Process for creating a polymer filament suitable for use in three-dimensional printing
US11001945B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 25, 2016 |
| Grant date | May 11, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 16, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/2975
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A thermoplastic filament comprising multiple polymers of differing flow temperatures in a regular geometric arrangement, and a method for producing such a filament, are 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 monofilament and fiber with unique decorative or functional properties.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.