Volumetric 3D Resin Printing: Combining Speed and Precision

Volumetric printing is an innovative 3D printing technology that provides fast printing speeds and surpasses the geometric and surface quality constraints of traditional layer-based vat photopolymerization methods. It is an advanced manufacturing process, which involves projecting a design into a pool of transparent photopolymer liquid from various angles.

This technology uses photopolymers and is often compared to SLA printing. However, what sets it apart is how it solidifies the resin. Instead of projecting a 2D image onto the current layer in the container, V3DP employs multiple lasers to create intersecting points within the liquid, enabling a precise 3D object creation.

The main applications of volumetric additive manufacturing include 3D printing in healthcare, such as optics, 3D printing in dentistry, audiology, bioengineering, microfluidics and prototyping. In essence, these are sectors that will increasingly demand swift and scalable techniques for crafting three-dimensional structures in centimetre-scale dimensions.

Acrylates

Acrylates are a type of synthetic resin or polymer derived from acrylic acid or its esters. Standard acrylate photoresins comprise a blend of multi-functional monomers, oligomers, a photoinitiator and an optical absorber. The role of the absorber is to regulate how deeply the incoming light penetrates and as a result, to control the polymerization process as a whole. Acrylates are widely used in various industries due to their versatility and desirable material properties. The introduction of volumetric additive manufacturing was initially facilitated by acrylated urethanes, owing to their elevated reactivity, cost-effectiveness, and widespread availability.

Elastomers

Elastomers are polymers possessing both viscosity and elasticity (“viscoelasticity”). Due to their elastic properties, they can return to their original shape after being stretched or deformed. They are commonly used in various applications where flexibility and resilience are required, such as in rubber bands, seals, gaskets, and other flexible components. Elastomers are highly durable materials that can withstand repeated stretching and compression without experiencing permanent deformation. They find wide use in industries ranging from automotive and construction to healthcare and consumer goods

Epoxies

Epoxies are synthetic resins that are known for their strong adhesive properties, thermal stability and exceptional bonding strength. They are formed by mixing together two components - a resin and a hardener - which undergo a chemical reaction to create a rigid, durable material. Epoxies are commonly used in a wide range of applications, including construction, automotive, electronics, aerospace, and marine industries. They provide excellent adhesion to various surfaces and can be easily shaped and moulded.

Polymer-derived ceramics

Polymer-derived ceramics are advanced materials that are produced through the pyrolysis (high-temperature heating in the absence of oxygen) of specially designed polymer precursors. These precursors are typically made from organic polymers containing ceramic-forming elements like silicon, carbon, nitrogen, and others. Polymer-derived ceramics offer advantages such as high-temperature stability, excellent mechanical properties, and resistance to harsh environments. They are used in a wide range of industries, including aerospace, electronics, energy, and manufacturing, where their tailored properties make them invaluable for specific engineering requirements.

Thiol-enes

Thiol-enes are a type of chemical reaction between a thiol (a compound containing a sulphur-hydrogen bond) and an alkene (a compound containing a carbon-carbon double bond). They are widely used in various industries, including polymer chemistry and material science. They offer advantages such as high efficiency, rapid reaction rates, and the ability to be initiated by various means, including light or heat. These features make thiol-ene reactions valuable in the development of advanced materials, adhesives, coatings, and many other applications.

Hydrogels

Hydrogels are three-dimensional, crosslinked networks of polymers that have the ability to absorb and retain water. They are composed of a water-rich structure, making them similar in consistency to natural tissues. Hydrogels are widely used in various applications, including biomedical and pharmaceutical fields, due to their unique properties. These materials are known for their biocompatibility, which makes them suitable for applications such as drug delivery systems, wound dressings and tissue engineering. Additionally, hydrogels can be engineered to possess specific characteristics like flexibility, porosity, and controlled release of substances, making them versatile materials in the development of medical devices and therapies.