Large-Scale Rapid Liquid Printing
Name
3dp.2017.0037.pdf
Description
Published version
Size
372.79 KB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
94fdc388b7af577e1c435e913e54d9c3
Author(s)
Hajash, Kathleen
Sparrman, Bjorn Eric
Guberan, Christophe
Laucks, Jared S.
Tibbits, Skylar
Date Issued
September 2017
Journal
3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing
Publisher
Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.
Citation
Hajash, Kathleen et al. "Large-Scale Rapid Liquid Printing." 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing, 4, 3 (September 2017): 123-132 © 2017 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.
Version
Final published version
Abstract
Despite many advances, most three-dimensional (3D) printers today remain in the realm of rapid prototyping, rarely being used for manufacturing. Currently, the greatest challenges to advancing 3D printing technology are small build volumes, long print times, and limited material properties. In this article, we present rapid liquid printing (RLP) as a solution to these challenges. RLP is an experimental process that uses a tank of granular gel as a reusable support medium to greatly increase the speed, size, and material properties in 3D printing. The RLP machine can freely print in any direction, rather than layer by layer, depositing liquid material into the granular gel to form 3D structures. The RLP deposition system can use any one- or two-part material that is photo or chemically cured, expanding the range of possible materials to include high-quality industrial-grade rubbers, foams, and plastics, among many others. It is platform independent and can be implemented on any computer numerically controlled machine, robotic arm, or similar fabrication machine. In our research, we demonstrate the possible range of scales, printing both small- and large-scale objects ranging from inches to many feet. In addition to scale, RLP is fast, capable of printing a complex object in seconds to minutes rather than hours or days. In this article, we outline the three major components in the system: the control platform, deposition system, and granular gel. In addition, we explain our materials research and outline the primary steps of operation. Lastly, we present our results by comparing prints from an RLP machine with a stereolithography printer. With a combination of speed, scale, and a wide range of materials, RLP is an ideal platform for researchers, designers, and manufacturers to quickly print large-scale products with high-quality, industrial-grade materials. Keywords: 3D printing; large-scale printing; robotic fabrication; rapid liquid printing; additive manufacturing
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Self-Assembly Lab
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Terms of Use
Article is made available in accordance with the publisher's policy and may be subject to US copyright law. Please refer to the publisher's site for terms of use.
Persistent DSpace Link
DOI of Published Version
https://doi.org/10.1089/3dp.2017.0037
