Hot melt inks for 3D printing

A unique modified formula of hot-melt ink for phase change printing process was developed. A composition useful for 3D printing comprises different waxes, tackifier and plasticizer resins, rheology modifiers, and UV curable resin and/or gas releasing agent. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to evaluate thermal properties of the ink components and the extensive study of the thermal behavior of the proposed gas releasing agents has been carried out. The rheology behavior of inks and printability, such as image detail, definition of dots (sharpness of the edges), dot formation, and spreading were investigated. Dot heights were measured by a modified method using a First Ten Angstrom dynamic contact angle instrument. Sutherland Rub resistance test was also used together with tape adhesion tests for ink adhesion monitoring.