone, or any combination thereof.
[0041] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the reactive component of the first interface material
may include, inter alia, an acrylic component and
vinylcaprolactam.
[0042] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the reactive component of the first interface material
is a molecule having one or more vinyl ether substituents.
[0043] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the reactive component of the first interface material
is a molecule having one or more epoxy substituents.
[0044] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the reactive component of the first interface material
may include, inter alia, a molecule having one or more epoxy
substituents, and a molecule having one or more vinyl ether
substituents.
[0045] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the first interface material may further include, inter
alia, at least one pigment and at least one dispersant. The pigment
is a white pigment, an organic pigment, an inorganic pigment, a
metal pigment or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the
first interface material may further include, inter alia, a
dye.
[0046] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the method may further include the step of curing the
first interface material.
[0047] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the second interface material further may include, inter
alia, at least one reactive component and at least one
photo-initiator. The reactive component is at least one of an
acrylic component, a molecule having one or more vinyl ether
substituents, or the reactive component is a water miscible
component that is, after curing, capable of swelling upon exposure
to water or to an alkaline or acidic water solution.
[0048] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention the reactive component is an acrylic component. The
acrylic component is an acrylic oligomer, an acrylic monomer, or a
combination thereof.
[0049] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the reactive component may include, inter alia, at least
one water miscible component that is, after curing, capable of
swelling upon exposure to water or to an alkaline or acidic water
solution. The water miscible component is preferably an acrylated
urethane oligomer derivative of polyethylene glycol, a partially
acrylated polyol oligomer, an acrylated oligomer having
hydrophillic substituents, or any combination thereof. The
hydrophilic substituents are preferably acidic substituents, amino
substituents, hydroxy substituents, or any combination thereof.
[0050] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the reactive component of the second interface material
may include, inter alia, a molecule having one or more vinyl ether
substituents.
[0051] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the non-reactive component is polyethylene glycol,
methoxy polyethylene glycol, glycerol, ethoxylated polyol, or
propylene glycol.
[0052] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the photo-initiator of the first interface material and
optionally of the second interface material is a free radical
photo-initiator, a cationic photo-initiator or any combination
thereof.
[0053] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the method may further include the step of irradiating
or curing the second interface material.
[0054] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the first interface material and the second interface
material have a different modulus of elasticity and a different
strength. In one embodiment, the first interface material has a
higher modulus of elasticity and a higher strength than the second
interface material.
[0055] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the method may further include the step of forming a
multiplicity of support layers for supporting the object. In one
embodiment, the support layers are formed by combining the first
interface material and the second interface material in
pre-determined proportions. In one embodiment, the support layers
have the same modulus of elasticity and the same strength as the
construction layers. In another embodiment, the support layers have
a lower modulus of elasticity and a lower strength than the
construction layers.
[0056] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the method may further include the step of combining the
first interface material and the second interface material in
pre-determined proportions to form a multiplicity of release layers
for releasing the support layers from the object. In one
embodiment, the release layers have a lower modulus of elasticity
and a lower strength than the construction layers and the support
layers.
[0057] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the first interface material and the second interface
material each have a first viscosity at room temperature, and a
second viscosity compatible with ink-jet printers at a second
temperature, which may be the same or different, wherein the second
temperature is higher than room temperature.
[0058] In addition, there is thus provided, in accordance with
another embodiment of the present invention, a three-dimensional
object comprised of a core consisting of a multiplicity of
construction layers. The construction layers are prepared by
combining pre-determined proportions of the first interface
material and the second interface material, described
hereinabove.
[0059] Furthermore, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention, the object may further include a multiplicity of support
layers for supporting the core. In one embodiment, the support
layers are prepared by combining pre-determined proportions of the
first interface material and a second interface material. In one
embodiment, the support layers have the same modulus of elasticity
and the same strength as the construction layers. In another
embodiment, the support layers have a lower modulus of elasticity
and a lower strength than the construction layers.
[0060] Furthermore, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the object may further include a
multiplicity of release layers for releasing the support layers
from the core. In one embodiment, the release layers are positioned
between the support layers and the construction layers. The release
layers are prepared by combining predetermined proportions of the
first interface material and a second interface material. In one
embodiment, the release layers have a lower modulus of elasticity
and a lower strength than the construction layers and the support
layers.
[0061] One embodiment of the present invention provides a
composition suitable for building a three-dimensional object, the
composition may include, inter alia, a curable component, having a
functional group, wherein if the functional group is a
polymerizable reactive functional group, then the functional group
is a (meth)acrylic functional group, a photo-initiator, a
surface-active agent and a stabilizer, wherein the composition has
a first viscosity of about 50-500 cps at a first temperature,
wherein the first temperature is ambient temperature, and a second
viscosity lower than 20 cps at a second temperature wherein the
second temperature is higher than the first temperature, wherein,
after curing, the composition results in a solid form.
[0062] One embodiment of the present invention provides a
composition suitable for support in building a three-dimensional
object, the composition may include, inter alia, a non-curable
component, a curable component, wherein the non-curable component
is not reactive with the curable component, a surface-active agent
and a stabilizer, wherein the composition has a first viscosity of
about 20-500 cps at a first temperature, wherein the first
temperature is ambient temperature, and a second viscosity lower
than 20 cps at a second temperature wherein the second temperature
is higher than the first temperature, wherein, after irradiation,
the composition results in a solid, a semi solid or a liquid
material.
[0063] One embodiment of the present invention provides a
composition suitable for support in building a three-dimensional
object, the composition may include, inter alia, a non-curable
component, a curable (meth)acrylic component, wherein the
non-curable component is not reactive with the curable component, a
surface-active agent, a free radical photo-initiator and a
stabilizer, wherein the composition has a first viscosity of about
20-500 cps at a first temperature, wherein the first temperature is
ambient temperature, and a second viscosity lower than 20 cps at a
second temperature wherein the second temperature is higher than
the first temperature, wherein, after irradiation, the composition
results in a solid, a semi solid or a liquid material.
[0064] One embodiment of the present invention further provides a
composition suitable for support in building a three-dimensional
object, the composition may include, inter alia, at least one
non-curable component, at least one curable component including a
molecule having one or more epoxy substituents, wherein the
non-curable component is not reactive with the curable component,
at least one surface-active agent, at least one cationic
photo-initiator and at least one stabilizer, wherein the
composition has a first viscosity of about 20-500 cps at a first
temperature, wherein the first temperature is ambient temperature,
and a second viscosity lower than 20 cps at a second temperature
wherein the second temperature is higher than the first
temperature, wherein, after irradiation, the composition results in
a solid, a semi solid or a liquid material.
[0065] One embodiment of the present invention further provides a
method for the preparation of a three-dimensional object by
three-dimensional printing, the method may include the steps of
dispensing a first composition suitable for building a
three-dimensional object from a dispenser, the first composition
may include a curable component, having a functional group, wherein
if the functional group is a polymerizable reactive functional
group, then the functional group is a (meth)acrylic functional
group, a photo-initiator, a surface-active agent, and a stabilizer,
dispensing a second composition suitable for support in building a
three-dimensional object from a dispenser, the second composition
may include a non-curable component, a curable component, wherein
the non-curable component is not reactive with the curable
component, a surface-active agent and a stabilizer, combining the
first composition and the second composition in pre-determined
proportions to produce a multiplicity of construction layers for
forming the three-dimensional object, whereby the first composition
is cured resulting in a solid form, and whereby the second
composition is irradiated or cured resulting in a liquid, a solid
or a semi-solid form.
[0066] One embodiment of the present invention further provides a
three-dimensional object comprised of a multiplicity of
construction layers, wherein the construction layers are prepared
by combining pre-determined proportions of a first composition and
a second composition according to the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0067] The present invention will be understood and appreciated
more fully from the following detailed description taken in
conjunction with the appended drawings in which:
[0068] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a
three-dimensional printing system;
[0069] FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a three-dimensional object,
constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0070] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a
method for the preparation of three-dimensional object by
three-dimensional printing.
[0071] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0072] The present invention relates to compositions for use in the
manufacture of three-dimensional objects, and to compositions for
use as support and/or release material in the manufacture of
three-dimensional objects. The present invention further relates to
a method for the preparation of a three-dimensional object by
three-dimensional printing, using the above-mentioned compositions,
and to a three-dimensional object obtained by the method.
