Background

Stereolithography is widely used for prototyping and functional verification of industrial products because transparent 3D objects can be produced with high accuracy. In addition, ultra-high precision microstereolithography techniques are actively developed in recent years(Figure 1). On the other hand, there are the following problems for manufacturing practical products at present.

1. Expansion of drawing line width of micro / nano stereolithography and improvement of drawing speed

   The problem that the drawing line width / drawing speed is limited by the spot size.

2. Reduction in processing accuracy due to steps caused by accumulation of layers

   Steps occurring in the stacking direction, which is a common problem of 3D printers.

3. Restrictions on applicable materials

   Only photocurable resin can be used.

In this theme, we are working on solving these problems.

Goals

1. Seamless 3D fabrication based on variable drawing line width (line witdh:50nm-100μm)
2. Reduction of processing time using 3D hollowed-out models (less than 1/10)
3. Realization of multiscale omnidirectional 3D fabrication with high accuracy
4. Creation of various ceramic functional elements by molding processes(Figure 2)
5. Development of artificial organ using biocompatible gel (cm size)
6. Open innovation by super 3D fabrication technology platform

Ripple Effect

Application to MEMS, wearable device, photonics, advanced medical treatment, etc. will be expected

Implementation contents

1. Expansion of drawing line width of micro / nano fabrication and improvement of drawing speed

   Flexible control of focus spot size by spatial light modulation

   Realization of drawing line width which is difficult to achieve by conventional methods

   Highly efficient fabrication using hollowed-out CAD models

2. Reduction of steps caused by stacking

   Realization of highly accurate 3D fabrication by multiscale omnidirectional processing(Figure 3).

3. Expansion of applicable materials　

   Creation of 3D functional elements with various materials such as ceramics and gels by molding processes

4. Open innovation

   We construct a high-precision 3D printer with fabrication resolution of 1 μm using a blue laser. The 3D printer is installed at KISTEC and promotes open innovation efforts.

Outputs

1. Tools/Technologies

   High resolution, Microscale 3D fabrication system (multi scale type)

   High resolution, Microscale 3D fabrication system (popular edition)

2. Utilization hub of tools and technologies 　

   Yokonhama National University/Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Science and Technology(KISTEC)

3. Innovation style

   Development of super 3D fabrication platform and production of high value-added products