Researchers have developed a printing process that prints strong nonmetallic materials in record time — five times faster than traditional 3D printing. The process, called SWOMP, which stands for Selective dual-wavelength Olefin metathesis 3D printing, uses dual-wavelength light, unlike the traditional printing process.

The team took inspiration from a technique known as continuous liquid interface printing along with a printing approach using dual-wavelength light for acrylic-based polymerizations. It still prints layer by layer but uses a second wavelength of light to prevent polymerization at the bottom of the vat.

But this new process isn’t just about efficiency. It’s about making 3D printed materials stronger and more versatile. This team turned to the material dicyclopentadiene, which is commonly used in the production of paints, varnishes, and flame retardants for plastics. They developed a way to polymerize it more rapidly with light so that it can be used more efficiently in 3D printing. This changed the building blocks of the materials from acrylic-based to olefin-based materials. (Image credit: Sandia National Labs)

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Topics:
3D Printing & Additive Manufacturing Additive manufacturing Advanced manufacturing Data management Documentation Imaging and visualization Medical Optics Polymers

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    This article first appeared in the December, 2024 issue of Medical Design Briefs Magazine (Vol. 14 No. 12).

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