Conformal Geometry and Multimaterial Additive Manufacturing through Freeform Transformation of Building Layers. Issue 11 (3rd February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Huang, Jigang; Ware, Henry Oliver T.; Hai, Rihan; Shao, Guangbin; Sun, Cheng
• Is Part Of: Advanced materials. Volume 33:Issue 11(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-02-03
• Subjects: 3D printing -- conformal mapping -- multiaxis -- multimaterials -- six degrees of freedom; Materials -- Periodicals; Chemical vapor deposition -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1002/adma.202005672
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0935-9648

Abstract

Abstract: 3D printing, formally known as additive manufacturing, creates complex geometries via layer‐by‐layer addition of materials. While 3D printing has been historically perceived as the static addition of build layers, 3D printing is now considered as a dynamic assembly process. In this context, here a new 3D printing process is reported that executes full degree‐of‐freedom (DOF) transformation (translating, rotating, and scaling) of each individual building layer while utilizing continuous fabrication techniques. Transforming individual building layers within the sequential layered manufacturing process enables dynamic transformation of the 3D printed parts on‐the‐fly, eliminating the time‐consuming redesign steps. Preserving the locality of the transformation to each layer further enables the discrete conformal transformation, allowing objects such as vascular scaffolds to be optimally fabricated to properly fit within specific patient anatomy obtained from the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements. Finally, exploiting the freedom to control the orientation of each individual building layer, multimaterials, multiaxis 3D printing capability are further established for integrating functional modules made of dissimilar materials in 3D printed devices. This final capability is demonstrated through 3D printing a soft pneumatic gripper via heterogenous integration of rigid base and soft actuating limbs. Abstract : A new 3D printing process that executes full degree‐of‐freedom (DOF) transformation of individual build layers while utilizing continuous fabrication techniques is reported. Individually manipulating each build layer within the sequential layered manufacturing process allows digital transformation of 3D printed parts on‐the‐fly; printing of conformal geometry to ensure custom fitting of vascular scaffolds; and realization of multiaxis, multimaterials 3D printing of soft robotic actuators.