High Resolution Printing System with Large Field Optics and Related Process

Case ID:
UA25-032
Invention:

This invention focuses on developing a high-throughput 3D printing system with multiple printheads, each equipped with a custom microscope objective that offers a field of view (FOV) five times larger than the commercial objectives used in current systems. The enhanced FOV allows for a significant increase in production throughput and efficiency compared to industry standards. By utilizing multiple printheads and a larger FOV, this system reduces production costs while streamlining the manufacturing process to enable faster printing cycles, reduced waste, and minimized operational complexity. The ability to print more parts in less time can result in substantial cost savings for manufacturers, especially in high-demand environments.

Background: 
The current 3D printing systems in the industry face limitations in throughput and production speed due to smaller printhead FOVs and the reliance on single-printhead systems, which lead to increased time and costs for large-scale production. Narrow FOVs can lead to stitching errors when combining adjacent print regions, compromising part quality. There is a growing demand for more efficient 3D printing solutions capable of handling higher volumes at lower costs. By integrating multiple printheads, this system can print multiple regions of a component simultaneously. This makes the system ideal for industries requiring rapid, large-scale production, such as consumer electronics, automotive, and biomedical devices.

Applications: 

  • High-throughput 3D printing
  • Advanced manufacturing systems
  • Custom microscope objectives
  • Rapid prototyping and large-scale production


Advantages: 

  • Increased production throughput
  • Significant reduction in production costs
  • Streamlined manufacturing process
  • Greater efficiency in handling large-scale production needs
  • Customizable printhead configuration for specialized applications
Patent Information:
Contact For More Information:
Richard Weite
Senior Licensing Manager, College of Optical Sciences
The University of Arizona
RichardW@tla.arizona.edu
Lead Inventor(s):
Rongguang Liang
Keywords: