2016-136 - 3D Printing with Variable Voxel Sizes

• Additive manufacturing

• Stereolithography

• 3D printing of large objects with small features

Abstract

USC researchers have developed a 3D printing technology that significantly improves on current techniques in terms of speed and resolution. This technology allows to dynamically vary the beam spot size to optimize the manufacture of parts with both small and large features. The technology does not require complex mechanical control systems to achieve the beam spot size selection, and is therefore more reliable and cost-effective than other techniques.

Benefit

• Higher fabrication speed

• Higher feature resolution

• Better smoothness

• Higher reliability

• Lower cost

Market Application

3D printing has significant advantages over traditional manufacturing methods in cost-effective rapid prototyping, rapid tooling and rapid manufacturing. However, there is a trade-off between the overall size of the object that is being built and the smallest feature resolution that can be fabricated.

Publications

High contrast gratings for 3D additive manufacture, EIPBN 2015

Other

• Tested experimentally

• Available for exclusive and non-exclusive license