Three-dimensional inkjet printing using polyamide-forming materials

Abstract

Formulation systems usable for fabricating a three-dimensional object made of a polyamide-containing material, by three-dimensional 3D inkjet printing, and methods and systems utilizing same, are provided. The formulation systems are formed of at least a first and second model formulations containing a lactam and a catalyst for inducing anionic ring opening polymerization of the lactam in the first formulation, and an activator for promoting anionic ring opening polymerization of the lactam in the second formulation, and are further characterized as: including in the first and/or second formulation a compound capable of increasing a rate of said polymerization upon exposure to said curing energy; including as an activator a lactam-blocked polyisocyanate; and/or as including in the first model formulation at least one material capable of reducing a melting point of said first model formulation. Formulation systems usable at a selected ratio are also provided.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.