20 patents in this list

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Layer adhesion remains a critical challenge in additive manufacturing, with delamination failures occurring at interfacial bonds that typically achieve only 20-80% of bulk material strength. These weak interfaces arise from insufficient molecular diffusion between layers, thermal gradients during solidification, and residual stresses that can exceed 10 MPa in some polymer systems.

The fundamental challenge lies in achieving molecular-level bonding between successive layers while maintaining dimensional accuracy and processing speed.

This page brings together solutions from recent research—including cross-layer mechanical anchoring systems, multihydrazide adhesion promoters, controlled thermal management during layer fusion, and stress-relieving substrate designs. These and other approaches focus on practical methods to enhance interlayer strength without compromising print quality or production efficiency.

1. Method for 3D Printing Multi-Layer Structures with Interlayer Cavities Filled by Transverse Rivets

DANA ITALIA S.R.L., 2023

A method for 3D printing multi-layer structures with improved interlayer adhesion to prevent delamination. The method involves creating cavities that cross multiple layers during printing and then filling the cavities with a second material to form rivets perpendicular to the layers. The rivets compress the surrounding layers as they cool and contract, increasing adhesion.

2. 3D Printed Green Body with Multihydrazide-Enhanced Layer Bonding

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P., 2023

Improving the tensile strength of 3D printed green bodies to prevent damage during transportation and handling prior to fusing. The method involves selectively applying an adhesion promoter containing multihydrazide compounds like adipic dihydrazide to the binder fluid used in 3D printing. The multihydrazide adhesion promoter enhances the bonding between layers of particulate build material when forming the green body.

3. Layered Object Fabrication Method Utilizing Sub-Glass Transition Temperature Heating for Enhanced Interlayer Adhesion

SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION, 2021

Method for manufacturing a three-dimensional shaped object with high adhesion between layers without using solvents. The method involves shaping a first layer, cutting it, heating it to a temperature below the resin's glass transition temperature, and then shaping subsequent layers on top. The heating step increases adhesion between the layers.

4. 3D Printer Head with Nozzle-Integrated Layer Texturing Protrusions

SIGNIFY HOLDING B.V., 2019

Printing head for 3D printers that improves adhesion between layers of printed objects. The nozzle of the head includes a texturing member that protrudes from the main surface of the printed layer. These protrusions increase the contact surface area between layers, improving adhesion strength. The textured layer interfaces lock together better when subsequent layers are printed on top. The protrusions can be clamping features that grip the next layer.

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5. Method for Enhancing Interlayer Adhesion in Fused Material Extrusion via Temperature Differential Extrusion

SABIC GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES B.V., 2018

A method to improve interlayer adhesion in 3D printed objects made by fused material extrusion, e.g., FDM. The method involves extruding adjacent layers at different temperatures. The temperature difference between layers should be at least 5°C. This sequence of alternating temperatures enhances bonding between layers to improve the overall strength of the printed object. The layers are fused together after extrusion to form the final article.

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6. Additive Manufacturing Feedstock with Removable Capsules for Interlayer Void Formation

Empire Technology Development LLC, 2017

A feedstock for additive manufacturing that enables strong interlayer bonding in 3D printed objects. The feedstock contains removable capsules that, when extracted after printing, leave voids on the surface of the solidified layer. The voids are then filled by the next layer's material, forming mechanical interlocks between layers. This provides enhanced adhesion compared to regular printing.

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7. Method for Layer Bonding in Additive Manufacturing Using Transparent Substrate and Flexible Pressure Media

Sakuu Corporation, 2023

An improved method for layer-to-layer bonding in additive manufacturing ensures reliable, uniform bonding of new layers to previously processed layers. The method involves using a transparent substrate between the new uncured layer and the previously cured layer and curing the new layer by applying energy through the substrate to simultaneously cure and bond the new layer to the stack. A flexible pressure conveyance media is then applied to the substrate to uniformly compress the new layer onto the stack during curing.

8. Additive Manufacturing Method Utilizing Thermally Activated Flowable Photocurable Composition

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, 2022

Method for performing additive manufacturing using a photocurable composition to form a three-dimensional part. The method involves providing a non-flowable photocurable composition in a reservoir, heating it to a temperature to make it flowable, and then exposing it to radiation to initiate polymerization. This allows the formation of a photoplastic material with improved properties compared to existing photopolymers.

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9. 3D Printing Process for Reinforced Concrete Structures with Continuous Layer-Integrated Reinforcement Elements

Peri GmbH, 2021

3D printing of reinforced concrete structures using a process that allows for high-strength reinforcement without the need for complex and expensive formwork. The process involves printing layers of concrete with embedded reinforcement elements that are rigidly connected to adjacent layers. The reinforcement elements are printed in a way that they extend beyond the current layer and are connected to the next layer. This allows for continuous reinforcement throughout the structure.

10. 3D Printing Method with Selective Binder Deposition for Layered Object Formation

DIGITAL METAL AB, 2021

A 3D printing method that enables high-accuracy manufacturing of complex objects by selectively binding regions of each layer together. The method involves depositing layers of construction material and binder onto a platform, with the binder selectively bound to specific regions of each layer. This allows the layers to be stacked and bound together to form the final object.