[0073] The composition for use in the manufacture of the
three-dimensional objects may include, inter alia, at least one
reactive component, at least one photo-initiator, at least one
surface-active agent and at least one stabilizer. The composition
may be formulated so as to be compatible for use with ink-jet
printers and to have a viscosity at room temperature above 50
cps.
[0074] The composition for use as a support and/or second interface
material in the manufacture of the three-dimensional objects may
include, inter alia, at least one non-reactive and low-toxicity
component, at least one surface-active agent and at least one
stabilizer. The composition may further contain at least one
reactive component and at least one photo-initiator. The
composition is formulated so as to be compatible for use with
ink-jet printers and to have a viscosity at room temperature above
50 cps.
[0075] The compositions will be described in further detail
below.
[0076] The three-dimensional object of the present invention may be
built using, for example, a three-dimensional printing system
similar to embodiments of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/412,618, assigned to the Assignees of the present application
and incorporated herein by reference, although other suitable
three-dimensional printers may be used. A three-dimensional
printing system is shown in FIG. 1, to which reference is now made.
FIG. 1 is an illustration of a three-dimensional printing system,
generally designated 10, which includes one or more printing heads,
referenced 12, and at least two dispensers generally referenced 14
and individually referenced 14a and 14b, containing interface
materials, generally referenced 16 and individually referenced 16a
and 16b, respectively. Other components, and other sets of
components, may be used.
[0077] Printing head 12 has a plurality of ink-jet type nozzles 18,
through which interface materials 16a and 16b are jetted. In one
embodiment of the present invention, first dispenser 14a is
connected to a first set of nozzles, referenced 18a, and second
dispenser 14b is connected to a second set of nozzles, referenced
18b. Thus first interface material 16a is jetted through nozzles
18a, and second interface material 16b is jetted through nozzles
18b. Alternatively, in another embodiment (not shown), the
three-dimensional printing system may include at least two printing
heads. The first printing head is connected to first dispenser 14a
and is used to jet first interface material 16a; and the second
printing head is connected to second dispenser 14b is used to jet
second interface material 16b.
[0078] The three-dimensional printing system 10 further includes a
controller 20, a Computer Aided Design (CAD) system 22, curing unit
24, and optionally a positioning apparatus 26. The controller 20 is
coupled to the CAD system 22, curing unit 24, positioning apparatus
26, printing head 12 and each of the dispensers 14. Control may be
effected by other units than shown, such as one or more separate
units.
[0079] The three-dimensional object being produced (28) is built in
layers, the depth of each layer typically being controllable by
selectively adjusting the output from each of the ink-jet nozzles
18.
[0080] By combining or mixing materials from each of the
dispensers, wherein each dispenser contains interface material
having a different hardness, it is possible to adjust and control
the hardness of the material forming the three-dimensional object
being produced. Thus, by combining the first and second interface
materials being output from each of the dispensers, respectively,
different parts of the three-dimensional object having a different
modulus of elasticity and a different strength may be produced.
[0081] As used hereinafter, the term "strength" is used as a
relative term to indicate the difference in modulus of elasticity
among interface materials. The strength of a material may be
described, for example, by reference to its modulus of elasticity,
which may be defined as: "the ratio of stress to its corresponding
strain under given conditions of load, for materials that deform
elastically, according to Hooke's law".
[0082] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
the first dispenser 14a contains a first interface material 16a,
referred to hereinafter as the "first interface material" or "first
composition", and the second dispenser 14b contains a second
interface material 16b, referred to hereinafter as the "second
interface material" or "second composition". The first interface
material has a different (harder) modulus of elasticity and a
greater strength than the second interface material. By combining
the first interface material and the second interface material,
different layers of the three-dimensional object having a different
modulus of elasticity and a different strength may be produced,
such as, for example, a model or "construction" layer (otherwise
known as a model construction), a support layer (otherwise known as
a support construction) and a release layer (otherwise known as a
release construction), as defined hereinbelow. In accordance with
embodiments of the present invention, each layer of materials
deposited by the apparatus during the printing process, may include
a combination of model constructions, support constructions and/or
release constructions, according to the requirements of the
three-dimensional object being printed. Thus, when referring herein
to construction layers, support layers and/or release layers, any
or all of these may be part or parts comprising a single whole
`layer` printed by the printing apparatus during the printing
process.
[0083] For example, combining the first interface material and the
second interface material forms a multiplicity of construction
layers, which are defined as the layers constituting the
three-dimensional object. Multiplicity, as used hereinafter, refers
to a number which is one or greater.
[0084] Further, combining the first interface material and the
second interface material may form a multiplicity of support
layers, which are defined as the layers supporting the
three-dimensional object, and not constituting the
three-dimensional object.
[0085] Further, combining the first interface material and the
second interface material may form a multiplicity of release
layers, which are defined as the layers (not constituting the
three-dimensional object) for separating the three-dimensional
object layer from layers such as the support layers. The release
layers typically have a lower modulus of elasticity and a lower
strength than the construction layers and the support layers.
[0086] In one embodiment of the present invention, the support
layers are designed substantially exactly as the construction
layers, and thus have substantially the same modulus of elasticity
and substantially the same strength as the construction layers. In
this way, the construction layers form a core, and the support
layers look like the negative printing of the core. The release
layers are positioned between the construction layers and the
support layers, and are used to separate the construction layers
from the support layers.
[0087] In one embodiment of the present invention, the support
layers have a lower modulus of elasticity and a lower strength than
the construction layers. The support layers may be separated from
the construction layers by taking advantage of their weaker
properties, as will be explained in detail below. Alternatively,
the support layers may be separated from the construction layers by
positioning release layers between the construction layers and the
support layers.
[0088] In order to more clearly define the present invention,
reference is now made to FIG. 2, which is a three-dimensional model
of a wineglass, generally referenced 30. This three-dimensional
model is printed using the inkjet type printing system of FIG. 1
combining the first interface material and the second interface
material to form a multiplicity of construction layers 32 which
make up wine glass 30.
[0089] The construction layers 32 of wineglass 30 need to be
supported externally, such as in the area referenced 34.
Furthermore, an internal void, referenced 36, needs to be formed
during printing. Thus a multiplicity of support layers 38, formed
by combining the first interface material and the second interface
material, are printed.
[0090] Furthermore, combination of the first interface material and
the second interface material forms a multiplicity of release
layers 40. In one embodiment of the present invention, release
layers 40 are positioned between construction layers 32 and support
layers 38. Generally, release layers 40 have a different (lower)
modulus of elasticity than support layers 38 and construction
layers 32. Thus release layers 40 may be used to separate support
layers 38 from construction layers 32.
[0091] The present invention, which will now be described in
detail, provides compositions suitable for use as the first
interface and as the second interface material.
[0092] The first interface material and second interface material
of the present invention are especially designed and formulated for
building a three-dimensional object using three-dimensional
printing. Accordingly, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention, the first interface material and the second
interface material each have a first viscosity at room temperature,
and a second viscosity compatible with ink-jet printers at a second
temperature, which may be the same or different, wherein the second
temperature is higher than room temperature, which is defined as
about 20-30.degree. C.
[0093] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first and
the second interface materials are designed to have increased
viscosity at room temperature, which is defined as about
20-30.degree. C. In another embodiment, the first and secdnd
interface material have a viscosity greater than 50 cps at room
temperature, In another embodiment, the viscosity may be between 80
and 300 cps. In another embodiment, the first and the second
interface material may have a viscosity of around 300 cps at room
temperature.
[0094] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first
interface material and the second interface material may have a
second viscosity compatible with ink-jet printing, at a second
temperature which may be higher than room temperature. In another
embodiment, a composition compatible with ink-jet printing may have
a low viscosity, for example, below 20 cps at the printing
temperature, in order to function properly in the printing process.
In another embodiment, the first interface material and the second
interface material, upon heating, have a viscosity preferably below
20 cps that may enable the construction of the three-dimensional
object under heat. In one embodiment of the present invention, the
temperature typically used to build the three-dimensional model of
the present invention is higher than 60.degree. C. In another
embodiment, the temperature may be about 85.degree. C. In one
embodiment of the present invention, the first and second interface
materials may have a viscosity of 8-15 cps at a temperature greater
than 60.degree. C. In another embodiment, the first and second
interface materials may have a viscosity of 11 cps at a temperature
of about 85.degree. C.
