Ricoh Company, Ltd.

University of Washington

Koji Takimoto

Mark A Ganter

Andrew Jackson Boydston

Duane William Storti

Chang-Uk Lee

Akira Saito

Akira Saitoh

The present invention provides methods, processes, and systems for the manufacture of three-dimensional articles made of polymers using 3D printing. A layer of prepolymer is deposited on a build plate to form a powder bed. Then, solutions of first and/or second binding agents are printed on the powder bed in a predetermined pattern. After a predetermined period of time, sequential layers are printed to provide the three-dimensional article. The removable binding agent is then removed. The removable binding agent may be solubilized polyetheretherketone. Examples of solubilized polyetheretherketone include, but are not limited to, sulfonated polyetheretherketone and/or nitrated polyetheretherketone. The three-dimensional object can be cured to produce the three-dimensional article composed of the final polymers.

Jettable temporary solubolized peek binders to create removable support materials

The present invention provides methods, processes, and systems for the manufacture of three-dimensional articles made of polymers using 3D printing. A layer of prepolymer is deposited on a build plate to form a powder bed. Then, solutions of first and/or second binding agents are printed on the powder bed in a predetermined pattern. After a predetermined period of time, sequential layers are printed to provide the three-dimensional article. The removable binding agent is then removed. The three-dimensional object can be cured to produce the three-dimensional article composed of the final polymers.

Jettable temporary binders to create removable support materials

Growing community of inventors

Kanagawa, Japan

Koji Takimoto