System and method for debinding green bodies in the form of orthodontic appliances

摘要

A system 200 for debinding a green body 210 in the form of an orthodontic appliance includes a pressure vessel 220 configured to contain a supercritical fluid. A source 232 of a fluid chemical is coupled to the pressure vessel 220 to supply the fluid chemical to the pressure vessel 220. A heat source 238 is configured to heat the fluid chemical. A pump 234 pressurizes the fluid chemical to at least the supercritical pressure. A collection vessel 244 is coupled to the pressure vessel 220 to capture the binder removed from the green bodies as at least the pressure of the supercritical fluid is reduced. A method of manufacturing an orthodontic appliance includes exposing green bodies 210 including particles and a binder to a supercritical fluid to remove at least some of the binder from the green bodies, and collecting the removed binder from the supercritical fluid as the supercritical fluid transitions to a non-supercritical fluid.