[0095] Having this viscosity, the first and second interface
material in one embodiment may be distinguished from prior art
formulations designed for ink-jet printing, which have low
viscosity at room temperature, the temperature at which the
printing is normally conducted. High viscosity at room temperature
is a desirable property for three-dimensional objects, a feature
that is lacking in the prior art formulations. Of course, other
embodiments may have other viscosities.
[0096] First Interface Material
[0097] The first interface material (typically, the model material)
is a composition suitable for building a three-dimensional object.
The composition may be formulated to give, after curing, a solid
material. In one embodiment, this invention describes a composition
that after curing results in a solid material, with mechanical
properties that permit the building and handling of that
three-dimensional object. In a another embodiment, this invention
provides a composition that upon curing results in a solid
elastomer like material, with mechanical properties that permit the
building and handling of the three-dimensional object
[0098] One embodiment of the present invention provides a first
interface material of the present invention may include, inter
alia, at least one reactive component, at least one
photo-initiator, at least one surface-active agent and at least one
stabilizer.
[0099] One embodiment of the present invention provides a
composition suitable for building a three-dimensional object, the
composition may include, inter alia, a curable component, having a
functional group, wherein if the functional group is a
polymerizable reactive functional group, then the functional group
is a (meth)acrylic functional group, a photo-initiator, a
surface-active agent and a stabilizer, wherein the composition has
a first viscosity of about 50-500 cps at a first temperature,
wherein the first temperature is ambient temperature, and a second
viscosity lower than 20 cps at a second temperature wherein the
second temperature is higher than the first temperature, wherein,
after curing, the composition results in a solid form.
[0100] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first
temperature is a room temperature. In another embodiment, the room
temperature is between 20-30.degree. C. In another embodiment, the
first temperature is ambient temperature. In another embodiment,
ambient temperature is between 10-40.degree. C. In another
embodiment, ambient temperature is between 15-35.degree. C. In
another embodiment, ambient temperature is between 20-30.degree.
C.
[0101] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second
temperature is higher than 40.degree. C. In another embodiment, the
second temperature is higher than 50.degree. C. In another
embodiment, the second temperature is higher than 60.degree. C. In
another embodiment, the second temperature is higher than
70.degree. C.
[0102] In one embodiment of the present invention, the curable
component is a reactive component, which is able to undergo
polymerization. In one embodiment of the present invention, the
curable component may be a (meth)acrylic monomer, a (meth)acrylic
oligomer, a (meth)acrylic crosslinker, or any combination
thereof.
[0103] In one embodiment of the present invention, the curable
component may be a combination of a mono-functional monomer and a
di-functional oligomer.
[0104] In one embodiment of the present invention, the
mono-functional monomer is a high Glass Transition Temperature
mono-functional monomer. In another embodiment, the di-functional
oligomer is a low Glass Transition Temperature di-functional
oligomer. The term Glass transition temperature (Tg) is defined as
the temperature at which a polymer changes from hard and brittle to
soft and pliable material.
[0105] In one embodiment of the present invention, the Glass
Transition Temperature of the mono-functional monomer may be higher
than 60.degree. C. In another embodiment, the Glass Transition
Temperature of the mono-functional monomer may be higher than
70.degree. C. In another embodiment, the Glass Transition
Temperature of the mono-functional monomer may be in the range of
70-110.degree. C.
[0106] In one embodiment of the present invention, the Glass
Transition Temperature of the di-functional oligomer may be lower
than 40.degree. C. In another embodiment, the Glass Transition
Temperature of the di-fuctional oligomer may be lower than
30.degree. C. In another embodiment, the Glass Transition
Temperature of the di-fuctional oligomer may be in the range of
20-30.degree. C.
[0107] One embodiment of the present invention provides a
composition wherein the Glass Transition Temperature of the
mono-functional monomer is higher than 70.degree. C. and wherein
the Glass Transition Temperature of the di-functional oligomer is
lower than 40.degree. C.
[0108] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition
may include at least 20% of the high Glass Transition Temperature
mono-functional monomer. In another embodiment, the composition may
include at least 30% of the high Glass Transition Temperature
mono-functional monomer. In another embodiment, the composition may
include at least 40% of the high Glass Transition Temperature
mono-functional monomer. In another embodiment, the composition may
include between 20-40% of the high Glass Transition Temperature
mono-functional monomer. In another embodiment, the composition may
include between 30-60% of the high Glass Transition Temperature
mono-functional monomer.
[0109] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition
may include about 20% of the low Glass Transition Temperature
di-functional oligomers. In another embodiment, the composition may
include about 40% of the low Glass Transition Temperature
di-functional oligomers. In another embodiment, the composition may
include between 20-40% of the low Glass Transition Temperature
di-functional oligomers. In another embodiment, the composition may
include at least 20% of the low Glass Transition Temperature
di-functional oligomer. In another embodiment, the composition may
include not more than 40% of the low Glass Transition Temperature
di-functional oligomer.
[0110] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition
may include at least 40% of the high Glass Transition Temperature
mono-functional monomers and at least 20% of the low Glass
Transition Temperature di-functional oligomer.
[0111] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition
may include at least 20% of the high Glass Transition Temperature
mono-functional monomers and not more an 40% of the low Glass
Transition Temperature di-functional oligomer.
[0112] An acrylic monomer is a functional acrylated molecule which
may be, for example, esters of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid.
Momoners may be mono-functional or multi-functional (for example,
di-, tri-, tetra-functional, and others). An example of an acrylic
mono-functional monomer for the present invention is phenoxyethyl
acrylate, marketed by Sartomer under the trade name SR-339. An
example of an acrylic di-functional monomer is propoxylated (2)
neopentyl glycol diacrylate, marketed by Sartomer under the trade
name SR-9003.
[0113] An acrylic oligomer is a functional acrylated molecule which
may be, for example, polyesters of acrylic acid and methacrylic
acid. Other examples of acrylic oligomers are the classes of
urethane acrylates and urethane methacrylates. Urethane-acrylates
are manufactured from aliphatic or aromatic or cycloaliphatic
diisocyanates or polyisocyanates and hydroxyl-containing acrylic
acid esters. An example is a urethane-acrylate oligomer marketed by
Cognis under the trade name Photomer-6010.
[0114] An acrylic crosslinker is a molecule which may provide
enhanced crosslinking density. Examples of such resins are
Ditrimethylolpropane Tetra-acrylate (DiTMPTTA), Pentaerythitol
Tetra-acrylate (TETTA), Dipentaerythitol Penta-acrylate (DiPEP). In
one embodiment of the present invention, the composition may
further includes, inter alia, a curable component, which is a
molecule having one or more epoxy substituents, a molecule having
one or more vinyl ether substituents, vinylcaprolactam,
vinylpyrolidone, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment of
the present invention, the composition may further includes, inter
alia, vinylcaprolactam. Other curable components may also be
used.
[0115] The first interface material may also include a curable
component which is, for example, a molecule having one or more
vinyl ether substituents. In one embodiment of the present
invention, the concentration of component that includes a molecule
having one or more vinyl ether substituents is in the range of
10-30%. In another embodiment, the concentration is 15-20%. In
another embodiment, the concentration is 15%. Of course, other
concentrations, and other ranges, can be used. Conventional vinyl
ether monomers and oligomers which have at least vinyl ether group
are suitable. Examples of vinyl ethers are ethyl vinyl ether,
propyl vinyl ether, isobutyl vinyl ether, cyclohexyl vinyl ether,
2-ethylhexyl vinyl ether, butyl vinyl ether, ethyleneglocol
monovinyl ether, diethyleneglycol divinyl ether, butane diol
divinyl ether, hexane diol divinyl ether, cyclohexane dimethanol
monovinyl ether and the like. An example of a vinyl ether for the
present invention is 1,4 cyclohexane dimethanol divinyl ether,
marketed by ISP under the trade name CHVE.
