Abstract:
A composite waterborne dispersion for 3D printing. The dispersion includes a composition containing an aqueous dispersion of polymer particles; an associative thickener; and a functional filler. The functional filler may be conductive particles, fumed silica, milled glass fibers, polydimethylsiloxane, eutectic metal particles, carbon fiber, thermally insulating particles, thermally conductive particles, ferromagnetic particles, particles with high acoustic impedance, low-k dielectric particles, or high-k dielectric particles. The composition has a yield stress >0 Pa, the yield stress being at least one of dynamic yield stress and static yield stress. The composition is film-forming when dried. A method for three-dimensionally printing an object with a three-dimensional printer includes dispensing a composite waterborne dispersion to deposit the dispersion toward a build surface to define an object portion, the dispersion including an aqueous dispersion of polymer particles and an associative thickener, the composition having a yield stress >0 Pa and being film-forming when dried.
Abstract:
The present invention generally relates to the printing of materials, using 3- dimensional printing and other printing techniques, including the use of one or more mixing nozzles, and/or multi-axis control over the translation and/or rotation of the print head or the substrate onto which materials are printed. In some embodiments, a material may be prepared by extruding material through print head comprising a nozzle, such as a microfluidic printing nozzle, which may be used to mix materials within the nozzle and direct the resulting product onto a substrate. The print head and/or the substrate may be configured to be translated and/or rotated, for example, using a computer or other controller, in order to control the deposition of material onto the substrate.
Abstract:
A three-dimensional (3D) printer device includes a first extruder configured to deposit a material on a deposition platform, an actuator coupled to at least one of the first extruder or the deposition platform, and a controller coupled to the actuator. The controller is configured to cause the first extruder to deposit a first portion of the material corresponding to a first portion of a physical model. The controller may be configured to cause the first extruder to be cleaned, purged, or both, after the first extruder deposits the first portion of the material. The controller may be configured to cause the first extruder to deposit a second portion of the material after the first extruder is cleaned. The second portion of the material corresponds to a second portion of the physical model.
Abstract:
The present disclosure is related to three-dimensionally printed articles for use in footwear and associated systems and methods. In some embodiments, a three-dimensionally printed article may comprise a closed-cell foam. The closed-cell foam may have a gradient in and/or may be a single integrated material. In some embodiments, a three-dimensionally printed article may comprise a sensor. The use of such arrangements can, according to certain embodiments, allow for the production of improved articles of footwear and/or customized articles of footwear.
Abstract:
Electrical signal and power transmission between two or more 3D-printed parts, 3D-printed parts and printed circuit boards, and/or 3D-printed parts and standard wire harnesses are facilitated by inserting electrically conductive magnets in sockets formed in each of the 3D-printed parts during 3D printing; by inserting electrically conductive magnets in sockets formed in a first part and inserting a biasable, electrically conductive object in the sockets formed in a second part during 3D printing; by 3D printing an electrically conductive feature having a biasable face in a first part and forming an electrically conductive pad/socket on a second part; or by affixing a printed circuit board in a first part and connecting the first part to a second part having contact pins and contact pads formed in the second part.
Abstract:
The present disclosure is related to methods for forming 3D-printed articles and associated systems. In some embodiments, a method may comprise depositing a first liquid comprising first molecules having first functional groups onto a portion of a second liquid comprising second molecules having second functional groups such that the first functional groups react with the second functional groups to form a solid material or layer. The portion of the second liquid onto which the first liquid is deposited is positioned over a platform that is at least partially submerged within the second liquid. In some embodiments, a system may comprise a nozzle configured to expel a first liquid, a vessel configured to contain a second liquid, and a platform configured to be translated through at least a portion of the depth of the vessel when the vessel comprises the second liquid.