Title : Solid state UV cross-linking for advanced manufacturing
Abstract:
In this talk, a novel solid-state UV cross-linking based advanced manufacturing technology is introduced, offering a transformative approach to additive manufacturing and materials processing. Unlike conventional UV-curing methods that rely on liquid-phase resins, this technique enables cross-linking of materials directly in their solid state, allowing for enhanced control, stability, and versatility in fabrication processes. A variety of materials are explored, including those that are commercially available as well as those derived or modified from commercial precursors, to demonstrate their feasibility for solid-state UV activation. The selection criteria for these materials are discussed, with a focus on their photoreactivity, mechanical properties post-curing, and compatibility with UV irradiation in the solid phase.
The advantages of solid-state UV cross-linking over traditional liquid-based methods are significant. These include reduced material flow and spreading during exposure, improved spatial resolution, minimized shrinkage, and the ability to pre-shape or pre-assemble materials prior to curing. Such capabilities are especially advantageous in applications requiring high structural precision and complex geometries.
Several application scenarios are presented to showcase the potential of this technology in advanced manufacturing. Particular emphasis is placed on its role in rapid volumetric additive manufacturing, where the ability to initiate cross-linking volumetrically and simultaneously enables ultrafast fabrication of complex three-dimensional objects. This represents a breakthrough in speed and scalability, with potential applications in biomedical devices, micro-optics, electronics, and structural materials. Overall, solid-state UV cross-linking opens new opportunities for additive manufacturing with greater precision, material diversity, and functional integration.
