A new 3D printing technique developed at the University of Texas at Austin uses different light colors to fuse soft and hard materials into a single object, mimicking the flexibility and strength found in natural tissues.
The process, described in the journal Nature Materials, offers a fast and accurate way to integrate contrasting material properties in a single print. It could enable the creation of devices that flex and stretch like human joints or skin, all built using relatively simple and accessible equipment.
The researchers formulated a liquid resin inspired by the way nature combines rigid and pliable components like bone and cartilage. They combined it with a specially designed dual-light printing system. By switching between violet and ultraviolet light, they could solidify the liquid resin into either a flexible or rigid form.
To test the system, the team printed a miniature knee joint with flexible ligaments and rigid bones. It moved together smoothly, demonstrating the 3D printing method’s capabilities. They also developed a prototype electronic device with a gold wire embedded in material that could bend in some places while remaining firm in others, which helped to prevent circuit failure.
The study also addresses a common problem in mixed-material products: different parts often separate or degrade at the point they meet. For example, when the sole of a trainer detaches from the rest of the shoe. The new approach makes those joints much more durable.
Alongside improved performance, the team’s 3D printing method is faster and delivers finer detail than existing techniques. The team believes the simplicity of the setup means it could be used not just in labs, but also in hospitals, schools, and design studios.
Source: 3D Printing Breakthrough Uses Dual-Light to Build Flexible, Lifelike Devices
