Tiny 3D Printing: A laser-activated 3D printing technique pushes the limits of speed, size, and precision

2020-02-25T18:45:00-05:00

In recent years, 3D printing has become the go-to technology for designers looking to prototype and deploy new designs and products.

Researchers from École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) have made a great (tiny) leap forward in the technology by creating a groundbreaking printing method that uses translucent liquid and a spinning container to produce tiny 3D prints.

According to a press statement by EPFL, "The new technique draws on the principles of tomography, a method used mainly in medical imaging to build a model of an object based on surface scans. The printer works by sending a laser through the translucent gel – either a biological gel or liquid plastic, as required."

Image still courtesy of EPFL.

As one can imagine, this new micro 3D-printing system has potential applications in a range of fields, including architecture.

3D printing company Readily3D is already in the process of creating a version of this print system that will be available for the market. The tr...

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Tiny 3D Printing: A laser-activated 3D printing technique pushes the limits of speed, size, and precision