Title : Rapid manufacturing anywhere, anytime
Abstract:
Rapid manufacturing on space/air/sea/land missions, where either gravitational force is missing or severe random disturbance may present continuously, is highly in demand. However, till today, there is no reliable technique for such working environments. The purpose of this study is to develop a technology for rapid 3D printing in solid state of polymeric materials to get rid of the problems in harsh working environment. The basic concept is to cross-link by either UV-light or photo-induced-heat of polymeric materials in the solid state for rapid volumetric additive manufacturing. The uncross-linked parts can be removed by heating or cooling for melting, or washing away by solvent. Finally, the shape memory effect (SME) of the cross-linked polymers is applied to ensure high accuracy of the printed items.
We have successfully demonstrated this concept using thermal gel, UV cross-linkable vitrimer and other conventional materials.
