Development of Multi-Material DLP 3D Printer

Abstract

3D printing is a technology that converts a computer-generated 3D model into a real object with additive manufacturing technology. A majority of 3D printing technologies uses one material, and this is considered a limitation. In this study, we developed a multi-material 3D printer by adopting dual resin vat and cleaning system with DLP (Digital Light Processing) 3D printing technology. The developed multi-material DLP 3D printer is composed of a manufacturing system, cleaning system, transporting system, and automatic resin recharging system. Various 3D structures were 3D printed with two materials, thus demonstrating the potential. Printing performance of the multi-material DLP 3D printer was studied by performing a comparative surface roughness test and tension test on specimens composed of one material as well as those composed of two materials.