[0116] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first
interface material may also include a curable component which is a
molecule having one or more epoxy substituents. In one embodiment
of the present invention, conventional epoxy monomers and oligomers
which have at least one oxirane moiety may be used. Non-limiting
examples of suitable epoxy containing molecules are displayed in
Table 1 below (note other suppliers may be used for suitable
materials):
1TABLE 1 Examples of epoxv-containing curable component Trade Name
Type of Material Supplier ERL-4299 or Bis-(3,4 cyclohexylmethyl)
Union Carbide UVR-6128 adipate UVR-6105 and 3,4-epoxy
cyclohexylmethyl-3, Union Carbide UVR-6110 4-epoxycyclohexyl
carboxylate D.E.R 732 Aliphatic epoxy, Polyglycol Dow chemicals
diglycidyl ether Vinylcyclohexene 1,2 epoxy-4-vinylcyclohexane
Union Carbide Monoxide D.E.N. 431 Epoxy novolac resin Dow corning
UVR-6216 1,2-epoxy hexadecane Union Carbide UVI-6100 Cycloaliphatic
epoxide diluent Union Carbide Vikoflex 7170 Fullyl epoxidized soy
bean oil Elf Atochem, INC. ERL-4221D 3,4-epoxy cyclohexylmethyl
Union Carbide 3,4-epoxy cyclohexane carboxylate
[0117] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first
interface material may include any combination of an acrylic
component as defined hereinabove, a molecule having one or more
epoxy substituents as defined hereinabove, a molecule having one or
more vinyl ether substituents as defined hereinabove,
vinylcaprolactam and vinylpyrolidone.
[0118] In one embodiment of the present invention, the curable
component of the first interface material includes, inter alia, an
acrylic monomer, an acrylic oligomer, an acrylic crosslinker and
vinylcaprolactam. In another embodiment, the curable component
includes an acrylic component as defined hereinabove and a molecule
having one or more epoxy substituents as defined hereinabove. In
another embodiment, the curable component of the first interface
material includes an acrylic component as defined hereinabove and a
molecule having one or more vinyl ether substituents as defined
hereinabove. In another embodiment, the curable component in the
first interface material includes a molecule having one or more
vinyl ether substituents as defined hereinabove, and a molecule
having one or more epoxy substituents as defined hereinabove.
[0119] The photo-initiator of the first interface material and of
the second interface material may be the same or different, and is
a free radical photo-initiator, a cationic photo-initiator, or any
combination thereof.
[0120] The free radical photo-initiator may be any compound that
produces a free radical on exposure to radiation such as
ultraviolet or visible radiation and thereby initiates a
polymerization reaction. Non-limiting xamples of some suitable
photo-initiators include benzophenones (aromatic ketones) such as
benzophenone, methyl benzophenone, Michler's ketone and xanthones;
acylphosphine oxide type photo-initiators such as
2,4,6-trimethylbenzolydiphenyl phosphine oxide (TMPO),
2,4,6-trimethylbenzoylethoxyphenyl phosphine oxide (TEPO), and
bisacylphosphine oxides (BAPO's); benzoins and bezoin alkyl ethers
such as benzoin, benzoin methyl ether and benzoin isopropyl ether
and the like. Examples of photo-initiators are alpha-amino ketone,
marketed by Ciba Specialties Chemicals Inc. (Ciba) under the trade
name Irgacure 907, and bisacylphosphine oxide (BAPO's), marketed by
Ciba under the trade name I-819.
[0121] The free-radical photo-initiator may be used alone or in
combination with a co-initiator. Co-initiators are used with
initiators that need a second molecule to produce a radical that is
active in the UV-systems. Benzophenone is an example of a
photoinitiator that requires a second molecule, such as an amine,
to produce a curable radical. After absorbing radiation,
benzophenone reacts with a ternary amine by hydrogen abstraction,
to generate an alpha-amino radical which initiates polymerization
of acrylates. Non-limiting example of a class of co-initiators are
alkanolamines such as triethylamine, methyldiethanolamine and
triethanolamine.
[0122] Suitable cationic photo-initiators for the present invention
include compounds which form aprotic acids or Bronstead acids upon
exposure to ultraviolet and/or visible light sufficient to initiate
polymerization. The photo-initiator used may be a single compound,
a mixture of two or more active compounds, or a combination of two
or more different compounds, i.e. co-initiators. Non-limiting
examples of suitable cationic photo-initiators are aryldiazonium
salts, diaryliodonium salts, triarylsulphonium salts,
triarylselenonium salts and the like. In one embodiment, a cationic
photo-initiator for the present invention may be a mixture of
triarylsolfonium hexafluoroantimonate salts marketed by Union
Carbide as UVI-6974.
[0123] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition
suitable for building a three-dimensional object, may further
include a curable compound, which is a sulfur-containing component.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the sulfur containing
component is beta mercaptopropionate, mercaptoacetate, alkane
thiols or any combination thereof. The addition of
sulfur-containing components may significantly enhances the
composition reactivity. At levels of about 5% of sulfur-containing
component a significant reactivity enhancement is achieved. The
mechanical properties of the composition may be determined
depending on the sulfur-containing component used. The reactivity
enhancement achieved by the use of sulfur-containing component,
enables the incorporation in the polymerization reaction of non
sulfur-containing components, which would not easily polymerize
otherwise. Molecules having unsaturated double bonds, for example,
low molecular weight polybuthadiene, is polymerized in the claimed
compositions when it contains an appropriate sulfur-containing
component. For example, a basic composition will contain 15% low
molecular weight unsaturated molecule, 5% sulfur-containing
component, 15% mono-functional monomer, 15% di-functional monomer
and the rest other curable components according to the intended
photopolymer properties. An example of a sulfur-containing
component for the present invention is trimethylolpropane
tri(3-mercaptopropionate), manufactured by BRUNO BOCK Chemische
Fabrik GMBH & CO. Other suitable substances may be used.
[0124] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition
suitable for building a three-dimensional object, further includes,
inter alia, a low molecular weight polymer. An example of a low
molecular weight polymer for the present invention is
Styrene-Butadiene-Methacrylat- e block copolymers (KRATON D),
manufactured by Dow Corning. Other suitable substances may be
used.
[0125] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition
suitable for building a three-dimensional object, further includes,
inter alia, a filler.
[0126] The term filler is defined as an inert material added to a
polymer, a polymer composition or other material to modify their
properties and/or to adjust quality of the end products. The filler
may be an inorganic particle, for example calcium carbonate, silica
and clay. Of course other filler substances may be used.
[0127] Fillers may be introduced in to polymer compositions in
order to reduce shrinkage during polymerization or during cooling,
for example to reduce the coefficient of thermal expansion,
increase strength, increase thermal stability reduce cost and/or
adopt Theological properties. The use of standard fillers has also
some drawbacks such as reduction of elasticity and an increase in
viscosity. Additionally, large diameter fillers (>5 micron) are
not appropriate for ink-jet applications.
[0128] Nano-particles fillers are especially useful in applications
requiring low viscosity such as ink-jet applications. Compositions
containing as much as 30% nano-particle fillers are feasible,
whereas the same concentration of more standard and higher diameter
fillers (18 >1 micron) produce at such concentration viscosities
which are too high for ink-jet applications. In one embodiment of
the present invention, the nano-particle filler containing
composition is clear. The composition is clear (e.g. transparent)
since it contains no visual fillers. In contrast, compositions
containing more standard and higher diameter visible fillers
(.about.>1 micron), are not clear.
[0129] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition
optionally may contain pigments. In another embodiment, the pigment
concentration may be lower than 35%. In another embodiment, the
pigment concentration may be lower than 15%.
[0130] In one embodiment of the present invention, the filler may
include particles such as particles having an average diameter of
less than 100 nm. In another embodiment, the filler may include
particles having a diameter in the range of 10-100 nm. In another
embodiment, the filler may include particles having a diameter in
the range of 20-80 nm. In another embodiment, the filler may
include particles having a diameter in the range of 10-50 nm. In
another embodiment, the filler may include particles having a
diameter smaller than 10 nm. Examples of fillers that may be used
in the composition are HIGHLINK OG (particle size spanning between
9 nm to 50 nm), manufactured by Clariant, and NANOCRYL (particle
size below 50 nm), manufactured by Hanse Chemie. Other suitable
substances may be used.
