The FUTURE of 3D Printing? Computed Axial Lithography!

Summary

In this video, Joel and Taylor explore the innovation of computed axial lithography (CAL) at UC Berkeley, where the technology was developed. Taylor explains the process, which involves projecting light onto a photoreactive material that forms 3D objects through polymerization. The open-source software, written in Python, optimizes light dosage and creates projections for the 3D model. They demonstrate the process by printing detailed objects, including a mascot and overprinted items. Viewers are encouraged to explore the project through GitHub and join the open-source community for further collaboration.

Takeaways

• 🔬 Computed axial lithography was invented at UC Berkeley, led by Professor Pi Hayden Taylor and grad student Brett Kelly.
• 💡 The technology involves projecting light to create 3D objects and requires reinvention of materials, hardware, and software.
• 🎥 The hardware includes a modified projector that uses 405nm wavelength blue light, similar to consumer-grade resin printers.
• 🧪 The 'goo' or material consists of a monomer (the building plastic) and a photoinitiator, which reacts to the light and forms polymer chains.
• 💻 The projection software, which voxelizes models and optimizes light dosage, is open source and written in Python.
• 🛠 The system can print detailed 3D models, and the setup includes a rotating vial to evenly expose the material to light.
• 🌐 The software and resources are accessible through an open GitHub repository and a Discord community for collaboration.
• 🎨 The technology allows for complex overprinting, where additional material can be printed directly over existing objects, like hearing aids.
• 🥼 The process is capable of creating high-quality, highly calibrated parts, including intricate metal prints like copper dog bones.
• 🚀 The field is advancing quickly, with ongoing innovations that will soon bring more exciting developments to the public.

Q & A

What is computed axial lithography?

Computed axial lithography (CAL) is a 3D printing technology that involves projecting light to cure resin in a rotating vial. It was invented at UC Berkeley, and it allows for printing objects all at once rather than layer by layer.

Who invented computed axial lithography?

The idea for computed axial lithography was conceived by Professor Pi Hayden Taylor, with graduate student Brett Kelly further developing the concept and publishing the first original papers.

What components are needed for the CAL process?

The CAL process involves a projector that emits 405 nm blue light, a rotating vial containing photoreactive resin (composed of monomer and photoinitiator), and open-source software to generate the necessary light projections.

What is the role of the monomer and photoinitiator in the CAL process?

The monomer acts as the building block of the printed object, while the photoinitiator reacts to the light and starts forming polymer chains by connecting monomer molecules, thereby solidifying the material.

How is the projection software used in the CAL process?

The projection software voxelizes a 3D model, simulates how light will pass through the resin, and optimizes the dose distribution of light to ensure accurate printing. The software is open source and available in Python.

What makes CAL different from other 3D printing techniques?

Unlike traditional 3D printing methods that print objects layer by layer, CAL can print objects all at once by rotating the resin and projecting light in a controlled manner, offering more complex geometries and higher precision.

What are some potential applications of computed axial lithography?

CAL can be used to print complex objects such as medical devices like hearing aids, overprinting directly onto existing objects, and producing high-quality metal prints with materials like copper.

How does CAL ensure that light is accurately projected through the resin?

The machine uses a fluid with the same refractive index as the glass vial to eliminate refraction and ensure that light passes through the resin uniformly, preventing distortion.

What open-source resources are available for CAL technology?

UC Berkeley provides open-source software for CAL on GitHub, allowing anyone to experiment with the technology. A Discord community is also available for discussions, contributions, and support.

What is overprinting in CAL, and why is it important?

Overprinting in CAL refers to printing directly over existing objects within the resin, such as embedding a hearing aid within a printed structure. This opens up new possibilities for integrating different components into printed designs.