3D Printing in the Classroom

Copyright 2012 Board of Trustees, University of Illinois. All rights reserved. Last modified 2/10/12
 Today
Learn about creating nano-sized 3-D objects
Learn about polymerization and how it can be
initiated by light
Learn how to use this technology to create
3-D objects

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 Micromanufacturing
Current micromanufacturing methods make
relatively flat objects.
Alignment of layers hard to
achieve
Process very complex and
expensive
Example of 2.5D objects
Flat objects called 2-D or 2.5-D

The Challenge: Lack truly 3-D microfabrication methods

The Solution: Microstereo Lithography

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 Micromanufacturing
Micromanufacturing refers to methods used
to create structures of micrometer sizes or
smaller.
One micrometer, or micron, is
one-millionth of a meter ( 1.0x106 m )

One nanometer is one-billionth of

a meter ( 1.0x109 m )

50 microns
Micro Gears Photonic Crystal Bioreactor 4
 3-Dimensional Printing
Work of Professor
Nicholas Fang in
nanoscale optical
imaging
Idea is to mimic a
complicated and
expensive lab
setup in an
inexpensive way.
Uses equipment
normally found in
a school
classroom.

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 3-Dimensional Printing
So, cant take
$ 500,000
machine into
classroom
what can
students do?

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 3-Dimensional Printing

computer with mirror

PowerPoint image magnifying glass

data
projector
product elevator
(3-d object)
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 Light-Activated Polymer

uv light reacts +
with initiator to
create two
radicals.
Radicals each
have single free
electron.

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 Light Activated Polymer

Radical bonds +
with monomer.
Now single free
electron at end of
chain

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 Light Activated Polymer

Repeats until two +

ends with free
electrons interact
and bond.

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 Elevator Design
Drawer slide provides
smooth movement.
T-nut and threaded
screw controls motion.

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 Slicing the 3D Object
3D objects are
constructed by
slices.
Overlapping
between layers is
generally
required.

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 Overhanging Structures?

Amount of
Sudan I
determines
thickness of
Optical
layer. absorption
depth

Optical
absorption
depth

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 What to Do
Make black/white images.
Set up system.
Print!

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 Slicing the 3D Object
Create each
different slice.

Add blank slide to

advance elevator.

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 Sample
To make a rectangular box

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 Sample
To make a rectangular box

Repeat this
slide to
make a
taller
rectangular
cube

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 Alignment is Important
Be sure each slide aligns.
To align - copy slide, make modifications.
Check properties.

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 Preparation Slides
Polymer reacts with uv light.
Polymer does NOT react with red light, but
we can see red.

Red is good color to use for preparing an

apparatus.
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 Focus Slide
Use a red complex image to focus.

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 Alignment Slide
Make a red version of the largest image to
align.

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 Instructions
Use red text for instructions.

Repeat 25 times

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 Final
Put these elements together in one file.

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Examples of Objects

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Examples of Objects

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Examples of Objects

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Examples of Objects

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Examples of Objects

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Examples of Objects

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Examples of Objects

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Examples of Objects

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Using Math

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Student Objects

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Student Objects

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A Different Application!

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One Layer at a Time

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Mathematical Sculpture

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Mathematical Sculptures

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The Holy Grail

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Engagement Ring!

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