Stereolithographic System to 3D Print Magnetic Constructs

Aligns Magnetic Particles in Resin During Layer-By-Layer Laser Curing

This stereolithographic 3D printer uses a print head that aligns magnetically responsive particles suspended in a liquid resin composition as it solidifies to create custom magnetic structures. Stereolithographic 3D printing polymerizes successive layers of liquid monomers using ultraviolet lasers that give the print its desired shape. Stereolithographic printers produce high quality prints with smooth surface finishes comparable to traditionally manufactured materials . High quality magnetic 3D prints have various biomedical and networking applications, but available stereolithographic printer designs are not able to print field-aligned magnetic composites effectively.

Researchers at the University of Florida have developed an stereolithographic 3D printer that fabricates field-aligned magnetic constructs by utilizing a print head generating magnetic force and a magnetic particle resin. Magnetic stereolithographic printing can be an asset to antenna manufacturing and for development of electronics or biomedical devices.

Application

Stereolithographic 3D printer that creates field-aligned 3D magnetic structures

Advantages

• 3D prints field-aligned magnetic constructs, facilitating development of various electronics, antennas, or biomedical devices
• Print heads are simple, inexpensive, and reliable, providing easy and affordable magnetic 3D printing

Technology

This stereolithographic printer produces field-aligned 3D magnet structures by applying a magnetic force at the print head that aligns the magnetically responsive particles in a liquid resin composition. The magnetic field maintains alignment of the magnetic particles throughout the printing process. A resin composition made of magnetic and polymer materials creates aligned magnets during laser solidification, which fixes the magnetic orientation of the 3D print.