Inkbit, LLC

University of Minnesota

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Wenshou Wang

Gregory Ellson

Javier E Ramos

Yan Zhang

Wojciech Matusik

Kiril Vidimce

Desai Chen

Chun Wang

John R Ohlfest

David B Russell

An approach to precision additive fabrication uses jetting of cationic compositions in conjunction with a non-contact (e.g., optical) feedback approach. By not requiring contact to control the surface geometry of the object being manufactured, the approach is tolerant of the relative slow curing of the cationic composition, while maintaining the benefit of control of the deposition processes according to feedback during the fabrication processes. This approach provides a way to manufacture precision objects and benefit from material properties of the fabricated objects, for example, with isotropic properties, which may be at least partially a result of the slow curing, and flexible structures, which may not be attainable using conventional jetted acrylates.

Precision system for additive fabrication

An inkjet printer includes a mixer and a metering system that system provides appropriate amounts of the resin's precursors into the mixer. The mixer thoroughly mixes these precursors and feeds the resulting resin to the printheads. The inkjet printer may include a cleaning system that removes residual resin during or after printing.

Inkjet 3D printing of multi-component resins

A composition suitable for 3-D printing comprises, in one embodiment, a photopolymer including one or more thiol monomer, one or more alkene monomer, and a polymerization initiator. In another embodiment, the thiol monomer is selected from the group consisting of: glycol di(3-mercaptopropionate) [GDMP]; trimethylolpropane tris(3-mercaptopropionate) [TMPMP]; pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-mercaptopropionate) [PETMP] and 3,6-dioxa-1,8-octanedithiol [DODT]. In yet another embodiment, the alkene monomer comprises: an allyl-functional urethane/urea monomer synthesized from: an isocyanate moiety and a hydroxyl or amine functional allyl moiety. In still another embodiment, the hydroxyl or amine functional allyl moiety comprises 2-allyloxyethanol, allyl alcohol, and allylamine. In still yet another embodiment, the isocyanate moiety is selected from the group consisting of: isophorone diisocyanate (IDI), hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), trimethylhexamethylene diisocyanate (TMHDI), 1,3-bis(isocyanatomethyl)cyclohexane, and dicyclohexylmethane 4,4'-Diisocyanate (HMDI).

Thiol-ene printable resins for inkjet 3D printing

Devices and methods are described that provide printing of three-dimensional objects using reactive materials such as materials that result in a polyurethane formulation. Three-dimensional printing in accordance with the present disclosure can be performed using an inkjet printer or other systems that deposit or dispense material. A formulation made up of two or more reactive materials and, optionally, one or more UV-curable materials is also provided. The materials can be jetted based on a desired configuration to achieve a maximum reaction between materials, and can be based on desired jetting or molar ratios. By heating or applying energy on the jetted materials, their reaction and related solidifying can be accelerated. Corrective printing is also provided for, and can be used at desired intervals to eliminate printing errors relative to the object as modeled. Systems and methods used in conjunction with all of the same are provided.

Systems, devices, and methods for inkjet-based three-dimensional printing

The present disclosure relates to reinforcing photopolymer resins and uses thereof, e.g., in inkjet 3D printing.

Polymer reinforced materials for inkjet based 3D printing

The invention provides semi-solid systems for delivering biologically active materials that include a polymer comprising 1) one or more polycaprolactone (PCL) units and 2) at least one or more polyethylene glycol (PEG) units; wherein at least one of said polycaprolactone units is conjugated to a PEG forming an acetal group.

Semi-solid delivery systems

The invention provides semi-solid systems for delivering biologically active materials that include a polymer comprising 1) one or more units of formula Ia, IIa, or IIIa: (formula Ia, IIa, IIIa) and 2) one or more units comprising polycaprolactone; wherein R and Rhave any of the values defined in the application.

Growing community of inventors

Quincy, MA, United States of America

Wenshou Wang