Scientists have developed an advanced technique for 3D printing that is set to revolutionize the manufacturing industry.
The group, led by Dr. Jose Marques-Hueso from the Institute of Sensors, Signals & Systems at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, has created a new method of 3D printing that uses near-infrared (NIR) light to create complex structures containing multiple materials and colors.
They achieved this by modifying a well-established 3D printing process known as stereolithography to push the boundaries of multi-material integration. A conventional 3D printer would normally apply a blue or UV laser to a liquid resin that is then selectively solidified, layer by layer, to build a desired object. But a major drawback of this approach has been the limitations in intermixing materials.
What is different about this latest project is that the scientists use a NIR light source capable of printing at far greater depths into the resin vat, and with no need to print in layers.
The findings hold tremendous opportunities for industry, particularly those that rely on specialist parts such as in health and electrical sectors.
To read more, click here.