Compositions and methods for selective deposition modeling
View Patent ↗There is provided compositions and methods for producing three-dimensional objects by selective deposition modeling with a polar build material and a non-polar support material. The build material comprises a hydrocarbon wax material and a viscosity modifier, and the support material comprises a hydrocarbon alcohol wax material and a viscosity modifier. After the selective deposition modeling process has been completed, the object can be placed in a bath of polar solvent to remove the support material. The particular materials provided herein, and the post-processing methods associated therewith, provide for improved part quality of the three-dimensional object and for improved post-processing techniques. The three-dimensional objects can subsequently be used in a number of applications, such as patterns for investment casting.
1. A method of separating a three-dimensional object produced with build material from a support material used to support the build material during the production of the three-dimensional object, the method comprising:
positioning the three-dimensional object and the support material in a bath of polar solvent;
agitating the bath of polar solvent with respect to the support material in the bath; and
removing a white residue from the three-dimensional object.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein removing the white residue comprises removing the object from the bath of polar solvent and rinsing the object with a solution comprising about 30% glycerin-alcohol.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the bath of polar solvent comprises one or more of poly(propylene)glycol, ethanol, and isopropyl alcohol.
4. A method of separating a three-dimensional object produced with build material from a support material used to support the build material during the production of the three-dimensional object, the method comprising:
positioning the three-dimensional object and the support material in a bath of polar solvent; and
agitating the bath of polar solvent with respect to the support material in the bath,
wherein the bath of polar solvent comprises 91% isopropyl alcohol.
5. The method of claim 3 , wherein the bath of polar solvent comprises 100% isopropyl alcohol.
6. A method of separating a three-dimensional object produced with build material from a support material used to support the build material during the production of the three-dimensional object, the method comprising:
positioning the three-dimensional object and the support material in a bath of polar solvent; and
agitating the bath of polar solvent with respect to the support material in the bath,
wherein the temperature of the polar solvent is controlled to be between about 35° C. and about 50° C.
7. A method of separating a three-dimensional object produced with build material from a support material used to support the build material during the production of the three-dimensional object, the method comprising:
positioning the three-dimensional object and the support material in a bath of polar solvent; and
agitating the bath of polar solvent with respect to the support material in the bath,
wherein the temperature of the polar solvent is controlled to be between about 42° C. and about 50° C.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the bath of polar solvent comprises 91% isopropyl alcohol.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the temperature of the polar solvent is controlled to be between about 35° C. and about 50° C.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the temperature of the polar solvent is controlled to be between about 42° C. and about 50° C.