[0131] It was discovered that phase separation may be induced
during the radiation curing process of the present method. In one
embodiment of the present invention, the phase separation may
produce a clear material, which may have improved
impact-resistance. This composition, upon bending develops
micro-cracks, before breaking. These micro-cracks can easily be
distinguished due to the whitening of the stress area or stress
line. In another embodiment, the phase separation results in a
non-clear cured material. It was discovered that certain
combinations of UV curable components induce phase separation
during curing. Such compositions are clear before curing and may be
clear, hazy or opaque after curing. Such compositions have an
improved impact strength and higher elongation, when compared to
similar compositions, which do not show such phase separation. For
example, it was discovered that the addition of some silicon
containing oligomers, at levels as low as 5%, to the above
described composition, may already create a substance which induces
such phase separation. An example of a silicon acrylated molecule
is Ebecryl 350, manufactured by UCB Chemicals. Of course other
substances may be used.
[0132] One embodiment of the present invention provides a
composition further includes a phase separation inducing component.
In another embodiment, the phase separation inducing component is a
silicon oligomer. In another embodiment, the concentration of the
silicon oligomer is at least 5%.
[0133] In one embodiment of the present invention, phase separation
may be induced during curing, resulting in a non-clear cured
material. Certain combinations of UV curable composition suffer a
phase separation process during curing. Such compositions are clear
before curing and hazy to white after curing. Such compositions
have an improved impact strength and higher elongation, when
compared to similar compositions, which do not suffer from such
phase separation. For example, the addition of some silicon
containing oligomers, at levels as low as 5%, to the above
described composition, may create a substance which suffers from
such face separation.
[0134] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first
viscosity is about 80-500 cps. In another embodiment, the first
viscosity is about 300 cps. Of course, compositions having other
viscosities may be used.
[0135] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second
viscosity is lower than 20 cps and wherein the second temperature
is higher than 60.degree. C. In another embodiment, the second
viscosity is between 10 and 17 cps and wherein the second
temperature is higher than 60.degree. C. In another embodiment, the
second viscosity is between 10 and 17 cps and wherein the second
temperature is about 70-110.degree. C. In another embodiment, the
second viscosity is between 12 and 15 cps and wherein the second
temperature is about 70-90.degree. C. Of course, compositions
having other viscosities may be used.
[0136] Other components of the first interface material and the
second interface material of the present invention are
surface-active agents and inhibitors (typically, thermal
stabilizers). A surface-active agent may be used to reduce the
surface tension of the formulation to the value required for
jetting or for printing process, which is typically around 30
dyne/cm. An example of a surface-active agent for the present
invention is silicone surface additive, marketed by Byk Chemie
under the trade name Byk 307. Inhibitors may be employed in the
formulations of the first interface material and the second
interface material to permit the use of the formulation at high
temperature, for example around 85.degree. C., without causing
thermal polymerization.
[0137] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition
may further include, inter alia, at least one pigment and at least
one dispersant. In one embodiment of the present invention, the
pigment may be a white pigment. In another embodiment, the pigment
may be an organic pigment. In another embodiment, the pigment may
be an inorganic pigment. In another embodiment, the pigment may be
a metal pigment or a combination thereof. In one embodiment of the
present invention, the composition may further include, inter alia,
a dye. An example of a white pigment for the present invention is
organic treated titanium dioxide, marketed by Kemira Pigments under
the trade name UV TITIAN M160 VEG. An example of an organic pigment
for the present invention is an organic pigment marketed by
Elementis Specialities under the trade name Tint Aid PC 9703.
Examples of dispersants for the present invention are dispersants
including a copolymer with acidic groups marketed by Byk Chemie
under the trade name Disperbyk 110, and a dispersant including a
high molecular weight block copolymer with pigment affinic groups,
marketed by Byk Chemie under the trade name Disperbyk 163.
Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention,
combinations of white pigments and dyes are used to prepare colored
resins. In such combinations, the white pigment may have at least a
double task: 1) to impart opacity; and 2) to shield the dye from UV
radiation, to prevent bleaching of the resin. Thus, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention, the first interface
material further includes a dye. The dye may be chosen so as not to
interfere with the curing efficiency of the formulation of the
first interface material. The dye may be any of a broad class of
solvent soluble dyes. Some non-limiting examples are azo dyes which
are yellow, orange, brown and red; anthraquinone and triarylmethane
dyes which are green and blue; and azine dye which is black. An
example of a dye for the present invention is Solvent Red 127,
marketed by Spectra Colors Corp. under the trade name Spectrasol
RED BLG.
[0138] The relative proportions of the different components of the
first interface material may vary. In one embodiment of the present
invention, the first interface material includes the following
components: 50% acrylic oligomer(s), 30% acrylic monomer(s), 15%
acrylic crosslinker, 2% photoinitiator, surface active agent,
pigments, and stabilizers. Of course, other compositions may be
used.
[0139] Non-limiting examples of formulations of the first interface
material are provided hereinbelow in Tables 2-4, to which reference
is now made. Tables 2 and 3 illustrate examples of possible
formulations of the first interface material. Table 4 illustrates
examples of colored formulations, which include pigments,
dispersants and dyes, as defined hereinabove. To any of the
examples in Tables 2 and 3 may be added the combination of the
colorants of Table 4. The individual substances, suppliers,
combinations, etc., are given by way of example only.
2TABLE 2 Examples of Characteristic Formulation Components of First
Interface Material Function in the # Trade Name Chemical Type
Formulation Supplier A Photomer- Urethane Acrylate Oligomer Cognis
6010 Oligomer B SR-339 Phenoxy ethyl Acrylate monomer Sartomer C
SR-351 Trimethylol Cross-linker Sartomer propane triacrylate D
Irgacure alpha-Amino Ketone Free radical Ciba 907 photo-initiator
Specialties Chemical Inc. E BP Benzophenone Free radical Satomer
photo-initiator F Triethanol Ternary Amine Free radical Sigma Amine
Coinitiator G Byk 307 Silicone Surface Additive Surface agent Byk
Chemie H MEHQ 4-Methoxy phenol Inhibitor Sigma I Cyracure 3,4
Epoxycyclohexylmethyl- Epoxy Union UVR-6110 3,4- oligomer Carbide
epoxycyclohexylcarboxylate J UVI-6974 Mixed Triarylsufonium
Cationic Union Hexafluoroantimonate Salts photo-initiator Carbide K
CHVE 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol Vinyl Ether ISP divinyl ether
Monomer L UV TITAN Organic Treated Titanium White pigment KEMIRA
M160 VEG Dioxide PIGMENTS M Disperbyk Copolimer with acidic groups
Pigment Byk Chemie 110 Dispersant N Spectrasol Solvent Red 127 Dye
Spectra RED BLG Colors Corp. O Tint Aid Organic pigment Organic
Elementis PC 9703 pigment Specialties P Disperbyk High molecular
weight block Pigment Byk Chemie 163 copolymer with pigment affinic
Dispersant groups Q V-Cap Vinylcaprolactam Monomer ISP R V-Pyrol
Vinylpyrolidone Monomer ISP S Silicon Ebecryl 350 Phase UCB
acrylated separation Chemicals oligomer promoter T Trimethylol
Sulfur-containing compound Crosslinker BRUNO propane BOCK tri(3-
Chemische mercapto- Fabrik propionate) HMBH & Co.
[0140]
3TABLE 3 Examples of Possible Formulation Compositions of First
Interface Material Example A B C D E F G H I J K Q R S T 1 X X X X
X X 2 X X X X X 3 X X X X X 4 X X X X X 5 X X X X X X X 6 X X X X X
X 7 X X X X X X 8 X X X X X X 9 X X X X X X 10 X X X X X X X 11 X X
X X X 12 X X X X X X X 13 X X X X X X X X X X X 14 X X X X X X X 15
X X X X X X X 16 X X X X X X X 17 X X X X X X X
[0141]
4TABLE 4 Examples of colored formulations of first interface
material Example L M N 0 P 16 X X 17 X X X 18 X X X X 19 X X 20 X X
X
[0142] In one embodiment of the present invention, the formulation
of the first interface material is presented in entry No. 14 of
Table No. 3. According one embodiment of the present invention, the
first interface material includes:
[0143] an acrylic oligomer, which may be any acrylic oligomer as
defined hereinabove, and which may be an urethane acrylate
oligomer;
[0144] an acrylic monomer, which may be any acrylic monomer as
defined hereinabove, and which may be phenoxy ethyl acrylate;
[0145] an acrylic crosslinker, which may be any acrylic crosslinker
as defined hereinabove, and which may be trimethylol propane
triacrylate;
[0146] a radical photo-initiator, which may be any radical
photo-initiator as defined hereinabove, and which may be
alpha-amino ketone;
[0147] a surface agent, which may be a silicone surface
additive;
[0148] an inhibitor, which may be 4-methoxyphenol; and
[0149] vinylcaprolactam.
