Solution Mask Liquid Lithography (SMaLL) for One-Step, Multimaterial 3D Printing

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Additive Manufacturing

Background:

• Current 3D printing methods often struggle with achieving spatially resolved mechanical and chemical properties.
• Controlling polymerization depth and speed is crucial for fabricating complex structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel 3D printing methodology for fabricating objects with spatially resolved mechanical and chemical properties.
• To enable rapid build rates and large depths of cure without mechanical components.

Main Methods:

• Utilized photochromic molecules to control polymerization via coherent bleaching fronts.
• Coupled photoswitches with resin mixtures containing orthogonal photo-crosslinking systems.
• Enabled simultaneous and selective curing of multiple polymer networks.

Main Results:

• Achieved large depths of cure and rapid build rates without moving parts.
• Fabricated 3D objects with chemically and mechanically distinct domains in a single step.
• Demonstrated the fabrication of bioinspired soft joints and reinforced "brick-and-mortar" structures.

Conclusions:

• The developed methodology offers a powerful approach for creating advanced 3D printed materials with tailored properties.
• This technique facilitates the one-step fabrication of complex, multi-functional structures.
• Potential applications include soft robotics, tissue engineering, and advanced composites.