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11. 3D Printed Lattice Joint Structure with Curable Material for Chemical Bonding

Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, 2020

3D printing a joint structure that can be cured to bond to objects. The joint structure is formed by 3D printing a lattice or honeycomb structure with curable material in a curable state. The joint structure is then positioned in contact with an object and cured to form a bond. The curable material can be matched with the object to form a chemical bond. This allows for complex joint structures to be formed that can bond to objects with high strength.

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12. Printed Circuit Board with Cavity Structure and Adhesion Layer for Direct 3D Printing

SIGNIFY HOLDING B.V., 2020

3D printing structures directly onto printed circuit boards (PCBs) to avoid buckling and improve adhesion. The PCB has cavities on its surface that form a cavity structure. An adhesion layer is placed over the cavities. The 3D printed structure is then placed over the adhesion layer. The cavities in the adhesion layer release stress and prevent buckling.

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13. Method for Fabricating Multi-Layer 3D Electronic Devices via Inkjet Printing and Laser Sintering

FUJI CORPORATION, 2019

Manufacturing method for three-dimensional electronic devices using inkjet printing and laser sintering to form multiple layers of cross sections. The method involves printing each layer cross section using multiple types of materials and then solidifying each layer by exposing it to light energy. This allows forming and solidifying each layer in the same position without transferring the work, minimizing deformation and defects.

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14. Multi-Material Additive Manufacturing System with Separate Binder and Part Material Deposition

Baker Hughes Incorporated, 2018

Additive manufacturing of multi-material parts using a binder and part material that can be selectively deposited to a growing part. The binder and part material are separately applied through separate print heads. The binder is applied to the part to bind it together while the part material is applied to the part to form the desired structure. The binder can be activated by light, temperature, or other stimuli.

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15. Additive Manufacturing of Net Shape Objects with Sinterable Powder and Binder System Incorporating Interface Layer for Sintering

Desktop Metal, Inc., 2018

Additive manufacturing techniques for fabricating objects with sinterable build materials that can be debound and sintered to form a final part. The techniques involve fabricating a net shape object from a powdered material with a binder system that resists deformation. An interface layer is applied to the object surface to prevent bonding during sintering. The object is then processed to form the final part.

16. 3D Printing Method with Multi-Material Dispensing for Embedded Object Formation and Removable Boundary Regions

Xerox Corporation, 2018

3D printing method to form a build structure with embedded 3D objects surrounded by a support matrix and separated by boundary regions. The method involves dispensing three different materials to form the build structure. The first material forms the 3D objects, the second material forms the support matrix, and the third material forms the boundary regions. The boundary regions are arranged to separate the embedded 3D objects. The boundary regions are made of a material that can be softened or melted during a subsequent separation step to remove them from the build structure.

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17. Integrated 3D Printing of Structures with Simultaneous Adhesive Layer Deposition

XEROX CORPORATION, 2018

3D printing structures and assembling them using adhesives that are printed along with the structure. The 3D printer can print the structure and adhesive layers simultaneously. This allows precise placement of the adhesive and eliminates the need for manual application. The adhesive can be an epoxy, polyurethane, or other adhesive that can be cured. The adhesive can be printed as a liquid and cured to form a solid bond.

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18. 3D Printing Technique Utilizing Sequential Adhesive and Compatible Layer Deposition

Rakshit Amba, Jai Prashant Amba, 2018

3D printing method that allows creating structures and effects on surfaces using a combination of adhesive layers and compatible layers. The adhesive layers are applied to the surface to bond subsequent layers. The compatible layers are then deposited on the adhesive layers to create the desired structure or effect. The method involves preparing the surface with adhesive layers, depositing compatible layers, and then 3D printing on the prepared surface.

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19. 3D Printed Molded Body with Layered Plastic on Foil Ply Incorporating Adhesion-Promoter Layer

LEONHARD KURZ STIFTUNG & CO. KG, 2017

Producing a molded body with a decorative surface layer using 3D printing. The molded body has a plastic molding compound applied to a foil ply using a 3D printer. The foil ply can have a decorative or functional layer. The plastic molding compound is applied layer-by-layer to the foil ply to form the molded body surface. The foil ply can have an adhesion-promoter layer to securely bond the plastic to the foil ply. The foil ply can be a transfer foil or lamination foil. The plastic molding compound can be applied to the foil ply before or after it is attached to a support element.

20. Hybrid Manufacturing Process Combining Additive Green State Structures with Conventional Joining Techniques

General Electric Company, 2016

Hybrid additive manufacturing methods that combine additive manufacturing with conventional manufacturing techniques to produce complex parts with high precision and strength. The hybrid method involves building a green state additive structure using additive manufacturing, then joining it to a base structure using conventional joining techniques like welding or brazing. The green state structure is a temporary intermediate form that can be easily manipulated before being joined to the base structure. This allows for precise and complex shapes that are difficult or impossible to achieve with conventional manufacturing methods.

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In order to achieve better inter-layer bonds in 3D printed objects, these techniques involve novel material combinations and printing processes that go beyond the initial layer formation. This opens up new applications and produces stronger printed parts.