[0150] Second Interface Material
[0151] The second interface material (in one embodiment, the
support material) is a composition typically formulated to support
the building of a three-dimensional object. In one embodiment of
the present invention, the second interface material is formulated
to form a release layer to permit a manual easy separation or
cleaning of the three-dimensional object from its support.
[0152] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second
interface material may be one of two different principle kinds: 1)
a liquid material lacking any curable groups that remains liquid
even after irradiation. In one embodiment, the liquid is water
miscible and is easily washed out by water, or with other material.
In another embodiment the liquid is non water-miscible and is
easily washed out by water or by a water detergent solution and 2)
a solid or semi-solid material that is formulated as a weak curable
material. The solid or semi-solid material, when cured, may be
capable of swelling in water or in alkaline or acidic water or
water detergent solution. Thus, when cured, the second interface
material may swell and almost break upon exposure to water, or in
alkaline or acidic water or water detergent solution, with minimum
manual work required. In both cases the second interface material
is formulated so as to permit fast, easy and efficient removal of
the second interface material and cleaning of the three-dimensional
model from its support.
[0153] In one embodiment, the second interface material of the
present invention may include, inter alia, at least one
non-reactive and low toxicity compound, at least one surface-active
agent and at least one stabilizer.
[0154] One embodiment of the present invention provides a
composition suitable for support in building a three-dimensional
object, the composition may include, inter alia, a non-curable
component, a curable component, wherein the non-curable component
is not reactive with the curable component, a surface-active agent,
and a stabilizer, wherein the composition has a first viscosity of
about 20-500 cps at a first temperature, wherein the first
temperature is ambient temperature, and a second viscosity lower
than 20 cps at a second temperature wherein the second temperature
is higher than the first temperature, wherein, after irradiation,
the composition results in a semi solid material. Of course,
compositions having other viscosities may be used.
[0155] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition
suitable for support in building a three-dimensional object, after
irradiation, may result in a semi-solid material. In another
embodiment, the semi-solid material may be gel-type material. In
another embodiment, the composition may result in a liquid
material. In another embodiment, the composition results in a solid
material that is formulated as a weak curable material. In another
embodiment, upon irradiation, the composition results in a material
that is capable of swelling in water or in alkaline or acidic
water. Thus, when irradiated, the second interface material swells
and almost breaks upon exposure to water, with minimum manual work
required.
[0156] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second
interface material is formulated so as to permit fast, easy and
efficient removal of the second interface material and cleaning of
the three-dimensional model from its support.
[0157] In one embodiment of the second invention, the curable
component is a reactive component. In another embodiment of the
present invention, the reactive component can undergo
polymerization. According to one embodiment, the second interface
material is formulated as a curable composition that is capable of
solidifying upon curing. In one embodiment of the second invention,
the curable components may be similar to those used in the first
interface material, but chosen specifically to give a hydrophillic
cured resin, with weak mechanical properties. Thus, upon curing, a
solid composition is formed that is weak and can be easily
pulverized for example by hand or using water.
[0158] In one embodiment of the present invention, the curable
component may be a (meth)acrylic component. In another embodiment,
the (meth)acrylic component may be a (meth)acrylic monomer. In
another embodiment, the (meth)acrylic component may be a
(meth)acrylic oligomer. In another embodiment, the (meth)acrylic
component may be a (meth)acrylic crsosslinker. In another
embodiment, the (meth)acrylic component may be any combination of a
(meth)acrylic monomer, a (meth)acrylic oligomer and a (meth)acrylic
crsosslinker.
[0159] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition
may further include, inter alia, at least one photo-initiator. In
one embodiment of the present invention, the photo-initiator may a
free radical photo-initiator, a cationic photo-initiator, or any
combination thereof. The photo-initiator may be any
photo-initiator, as defined above.
[0160] One embodiment of the present invention provides a
composition suitable for support in building a three-dimensional
object, the composition may include, inter alia, a non-curable
component, a curable (meth)acrylie component, wherein the
non-curable component is not reactive with the curable component, a
surface-active agent, a free radical photo-initiator and a
stabilizer, wherein the composition has a first viscosity of about
20-500 cps at a first temperature, wherein the first temperature is
ambient temperature, and a second viscosity lower than 20 cps at a
second temperature wherein the second temperature is higher than
the first temperature, wherein, after irradiation, the composition
results in a solid, a semi-solid or a liquid material.
[0161] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition
may further include, inter alia, water. In one embodiment of the
present invention, the composition further includes a water
miscible component that is, after irradiation or curing, capable of
dissolving or swelling upon exposure to water, to an alkaline or
acidic water solution or to water detergent solution. In another
embodiment, the water miscible component is a (meth)acrylated
urethane oligomer derivative of polyethylene glycol, a partially
(meth)acrylated polyol oligomer, a (meth)acrylated oligomer having
hydrophillic substituents, polyethylene glycol mono or di
(meth)acrylated, acrylamide, Acryloylmorpholine (ACMO) or any
combination thereof. In another embodiment, the hydrophilic
substituents are acidic substituents, amino substituents, hydroxy
substituents, ionic substituents or any combination thereof.
[0162] Non-limiting examples of acrylic components for use in the
second interface material of the present invention are polyethylene
glycol monoacrylate, marketed by Laporte under the trade name
Bisomer PEA6, polyethylene glycol diacrylate, marketed by Sartomer
under the trade name SR-610, methoxypolyethyleneglycole 550
monomethacrylate, and the like.
[0163] In one embodiment of the present invention, the curable
component of the second interface material may be a water miscible
component that is, after curing, capable of swelling upon exposure
to water or to an alkaline or acidic water solution. Non-limiting
examples of water miscible components for the present invention are
an acrylated urethane oligomer derivative of polyethylene
glycol-polyethylene glycol urethane diacrylate, a partially
acrylated polyol oligomer, an acrylated oligomer having
hydrophillic substituents, or any combination thereof. The
hydrophilic substituents are acidic substituents, amino
substituents, hydroxy substituents, or any combination thereof. An
example of an acrylated monomer with hydrophillic substituents is
betha-carboxyethyl acrylate, which contains acidic
substituents.
[0164] In one embodiment of the present invention, the curable
component of the second interface material may also be a molecule
having one or more vinyl ether substituents, which may be any of
the compounds as defined hereinabove. In one embodiment of the
present invention, the concentration of component that includes a
molecule having one or more vinyl ether substituents is in the
range of 10-30%. In another embodiment, the concentration is
15-20%. In another embodiment, the concentration is 15%. Other
concentrations may also be used. An example of vinyl ether for the
second interface material is 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol divinyl
ether, marketed by ISP under the trade name CHVE. Other molecules
having one or more vinyl ether substituents may be used.
[0165] In one embodiment of the present invention, the curable
component of the second interface material is an acrylic oligomer.
In another embodiment, the curable component of the second
interface material is a combination of an acrylic component as
defined hereinabove and a water miscible component as defined
hereinabove. In another embodiment, the curable component of the
present invention is a combination of an acrylic component as
defined hereinabove and a molecule having one or more vinyl ether
substituents, as defined hereinabove. In another embodiment, the
curable component of the present invention is a combination of a
water miscible component as defined hereinabove, and a molecule
having one or more vinyl ether substituents, as defined
hereinabove. Other combinations may also be used.
[0166] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition
further includes, inter alia, a sulfur-containing component. In
another embodiment, the sulfur containing component is beta
mercaptopropionate, mercaptoacetate, alkane thiols or any
combination thereof. The sulfur-containing component may be any
sulfur-containing component, as defined above.
