This paper demonstrates the efficacy of implementing ultrasonic manipulation within a modified form of stereolithographic 3D printing to form complex microstructures in printed components. Currently 3D printed components are limited both in terms of structural performance and specialised functionality. This study aims to demonstrate a novel method for 3D printing composite materials, by arranging microparticles suspended within a photocurable resin. The resin is selectively cured by a 3-axis gantry-mounted 405nm laser. Ultrasonic forces are used to arrange the microfibres into predetermined patterns within the resin, with unidirectional microfibre alignment and a hexagonal lattice structure demonstrated. An example of dynamic microstructure variation within a single print layer is also presented.

Date Published: 22 April 2016
PDF: 8 pages
Proc. SPIE 9797, Bioinspiration, Biomimetics, and Bioreplication 2016, 97970A (22 April 2016); doi: 10.1117/12.2218855

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 9797:
Bioinspiration, Biomimetics, and Bioreplication 2016
Raúl J. Martín-Palma; Akhlesh Lakhtakia; Mato Knez, Editor(s)