Researchers from Switzerland and the US have recently published a study detailing advancements in Deep Vat 3D Printing technology.
Deep Vat Printing (DVP) introduces layer-free, high-resolution 3D printing with light-based precision. Unlike traditional methods, DVP uses light to cross-link liquid photopolymers deep within a resin vat. This approach achieves entire volume printing simultaneously, offering higher speeds and smoother finishes.
Common techniques include tomographic printing and multidirectional projection. Tomographic printing uses rotating resin vats and multiple 2D light projections to create complex 3D structures. Multidirectional projection involves projecting light from various angles to generate a cumulative 3D light dose, effectively curing the resin to form intricate shapes.
Photoresins used in DVP rely on specific cross-linking mechanisms, such as step-growth polymerization, where the resin solidifies once a critical light dose threshold is reached. Light propagation within the resin is governed by the Beer–Lambert law, dictating how light attenuates as it penetrates deeper into the resin vat. Collimated light beams ensure uniformity over the resin depth, enhancing the precision of the prints.
The kinetics of photo-cross-linking play a critical role, influenced by factors like temperature and local light intensity. Exothermic reactions during cross-linking can lead to localized heat-induced autocatalysis, affecting the print resolution. Thermal and reactive species diffusion are also considered to maintain the fidelity of the printed object.
Future improvements in DVP focus on enhancing resolution, optimizing photopolymer resins, and refining light projection techniques. The potential applications span various sectors, from biomedical devices to aerospace components, showcasing the versatility and efficiency of DVP in additive manufacturing.
You can read the research paper titled “Light from Afield: Fast, High-Resolution, and Layer-Free Deep Vat 3D Printing” at this link, if you’d like to gain deeper insights into DVP technology.