Processing parameters investigation for the fabrication of self-supported and freeform polymeric microstructures using ultraviolet-assisted three-dimensional printing

Abstract

The ultraviolet-assisted 3D printing (UV-3DP) was used to manufacture photopolymer-based microdevices with 3D self-supported and freeform features. The UV-3DP technique consists of the robotized deposition of extruded filaments, which are rapidly photopolymerized under UV illumination during the deposition process. This paper systematically studies the processing parameters of the UV-3DP technique using two photocurable polymers and their associated nanocomposite materials. The main processing parameters including materials' rheological behavior, deposition speed and extrusion pressure, and UV illumination conditions were thoroughly investigated. A processing map was then defined in order to help choosing the proper parameters for the UV-3D printing of microstructures with various geometries. Compared to self-supported features, the accurate fabrication of 3D freeform structures was found to take place in a narrower processing region since a higher rigidity of the extruded filament was required for structural stability. Finally, various 3D self-supported and freeform microstructures with high potential in micro electromechanical systems, micro-systems and organic electronics were fabricated to show the capability of the technique.

Three‐Dimensional Printing of Multifunctional Nanocomposites: Manufacturing Techniques and Applications

“…Accurate fabrication of a pre‐designed structure and its resolution depend on the rheological behavior of the material and the resolution of the printing equipment . For instance, a high viscosity of materials and nanofiller clusters may cause processing problems, such as nozzle clogging . In this section, recent advances in 3DP of nanocomposite materials using extrusion‐based direct‐write techniques are reviewed with an emphasis on the printing capability and material requirements.…”

Printing Polymer Nanocomposites and Composites in Three Dimensions

“…Different processing parameters of UV-3D printing and SC-3D printing using pure resins and their associated nanocomposites (i.e., resins filled with carbon nanotubes) have systematically been investigated, and for each technique, a processing map has been defined. [45,46] limited to the manufacturing of prototypes and non-functional materials. Recently, with the help of nanotechnology, more and more material options have been provided to the 3D printing community for manufacturing of functional, high-strength products for various industrial domains, such as aerospace and microelectronics sectors.…”

“…Field effect transistor, sensing applications, MEMS, microelectronics [43,45,76] SC-3D printing Extrusion through a fine nozzle and solidification of polymer solution upon fast solvent evaporation Thermoplastic solutions…”

“…Different processing parameters of UV-3D printing and SC-3D printing using pure resins and their associated nanocomposites (i.e., resins filled with carbon nanotubes) have systematically been investigated, and for each technique, a processing map has been defined. [45,46] 3. What Nanotechnology Can Offer to 3D Printing?…”

Caracterización microscópica de texturas superficiales fabricadas aditivamente mediante estereolitografía láser

“…Como consecuencia de lo anteriormente expuesto, técnicas estándares de microfabricación, como las técnicas de estereolitografía [20], [21], se han adaptado para la fabricación de productos en 3D usando fotopolímeros. La Impresión 3D curable por ultravioleta (3DP-UV) [22] es una técnica alternativa empleada en la fabricación de microdispositivos basados en fotopolímeros con forma libre de 3D o con características soportadas [23].…”