Multi-material, multi-technology stereolithography

Abstract

For more than a decade, our group has been developing the methods and systems required to have spatial control over material placement and structure creation, leading to, for example, the realisation of complex three-dimensional (3D) devices that integrate electronics and thus intelligence within mechanical structures as well as 3D spatially complex bioactive, implantable, tissue engineered constructs. There are myriad issues associated with combining multiple materials to create functional products, ranging from the deposition and processing of different materials to the combined performance of the materials in the resulting product. Stereolithography (SL) has been the primary technology focus of this work because it offers high quality surface finish, dimensional accuracy, and a variety of material options that includes implantable materials. Moreover, SL builds in essentially ambient, minimally controlled environmental conditions that provide easy access to the build chamber and enable straightforward conversion of existing single material SL systems to multiple material and hybrid manufacturing systems. This paper describes the development of multiple material and multiple technology (hybrid) stereolithography systems capable of manufacturing multiple material structures with mechanical, electrical, and biochemical functionality.