Invention Reference Number
Oak Ridge National Laboratory has developed a vinyl ester resin formulation specifically designed for direct ink writing (DIW) that enables the printing of self-supported complex structures against gravity. This advancement addresses key limitations in DIW by improving shape fidelity and structural integrity during printing.
Description
The invention presents a DIW-compatible vinyl ester resin formulation capable of maintaining form during unsupported extrusion. This enables the construction of out-of-plane and overhanging geometries without the need for support materials. The rheological properties of the resin are tailored to provide sufficient yield stress and viscosity for self-supporting filament deposition. Experiments demonstrated the resin’s capability to print structures that defy gravity, such as those comprising both vertically and horizontally growing features or forming arches, with high dimensional accuracy and mechanical strength. The formulation allows for room-temperature processing and is suitable for composite reinforcement and advanced manufacturing applications requiring complex three-dimensional features.
Benefits
- Enables unsupported, out-of-plane printing using DIW techniques
- Improves geometric complexity and structural stability during fabrication
- Eliminates need for support structures in complex part designs
Applications and Industries
- Additive manufacturing for composites and structural materials
- Aerospace, automotive, and construction components requiring complex geometries
- Rapid prototyping of customized parts with challenging overhangs
Contact
To learn more about this technology, email partnerships@ornl.gov or call 865-574-1051.
