New Resin Enables Additive and Subtractive 3D Printing
Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have developed a novel photopolymer resin that enables a 3D printing process capable of both adding and removing material within a single build.
Scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) have engineered a unique photopolymer resin that allows for a multi-functional additive manufacturing process. This new material can be selectively cured using ultraviolet (UV) light, enabling the addition of material in a layer-by-layer fashion, a hallmark of 3D printing.
However, the innovation lies in the resin's ability to also be depolymerized. Once a section of the resin has been cured, it can be selectively dissolved or removed when exposed to a specific wavelength of light or a chemical agent. This dual capability means that features can be built up and then refined or altered within the same printing cycle, without the need for post-processing steps like milling or etching.
The research team demonstrated this by creating complex geometries that would typically require multiple manufacturing techniques. The process allows for the precise removal of uncured resin or even previously cured material, opening up possibilities for creating intricate internal structures and overhangs that are difficult to achieve with conventional additive manufacturing methods alone.
This development could significantly streamline the production of complex parts, reducing manufacturing time and cost. The ability to perform both additive and subtractive operations in situ offers a pathway to fabricating highly customized components with advanced functionalities.
This development introduces a novel approach to additive manufacturing by integrating subtractive capabilities directly into the printing process through a specialized resin. This hybrid method has significant implications for producing complex geometries and internal structures, potentially reducing the need for multi-step post-processing. It aligns with the broader trend of creating more functional and integrated parts directly through additive manufacturing, which is crucial for advanced applications in aerospace and other fields requiring high precision and intricate designs.
Edited by the news editor with AI from the original report — please refer to the original source.