Figure 4 Modular Printer System for Multifunctional Materials Research and Workforce Development
Abstract
This proposal requests funds to acquire a Figure 4 Modular printer system, a high resolution, contactless, digital light printing (DLP) 3D printer. The tool we plan to purchase is the highest quality 3D printer of its kind that would allow for the development and use of custom resins with delicate meso-scale designs. The Figure 4 will address needs across several projects under Shepherd (PI, Mechanical Eng.) and other research groups in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) and Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) departments at Cornell ranging from new methods in 3D printing, variable compliance structures, soft electronics, and soft robotics.The tool we propose to purchase is a contactless DLP 3D printer, meaning that during printing, the part and the window through which UV light is projected never come into contact. This is extremely important to being able to print delicate (100 micrometer scale) features that would be difficult with other common DLP printers such as the Ember. This machine, unlike other contactless printers such as the Carbon 3D printer, allows the use of custom resins and printing parameters, such as layer height and exposure time, because we would own, rather than lease, the printer. The Figure 4 also boasts printing of isotropic parts not affected by print orientation, high resolution (~65 micrometer), and six sigma performance for high reliability and repeatability in printed parts so we can fully utilize the properties of our custom resins.Shepherd’s group has developed custom silicone, hydrogel, and stretchable ionically conductive resins in the past with contact DLP printers. With the Figure 4, our groups can combine knowledge and experience in developing and using custom resins with the ability to reliably print small and delicate parts to create new mesoscale actuators, sensors, and robots with unique properties that previously could not be fabricated.The ability to manipulate and produce millimeter scale 3D structures with custom resins holding unique properties is a capability of keen interest to a swathe of scientific and engineering disciplines.Examples of the research areas that would benefit are- New DLP resins, Variable stiffness composites, Soft actuators, Soft electronics, Multiscale components, and Integrated systems This list of research areas illustrates several of the DoD related problems that we anticipate will benefit from the Figure 4’s 3D printing capabilities. Education and outreach activities using this machine and directed at K-12 students, undergraduates, and teachers are also described. By allowing summer interns, as well as prototyping based courses to use these facilities, we will improve the tactile component of work force development at Cornell and its partners.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 07, 2023
- Source ID
- FA95502110281
Entities
People
- Robert F Shepherd
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Cornell University
- United States Air Force