DESCRIPTION
3D printing or additive manufacturing is digital modeling and printing one layer at a time to get a finished product. Stereolithography is a commonly used technique for 3D printing. There are several drawbacks with currently available stereolithography (SLA) resins, prominently with respect to poor mechanical properties. Researchers at NDSU have developed a novel modification of SLA 3D printer to induce fiber alignment in 3D printed products. A special apparatus was constructed and added to the SLA printer to maintain uniform fiber dispersion in each printed part. The modified configuration hosts a dual curing system that assists in uniform fiber dispersion and orientation. Fibers can be aligned layer by layer during curing, reinforcing the resin to produce stronger 3D prints, with improved mechanical properties such as flexibility and tensile strength. The use of reinforced fibers in the resin matrix also allows an improvement in the load-bearing and penetrative properties of both the matrix and the fiber, as compared to those without any reinforcement.
SLA resins exhibit improved mechanical properties, such as:
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Locked alignment
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Increased strength;
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High-stress tolerance
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Reduced shrinkage, allowing for maintained dimensional tolerance;
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Compatible with different types of fibers
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Cost-effective
Phase of Development
This technology has completed laboratory testing with reproducible results.
Applications
This technology is an immediate modification of the current industry standard SLA printers. It can, in turn, be used for small- and large-scale manufacturing of, but not limited to:
- Packaging materials, electronics, food, paper, etc.
- Laminates
- Automotive components
- Household novelty items
Patent
This technology is subject to the Issued U.S. Patent No. 12,178,415 and is available for licensing/partnering opportunities.
