A team of researchers led by scientists from the Rowland Institute at Harvard University
In traditional 3D printing, the resin hardensflat and straight lines along the path of the light. In their work, the researchers add nanocapsules containing special chemicals to the resin so that the resin reacts only to a certain type of light - blue light at the focus of the laser. Such a beam is formed in the process of frequency upconversion. The beam travels in three dimensions, so it doesn't need layering. As the researchers note, the resulting resin has a higher viscosity than the traditional method, so after printing it can stand without support.
"We developed the resin, we developed the systemso that the red light does nothing,” says Daniel Congreve, co-author of the study. “But a small dot of blue light triggers a chemical reaction that causes the resin to harden and turn into plastic. What this basically means is that you have a laser going through the whole system and only in that little blue do you get polymerization, [and only there] do you get printing. We just scan that blue dot in three dimensions, and wherever that blue dot hits, it polymerizes and you get 3D printing.”
Video: Tracy H. Schloemer and Arynn O. Gallegos, Harvard University
The researchers demonstrated the work of theirprinter and created 3D logos for Harvard and Stanford, as well as a small boat. This is a standard test for 3D printers: the small size of the boat and many small details, such as overhanging windows and open spaces in the cabin, create a challenge.
The authors of the development believe that the technology canseriously change 3D printing. Traditional layering requires the use of props for overhanging elements to keep the resin from sinking and dripping down. Refusal of such structures will significantly speed up the process.
Engineers plan to continue developing the system to increase speed and realize the ability to print even finer details.
Photo: Dan Congreve, Stanford University
Cover photo: An industrial 3D printer does not demonstrate the development described in the article.
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