Structural dimensions depending on light intensity in a 3D printing method that utilizes in situ light as a guide

Abstract

Conventional 3D printing methods require the addition of a supporting layer in order to accurately and reliably fabricate the desired final product. However, the use of supporting material is not economically viable, and during the process of removing the supporting material, the shape or the properties of the final product may be distorted. In our previous work, we proposed and demonstrated the concept of a new 3D printing method that utilizes the in situ light as a guide for the fabrication of freestanding overhanging structures without the need for supporting material. In this study, the influence of the light intensity on the diameter of the structure and the thickness of the layer produced per droplet is analyzed in order to identify the geometric range of structures that can be fabricated by the new 3D printing method. As the intensity of the light increased, the diameter of the structure also increased and the thickness of the layer per droplet decreased. This result is determined by a combination of factors; (1) the rebound motion of the photocurable droplet and (2) the surface area of the structure that needs to be covered.