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Voxelated soft matter via multimaterial multinozzle 3D printing
Mark A Skylar-Scott1,2, Jochen Mueller1,2, Claas W Visser1,2
1Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
Nature
|November 15, 2019
Summary
Researchers developed multimaterial multinozzle 3D (MM3D) printing to create complex voxelated soft matter. This advanced 3D printing technique enables precise control over material composition and structure at the voxel scale.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Robotics
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- Voxelated matter fabrication is gaining interest, with inkjet 3D printing being the primary method for high-precision voxel creation.
- Inkjet printing's reliance on low-viscosity inks limits material choices, while direct ink writing struggles with multimaterial voxel generation.
- Current methods face challenges in creating complex, multimaterial voxelated structures with diverse properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel multimaterial multinozzle 3D (MM3D) printing method for fabricating voxelated soft matter.
- To enable programming of composition, function, and structure at the voxel scale.
- To overcome limitations of existing 3D printing techniques for complex material patterning.
Main Methods:
- Developed MM3D printheads utilizing diode-like behavior at material junctions for high-frequency switching.
- Enabled seamless switching between up to eight different viscoelastic materials.
- Achieved voxel creation with volumes approaching the nozzle diameter cubed.
Main Results:
- Successfully designed and fabricated voxelated soft matter with programmed properties.
- Demonstrated fabrication of a Miura origami pattern and a millipede-like soft robot.
- Co-printed epoxy and silicone elastomer inks with stiffness varying over several orders of magnitude.
Conclusions:
- MM3D printing significantly expands the range of materials and complexity achievable in voxelated matter.
- The method allows for unprecedented control over material properties and structural design at the microscale.
- This advancement opens new possibilities for creating sophisticated soft materials and devices.
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