Methods of using thermoplastic polyurethanes in selective laser sintering and systems and articles thereof
US11673990B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 20, 2022 |
| Grant date | Jun 13, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 20, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/753
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention relates to systems and methods for solid freeform fabrication, especially selective laser sintering, as well as various articles made using the same, where the systems and methods utilize certain thermoplastic polyurethanes which are particularly suited for such processing. The useful thermoplastic polyurethanes are derived from (a) a polyisocyanate component, (b) a polyol component, and (c) an optional chain extender component; wherein the resulting thermoplastic polyurethane has a melting enthalpy of at least 5.5J/g, a Tc (crystallization temperature) of more than 70° C., a Δ(Tm:Tc) of from 20 to 75 degrees, where Δ(Tm:Tc) is the difference between the Tm (melting temperature) and Tc.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.