[0167] In one embodiment of the present invention, the non-curable
component of the second interface material is a non-curable
component. In another embodiment the non-curable component is
non-polymerizing component. In another embodiment, the non-curable
component is a low toxicity compound. In another embodiment, the
non-curable component is a water miscible one. In another
embodiment, the non-curable component is a non-water miscible one.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the non-curable
component is chosen to enhance the water-swelling rate, and to
reduce the mechanical strength of the second interface material.
High water diffusion rate is desirable in order to minimize the
time needed for the water cleaning process of the three-dimensional
model. Non-limiting examples of non-curable components for the
present invention are polyethylene glycol marketed by Aldrich under
the trade name PEG 400, methoxypolyethylene glycol marketed by
Aldrich under the trade name methoxycarbowax 500 and 1000,
propylene glycol and paraffin oil. Other examples are ethoxylated
polyols and glycerol.
[0168] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second
interface material is formulated as a liquid. The liquid
formulation is a non-curable composition that remains liquid even
after radiation exposure. Thus, the liquid formulation includes
non-reactive components and does not include reactive components
that are capable upon solidifying upon curing. In one embodiment of
the present invention, the material may be water miscible, and may
easily be washed out with water.
[0169] In one embodiment of the present invention, the non-curable
component is polyethylene glycol, methoxypolyethylene glycol,
glycerol, ethoxylated polyol, propylene glycol or any combination
thereof. In another embodiment, the non-curable component is a
non-water miscible compound. In another embodiment, the non-water
miscible compound is paraffin oil. Other non-curable substances may
be used.
[0170] One embodiment of the present invention further provides a
composition suitable for support in building a three-dimensional
object, the composition may include, inter alia, at least one
non-curable component, at least one curable component including,
inter alia, a molecule having one or more epoxy substituents,
wherein the non-curable component is not reactive with the curable
component, at least one surface-active agent, at least one cationic
photo-initiator and at least one stabilizer, wherein the
composition has a first viscosity of about 20-500 cps at a first
temperature, wherein the first temperature is ambient temperature,
and a second viscosity lower than 20 cps at a second temperature
wherein the second temperature is higher than the first
temperature, wherein, after irradiation, the composition results in
a semi solid material.
[0171] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first
temperature is a room temperature. In another embodiment, the room
temperature is between 20-30.degree. C. In another embodiment, the
first temperature is ambient temperature in another embodiment,
ambient temperature is between 10-40.degree. C. In another
embodiment, ambient temperature is between 15-35.degree. C. In
another embodiment, ambient temperature is between 20-30.degree.
C.
[0172] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second
temperature is higher than 40.degree. C. In another embodiment, the
second temperature is higher than 50.degree. C. In another
embodiment, the second temperature is higher than 60.degree. C. In
another embodiment, the second temperature is higher than
70.degree. C.
[0173] Besides swelling, another characteristic of the support upon
exposure to water or to an alkaline or acidic water or water
detergent solution may be the ability to break down during exposure
to water or to an alkaline or acidic water solution. In one
embodiment of the present invention, because the second interface
material is made of hydrophillic components, during the swelling
process, internal forces appear and cause fractures and breakdown
of the cured second interface material.
[0174] In addition, the second interface material may be at least
partially water-soluble. At least part of the second interface
material is may be completely water soluble/miscible. During the
removal of the support and/or release layers, the water
soluble/miscible components are extracted out with water.
[0175] In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, the
second interface material liberates bubbles upon exposure to water
or to an alkaline water or acidic water solution. The bubbles are
intended to help in the process of removal of the support and/or
release layers from the construction layers.
[0176] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bubbles may
be liberated by a bubble releasing substance (BRS) that is present
in the water solution that is used to clean out the
three-dimensional object. Such a substance may be a carbonate or
bicarbonate, for example sodium bicarbonate (SBC). During the
swelling process, at least part of the SBC is introduced or
absorbed into the second interface material, where it is
transformed into carbon dioxide gas (CO.sub.2) and a water-soluble
salt. The trigger for the production of CO.sub.2 may be the
reaction of the SBC with an acid functionality present in the
second interface material. Such acid functionality may be
introduced as part of the second interface material formulation or
introduced later, after curing, using an acid water solution. For
example, the first step may be to put the three-dimensional object
with its support in a water solution containing a SBC, then to
place the same object in an acidic solution. The acid will start to
decompose the SBC and produces gas (bubbles).
[0177] In another embodiment, the substance that liberates gas is
already present in the formulation of the second interface
material. For example, the second interface material may contain
calcium carbonate as a solid filler. In that case, the trigger is
the introduction of the second interface material in a water or
acidic solution.
[0178] It should be clear that a BRS is not limited to a sodium
bicarbonate or calcium carbonate and an acidic water solution.
Other chemical reagents and reactions may be used to achieve the
same result--the production of bubbles inside the matrix of the
second interface material. For example, the SBC may be any alkaline
metal or alkaline earth metal carbonate or bicarbonate.
[0179] In one embodiment of the present invention, the non-curable
component is a non-water miscible compound. In another embodiment,
the non-water miscible compound is paraffin oil.
[0180] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition
further includes, inter alia, a filler. In another embodiment, the
filler includes particles having a diameter of less than 1
micron.
[0181] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition
further includes a low molecular weight polymer.
[0182] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first
viscosity composition suitable for support in building a
three-dimensional object is about 30-200 cps.
[0183] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second
viscosity of the composition suitable for support in building a
three-dimensional object is lower than 20 cps. In another
embodiment, the second viscosity is between 10 and 17 cps. In
another embodiment, the second viscosity is between 12 and 16
cps.
[0184] Having these viscosities, the first and second interface
material may be distinguished from certain prior art formulations
designed for ink-jet printing, which may have low viscosity at room
temperature, the temperature at which the printing is typically
conducted. High viscosity at room temperature may be a desirable
property for three-dimensional objects, a feature that may be
lacking in the prior art formulations.
[0185] In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition
further includes, inter alia, a component able to produce gas upon
exposure to water or to an alkaline or acidic water solution. In
another embodiment, the component is sodium bicarbonate, calcium
bicarbonate or a combination thereof. Other suitable substances may
be used.
[0186] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second
interface composition further includes, inter alia, a pigment, a
dye or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the pigment is
a white pigment, an organic pigment, an inorganic pigment, a metal
pigment or a combination thereof.
[0187] Examples of formulations of the second interface material
are provided hereinbelow in Table 5 and Table 6, to which reference
is now made. Tables 5 and 6 display various formulations that are
suitable for use as the second interface material. The individual
substances, suppliers, combinations, etc., are given by way of
example only.
5TABLE 5 Examples of Characteristic Formulation Components of
Second Interface Material Function in the # Trade Name Chemical
formulation Supplier A SR-610 Polyethylene Glycole Oligomer
Sartomer (600) Diacrylate B Bisomer Polyethylene Glycole Water
swelling/ Laport PEA6 monoacrylate sensitive Oligomer C PEG 400
Polyethylene Glycole Polymer Aldrich 400 (hydrophilic and
plasticizer) D Irgacure alpha-Amino Ketone Free radical Ciba 907
photo-initiator Specialties Type I Chemical Inc. E BP Benzophenone
Free radical Satomer photo-initiator Type II F Triethanol Ternary
Amine Free radical Aldrich Amine Coinitiator for Type II photo-
initiator G Byk 307 Silicone Surface Surface agent Byk Chemie
Additive H MEHQ 4-Methoxy phenol Inhibitor Sigma (thermal
stabilizer) I PEG UA Polyethylene glycol Water swelling/ Home made
urethane diacrylate sensitive oligomer J AP Partiaily acrylated
Water swelling/ Home made polyol sensitive oligomer K Betha-CEA
Betha-caboxyethyl Acidic monomer acrylate M CHVE 1,4-Cyclohexane
Vinyl ether ISP dimethanol divinyl monomer ether N Tone polyol
Caprolactone polyol Polyol Union 0301 (plasticizer) Cabide O
Paraffin oil Paraffin oil plasticizer Oldrich P methoxycarbo
methoxypolyethylene Polymer wax 500 and glycol (hydrophilic and
1000 plasticizer) Q SR 506 Isoborny Acrylate monomer Cray
Valley
[0188]
6TABLE 6 Examples of Possible Formulation Compositions of Second
Interface Material Example A B C D E F G H I J K L M O Q N 1 X X X
X X 2 X X X X X X 3 X X X X X 4 X X X X X X 5 X X X X X X 6 X X X X
X X X 7 X X X X 8 X X X X X 9 X X X X X X 10 X X X X X 11 X X X X
12 X X X X X X 13 X X X X X X 14 X X X X X X X X X X 15 X X X
[0189] A formulation of the second interface material is presented
in entry No. 3 of Table 6. According to this embodiment of the
present invention, the second interface material includes:
[0190] a water swelling oligomer, which may be any water swelling
oligomer as defined hereinabove, and which may be polyethylene
glycol;
[0191] a non-curable component, which may be any non-curable
component as defined hereinabove, and which may be polyethylene
glycole;
[0192] a radical photo-initiator, which may be any radical
photo-initiator as defined hereinabove, and which may be
alpha-amino ketone;
[0193] a surface agent, which may be a silicone surface additive;
and
[0194] an inhibitor, which may be 4-methoxyphenol.
