Growing three-dimensional objects with light.

Area of Science:

• Additive Manufacturing
• Materials Science
• Photochemistry

Background:

• Vat photopolymerization (VP) 3D printing, developed in the 1980s, faced limitations in speed and material properties.
• Decades of advancements in light delivery, interface design, and materials chemistry have overcome initial drawbacks.
• VP technology has matured for industrial-scale production and practical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To trace the key developments driving the VP printing revolution.
• To highlight the fundamental roles of light, interfaces, and materials in VP advancements.
• To provide context for Continuous Liquid Interface Production (CLIP) within the broader VP field.

Main Methods:

• Focus on fundamental physics and key breakthroughs in VP.
• Examine advancements in light delivery, interface design, and materials chemistry.
• Discuss in situ print process monitoring techniques like optical coherence tomography.

Main Results:

• Identified breakthroughs enabling faster and higher-resolution VP printing.
• Demonstrated improved material properties for 3D printed parts.
• Showcased how in situ monitoring enhances process understanding.

Conclusions:

• VP additive manufacturing has undergone a revolution driven by fundamental scientific and engineering progress.
• Continuous Liquid Interface Production (CLIP) exemplifies these advancements.
• Future frontiers include multimaterial and inorganic material printing using VP techniques.