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Modification of a desktop FFF printer via NIR laser addition for upconversion 3D printing
Adilet Zhakeyev1, Rohith Devanathan1, Jose Marques-Hueso1,2,3
1Institute of Sensors, Signals and Systems, Heriot-Watt University, EH14 4AS, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
Hardwarex
|April 5, 2024
Summary
Upconversion 3D printing uses near-infrared lasers to overcome layer-by-layer limitations, enabling printing at any depth. This innovative 3D printing technique offers versatile applications, including repairs and printing within complex structures.
Area of Science:
- Additive Manufacturing
- Materials Science
- Optics
Background:
- Traditional 3D printing methods are limited by the shallow penetration depth of UV or blue light, necessitating layer-by-layer fabrication.
- Upconversion 3D printing leverages upconversion luminescence and near-infrared (NIR) lasers to enable volumetric printing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a cost-effective upconversion 3D printing system.
- To demonstrate the capability of printing at any depth within a resin container, overcoming traditional limitations.
Main Methods:
- Modification of a low-cost fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printer by integrating a 980 nm NIR laser and control circuitry.
- Utilizing upconversion processes for selective voxel crosslinking at user-defined positions.
Main Results:
- Achieved enhanced penetration depths of up to 5.8 cm, enabling printing within or through existing 3D printed parts.
- Demonstrated the ability to print inside cavities of different materials.
- The modification cost was approximately £180.
Conclusions:
- Upconversion 3D printing offers a novel approach to additive manufacturing with significant advantages in penetration depth and printing flexibility.
- This technique opens new avenues for applications such as object restoration, in situ bioprinting, 3D circuitry, and complex internal structure fabrication.
