Researchers at Heriot-Watt University have developed a novel 3D printing method poised to revolutionize the manufacturing industry.
The technique utilizes near-infrared (NIR) light to produce complex structures with multiple materials and colors, pushing the boundaries of multi-material integration.
The new method allows for printing at significant depths and offers diverse applications across various industries.
Researchers at Heriot-Watt University Unveil Revolutionary Method for 3D Printing with High Depth Capability.
Heriot-Watt University's new 3D printing technique allows for complex structures with multiple materials and colors; Image: Heriot-Watt University
Scientists led by Dr. Jose Marques-Hueso from the Institute of Sensors, Signals & Systems at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh have developed an advanced 3D printing technique poised to revolutionize the manufacturing industry.
The team has created a new method of 3D printing that utilizes near-infrared (NIR) light to produce complex structures containing multiple materials and colors. They achieved this by modifying the well-established stereolithography process, pushing the boundaries of multi-material integration. While conventional 3D printers typically use a blue or UV laser to selectively solidify a liquid resin layer by layer, the ability to intermix materials has been a major limitation.
What sets this latest project apart is the use of a NIR light source capable of printing at much greater depths into the resin vat, without the need for layer-by-layer printing.
The findings hold immense potential for industries, especially those reliant on specialized parts in fields like healthcare and electronics.
Dr. Marques-Hueso explains, "The novelty of our new method, which has never been done before, is to use the NIR invisibility windows of materials to print at a depth of over 5 cm, whereas the conventional technology has a depth limit of around 0.1 mm. This means that you can print with one material and later add a second material, solidifying it at any position of the 3D space, and not only on top of the outer surfaces."
The scientists have developed engineered resins containing nanoparticles exhibiting optical upconversion, a key aspect of their project. These nanoparticles absorb NIR photons and transform them into blue photons, which then solidify the resin. This non-linear process enables the NIR light to penetrate deep into the material, appearing transparent, and solidify only the desired material within.
This new 3D printing method allows for the printing of multiple materials with different properties within a single sample, such as flexible elastomers and rigid acrylics, making it particularly useful in industries like shoe production. The technique opens up a multitude of possibilities, including printing objects inside cavities, repairing broken objects, and even in-situ bioprinting through skin.
Dr. Marques-Hueso further emphasizes that the costs associated with this technology are surprisingly low. He notes, "A clear advantage of this technique is that the full machine can be built for less than £400. Some other advanced technologies that use lasers, such as Two-Photon Polymerization (2PP), require expensive ultrafast lasers in the order of tens of thousands of pounds, but this is not our case because our specialist materials allow the use of inexpensive lasers."
In conclusion, Dr. Marques-Hueso states, "Now that we have results to support our claims, we hope to partner with businesses and develop this technology further."