[0195] Another formulation of the second interface material is
presented in entry No. 4 of Table 6. According to this embodiment
of the present invention, the second interface material
includes:
[0196] a water swelling oligomer, which may be any water swelling
oligomer as defined hereinabove, and which may be polyethylene
glycole monoacrylate;
[0197] a non-curable component, which may be any non-curable
component as defined hereinabove, and which may be polyethylene
glycole;
[0198] a radical photo-initiator, which may be any radical
photo-initiator as defined hereinabove, and which may be
benzophenone;
[0199] a co-initiator, which may be any co-initiator as defined
hereinabove, and which may be triethanolamine;
[0200] a surface agent, which may be a silicone surface additive;
and
[0201] an inhibitor, which may be 4-methoxyphenol.
[0202] The first interface material and the second-interface
material are suitable for use in, for example, the method for
three-dimensional printing which is described in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/412,618, assigned to the Assignees of the
present application and is incorporated herein by reference. Other
methods may be used.
[0203] Briefly, the method according to one embodiment
includes:
[0204] dispensing a first interface material from a printing
head;
[0205] dispensing a second interface material from the printing
head; and
[0206] combining the first interface material and the second
interface material in pre-determined proportions to a produce a
multiplicity of construction layers for forming the
three-dimensional model.
[0207] The method (FIG. 3) according to an embodiment of the
present invention includes dispensing a first composition suitable
for building a three-dimensional object from a dispenser (102),
dispensing a second composition suitable for support in building a
three-dimensional object from a dispenser (104), combining the
first composition and the second composition in pre-determined
proportions to produce a multiplicity of construction layers for
forming the three-dimensional object (106), curing the first
composition resulting in a solid form (108), and irradiating or
curing second composition resulting in a liquid, a solid or a
semi-solid form (110). Of course, the method may include other
steps or series of steps.
[0208] One embodiment of the present invention further provides a
method for the preparation of a three-dimensional object by
three-dimensional printing, the method may include the steps of
dispensing a first composition suitable for building a
three-dimensional object from a dispenser, the first composition
may include, inter alia, a curable component, having a functional
group, wherein if the functional group is a polymerizable reactive
functional group, then the functional group is a (meth)acrylic
functional group, a photo-initiator, a surface-active agent; and a
stabilizer, dispensing a second composition suitable for support in
building a three-dimensional object from a dispenser, the second
composition may include a non-curable component, a curable
component, wherein the non-curable component is not reactive with
the curable component, a surface-active agent and a stabilizer,
combining the first composition and the second composition in
pre-determined proportions to produce a multiplicity of
construction layers for forming the three-dimensional object,
whereby the first composition is cured resulting in a solid form,
and whereby the second composition is irradiated or cured resulting
in a liquid, a solid or a semi-solid form.
[0209] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method may
further include the step of generating data for a pre-determined
combination of the first composition and the second composition to
produce a multiplicity of support layers for supporting the
three-dimensional object.
[0210] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method may
further include the step of generating data for a pre-determined
combination of the first composition and the second composition to
produce a multiplicity of release layers for releasing the
three-dimensional object from the support layers.
[0211] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first
composition and the second composition are dispensed
simultaneously. In another embodiment, the first composition and
the second composition are dispensed sequentially. In another
embodiment, the first composition is dispensed first. In another
embodiment, the second composition is dispensed first. In another
embodiment, more than one first composition is used. In another
embodiment, the more than one second composition is used.
[0212] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
the method further includes the step of curing the first interface
material. Further, when the second interface material includes a
curable component, the method may further include the step of
curing the second interface material. Curing may be carried out for
example, as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/412,618. For example, the curing method is by radiation, such as
Ultraviolet (UV) and/or Visible (Vis) and/or Infra Red (IR) and/or
UV-Vis radiation and/or Electron Beam (EB). In one embodiment of
the present invention, the curing method is UV-Vis radiation. Other
suitable curing methods may be used.
[0213] In operation, in order to obtain layers of different modulus
of elasticity and a different strength, the first interface
material and the second interface material are combined in
pre-determined proportions. For example, in order to obtain layers
having a higher modulus of elasticity and a higher strength such as
the construction layers, a suitable combination that contains
mostly the first interface material may be used. Further, in order
to obtain layers having a lower modulus of elasticity and a lower
strength such as the release layers, a suitable combination that
includes mostly the second interface material may be used.
[0214] By way of example, in order to produce the construction
layers and/or the support layers, a combination that includes
90-100% of the first interface material and 0-10% of the second
interface material may be used. Further, in order to produce the
release layers, a combination that includes 0-10% of the first
interface material and 90-100% of the second interface material may
be used. In another embodiment, in order to produce support layers
that have a lower modulus of elasticity and a lower strength than
the construction layers, a combination that includes 30-70% of the
first interface material and 70-30% of the second interface
material may be used.
[0215] Thus a three-dimensional object is produced which is
included of a core consisting of a multiplicity of construction
layers. The construction layers are formed by combining
predetermined proportions of the first interface material and the
second interface material.
[0216] One embodiment of the present invention further provides a
three-dimensional object comprised of a multiplicity of
construction layers, wherein the construction layers are prepared
by combining pre-determined proportions of a first composition and
a second composition according to the invention. In another
embodiment the three-dimensional object is comprised of a core
consisting of a multiplicity of construction layers, wherein the
construction layers are prepared by combining pre-determined
proportions of a first composition and a second composition
according to the invention.
[0217] One embodiment of the present invention provides a
three-dimensional object including the composition according the
invention.
[0218] In one embodiment of the present invention, the
three-dimensional object further includes a multiplicity of support
layers for supporting the core. The support layers are prepared by
combining pre-determined proportions of the first interface
material and the second interface material. The support layers may
be designed exactly like to construction layers, or may be designed
to be weaker (lower modulus of elasticity) than the construction
layers.
[0219] In one embodiment of the present invention, the
three-dimensional object may further include a multiplicity of
support layers for supporting the core, wherein the support layers
are prepared by combining pre-determined proportions of the first
composition and the second composition. In another embodiment, the
support layers support the construction layers. In another
embodiment, the support layers have the same strength as the
construction layers. In another embodiment, the support layers have
the same modulus of elasticity as the construction layers. In
another embodiment, the support layers have a lower modulus of
elasticity and/or a lower strength than the construction
layers.
[0220] In one embodiment of the present invention, the
three-dimensional object further includes a multiplicity of release
layers for releasing the support layers from the construction
layers. In one embodiment of the present invention, the release
layers are positioned between the support layers and the
construction layers. The release layers are prepared by combining
pre-determined proportions of the first interface material and the
second interface material.
[0221] In one embodiment of the present invention, the
three-dimensional object may further include a multiplicity of
release layers for releasing the support layers from the core,
wherein the release layers are positioned between the support
layers and the construction layers; wherein the release layers are
prepared by combining pre-determined proportions of the first
composition and the second composition. In another embodiment, the
release layers have a lower modulus of elasticity and/or a lower
strength than the construction layers and the support layers.
[0222] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly
shown and described herein above and that numerous modifications,
all of which fall within the scope of the present invention, exist.
Rather, the scope of the invention is defined by the claims which
follow:
* * * * *