Process for creating a filament
US10968539B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 22, 2017 |
| Grant date | Apr 6, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 6, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/02033
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A thermoplastic filament comprising multiple polymers of differing flow temperatures in a geometric arrangement and an interior channel containing a structural or functional thread therein is described. A method for producing such a filament is also described. Because of the difference in flow temperatures, there exists a temperature range at which one polymer is mechanically stable while the other is flowable. This property is extremely useful for creating thermoplastic monofilament feedstock for three-dimensionally printed parts, wherein the mechanically stable polymer enables geometric stability while the flowable polymer can fill gaps and provide strong bonding and homogenization between deposited material lines and layers. These multimaterial filaments can be produced via thermal drawing from a thermoplastic preform, which itself can be three-dimensionally printed. Furthermore, the preform can be printed with precisely controlled and complex geometries, enabling the creation of a filament or fiber with an interior thread contained within the outer, printed filament or fiber. This thread adds structural reinforcement or functional properties, such as electrical conductivity or …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.