AsianScientist (Mar. 22, 2017) – Waseda University researchers have developed a process to dramatically improve the quality of 3D printed resin products. Their results have been published in Scientific Reports.
Fused deposition modeling 3D printers are relatively low cost and suitable for home use. However, finished products suffer from “ribbing,” a rough appearance due to grooves between layers of applied resin material.
One existing method for surface smoothing is polishing or grinding to reduce the appearance of ribs. However, the polishing devices add complexity and cost to the machine, and capture and disposal of the generated dust adds further complexity, making the whole machine impractical for household use.
Another existing method for finishing uses vaporized solvents to melt and smooth the surface of the printed piece. This method has the advantage of capturing some of the dissolved material in the bottom of the grooves, improving smoothness and structural integrity with less wasted resin; however complexity of the machine, indiscriminate dissolution of the entire surface, and handling of large amounts of flammable solvents are major issues.
A team of researchers led by Professor Shinjiro Umeza has now developed a process that combines greatly improved surface texture and higher structural rigidity with lower cost, less complexity, safer use of solvent chemicals and elimination of troublesome waste dust.
Called 3D chemical melting finishing (3D-CMF), the new method uses a tool to selectively apply solvent to certain parts of the printed piece which require smoothing.
The new 3D-CMF method has major advantages over previous methods, which promise to move 3D printing into a much more attractive commercial position. 3D-CMF removes less material, creates less waste and achieves more precise shaping, while using less solvent for better safety and lower cost. In addition, pen tips can be changed to further increase surface shaping precision.
The article can be found at: Takagishi & Umezu (2017) Development of the Improving Process for the 3D Printed Structure.
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Source: Waseda University.
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