The latest technology for 3D printing is injection CLIP, or iCLIP, a method that allows for faster printing with multiple types and colors of resin in a single object. This technology was developed by Stanford engineers and published in Science Advances in 2022. It is based on the previous method of continuous liquid interface production, or CLIP, which uses UV light and oxygen to cure resin in a thin pool. iCLIP improves on CLIP by adding syringe pumps that inject resin at key points, ensuring a smooth and continuous flow of material. This enables iCLIP to print 5 to 10 times faster than the fastest high-resolution printer currently available, and to use thicker resins with better mechanical and electrical properties. iCLIP also opens up new possibilities for creating complex, multi-material objects with different colors, textures, and functions.
iCLIP works by using a sequence of UV images projected through a pool of resin to harden the resin into the desired shape. The resin at the surface is cured by the UV light, while a layer of oxygen prevents curing at the bottom of the pool and creates a “dead zone” where the resin remains in liquid form. The dead zone is the key to CLIP’s speed, as it allows the solid piece to rise without breaking the liquid surface. However, this also creates a challenge, as the resin needs to fill in behind the rising piece to maintain the dead zone. If the piece rises too quickly or the resin is too viscous, the resin flow may not be sufficient, resulting in defects or failures.
To solve this problem, iCLIP adds syringe pumps on top of the rising platform that inject resin at key points. The syringe pumps are controlled by a computer algorithm that calculates the optimal injection rate and location based on the shape and speed of the piece. The injected resin replenishes the dead zone and ensures a smooth and continuous printing process. The syringe pumps can also inject different types or colors of resin, allowing for the creation of multi-material objects with varying properties and appearances.
What are the advantages of iCLIP?
iCLIP has several advantages over conventional 3D printing methods, such as:
Speed: iCLIP can print 5 to 10 times faster than the fastest high-resolution printer currently available, which is also based on CLIP. This is because iCLIP can print at higher speeds without compromising the quality or resolution of the piece, as the syringe pumps ensure a sufficient resin flow. iCLIP can also print larger pieces in less time, as the size of the piece does not affect the printing speed.
Material diversity: iCLIP can use multiple types and colors of resin in a single object, creating complex and functional structures that are not possible with other methods. For example, iCLIP can print objects with different colors, textures, stiffness, elasticity, conductivity, or biocompatibility. iCLIP can also use thicker resins with better mechanical and electrical properties, which are usually difficult to print with CLIP due to their high viscosity and low oxygen permeability.
Design flexibility: iCLIP can print objects with intricate geometries and features that are challenging or impossible to print with other methods. For example, iCLIP can print objects with overhangs, cavities, hollows, or internal structures without the need for support materials or post-processing. iCLIP can also print objects with varying cross-sections, gradients, or patterns, as the syringe pumps can change the resin type or color at any point.
iCLIP has a wide range of potential applications in various fields, such as:
Biomedical engineering: iCLIP can print biocompatible and bioactive materials that can be used for tissue engineering, drug delivery, or implantable devices. For example, iCLIP can print scaffolds with different cell types, growth factors, or drugs that can promote tissue regeneration or healing. iCLIP can also print organs or tissues with complex structures and functions, such as blood vessels, heart valves, or skin.
Electronics: iCLIP can print conductive and insulating materials that can be used for creating electronic circuits, sensors, or actuators. For example, iCLIP can print flexible and stretchable electronics that can conform to various shapes and surfaces, such as wearable devices, smart textiles, or biomedical implants. iCLIP can also print 3D antennas, batteries, or solar cells that can enhance the performance or efficiency of wireless communication or energy harvesting systems.
Art and design: iCLIP can print aesthetic and functional objects that can be used for artistic expression, decoration, or entertainment. For example, iCLIP can print sculptures, jewelry, toys, or games with different colors, textures, or effects. iCLIP can also print objects that can interact with light, sound, or touch, such as lamps, speakers, or musical instruments.
Conclusion
iCLIP is the latest technology for 3D printing that offers faster printing with multiple types and colors of resin in a single object. It is based on the previous method of CLIP, which uses UV light and oxygen to cure resin in a thin pool. iCLIP improves on CLIP by adding syringe pumps that inject resin at key points, ensuring a smooth and continuous flow of material. iCLIP also enables the use of thicker resins with better mechanical and electrical properties, and the creation of complex, multi-material objects with different colors, textures, and functions. iCLIP has a wide range of potential applications in various fields, such as biomedical engineering, electronics, art and design, and more. iCLIP is a promising technology that could revolutionize the field of 3D printing and digital manufacturing.
