FURI | Summer 2022

Vat Photopolymerization of Smart Meta-Structures with Highly Removable and Recyclable Supportable Polymers

Current vat photopolymerization (VPP) technology can print three-dimensional (3D) objects with high precision and fast speed. For complex computer-aided design (CAD) mega-structures, a significant amount of additional support structures are required in order to ensure the overhanging and free-hanging features can be fabricated. However, internal support structures cannot be directly removed, and it is time-consuming to manually remove all the support structures. In addition, unexpected damage and undesired surface marks will be caused by the removal of the support structures. In this research, a novel vat photopolymerization process is developed and smart meta structures using highly removable and recyclable polymer as supports will be fabricated. Research tasks including hardware construction, material preparation, and system control are conducted.