Invention:
This invention proposes a new method and print head design to manufacture complex 3D structures by using anisotropic materials. The technique consists of controlling both the shape and alignment of the anisotropic material by using applied electric and/or magnetic fields. With this method an object can be created layer by layer with different materials by spatially varying the anisotropy of the materials.
The most common applications where this new 3D manufacturing method and print head design includes industrial manufacturing, prototyping, arts, and optics. Other applications where the manufacturing process can be applied includes surgical or dental prosthetics, human organs, biomedical implants, fashion, food, and many other fields.
Background:
3D printing is a manufacturing method that converts a digital design into a physical object by printing and merging thin layers of material. It enables the creation of intricate and complex objects that are often challenging to produce using traditional manufacturing techniques like drilling, welding, and injection molding. Additionally, 3D printing accelerates and simplifies the prototyping process by reducing time, effort, and costs associated with manufacturing prototypes.
Anisotropic materials are a type of material whose properties vary when they are measured in different directions. Examples of such materials include composites such as fiber glass or carbon fibers reinforced laminates. Objects produced with FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D printers exhibit anisotropic properties.
Applications:
- Rapid prototyping
- Industrial manufacturing
- Optics
- Biomedical field (ex: surgical, dental prosthetics, biomedical implants)
- Fashion
Advantages:
- Enables the construction of a 3D printed object with different materials per layer
- Uses an electric and/or magnetic field to control the shape and alignment of the material
- Can be used in many different applications
