Vision Controlled Jetting – Contactless 3D Inkjetting
Fully functional systems and robots printed in contact-free manner from multiple materials in a single process.
Until now, complex assembly processes were necessary to produce functional systems made from different materials. We investigated high-resolution, large-build volume 3D printing methods. 3D inkjet deposition builds systems layer-by-layer. When a layer is flat, it is cured using polymerization induced by exposure to UV light. Previous methods used for example mechanical rollers to ensure each printed layer is flat before curing. The necessity for mechanical contact restricts the classes of materials available for printing. Additionally, we use wax with a low melting point as a support material that coats all structures. The wax support structure melts at 60°C, allowing us to print complex systems with cavities in a single pass.
