Printed article and a feedstock
US10087309B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 24, 2015 |
| Grant date | Oct 2, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 24, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/31855
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention relates to a printed article and a feedstock for printing comprising a matrix forming material, in particular a polymeric material, and a filler material dispersed within the matrix forming material, in which the filler material comprises glass flakes. Glass flakes are characterized as having an aspect ratio of average diameter divided by average thickness greater than or equal to three. Selecting aspect ratio of glass flakes controls an orientation of glass flakes angled relative to a printed layer and formation of a depletion layer in a printed article. Technical effects of angled flakes include better adhesion between successive printed layers in 3D printing and a crack-stopping function. In a preferred embodiment the glass flakes comprise a conductive coating such that a printed article functions as a moisture sensor. Technical effects of a depletion layer include high moisture permeability and so a fast rate of change in electrical resistance due to moisture. A process of manufacturing a feedstock and a process of printing comprising a step of providing glass flakes are also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.