MultiFab : a multi-material 3D printing platform

Abstract

This thesis presents the development of MultiFab, a multi-material 3D printing architecture that is high-resolution, scalable, and low-cost. MultiFab enables the 3D printing of parts with materials that interact optically and mechanically. The hardware is low-cost since it is built almost exclusively from off-the-shelf components. The system uses commercial piezoelectric printheads that enable multi-material 3D printing with a resolution of at least 40 [mu]m. This thesis presents the design and fabrication of MiniFab, a 3D printer that implements the MultiFab architecture, and its key subsystems, including novel material feeding and UV LED curing systems. Additionally, results show that the printer is capable of producing multi-material parts for a wide variety of applications..