2024-02-28 23:02:54
You probably already know that there are currently 3D printing solutions that make it possible to obtain colored parts. But did you know that you can do it with just one ink? This is the aim of the work of a group of researchers from the Beckman Institute, in the United States, who have developed a printing technique capable of obtaining multi-colored results from a single ink . Inspired by the fascinating ability of chameleons to change color, researchers managed to create this natural feature in 3D printing. This project promises greater sustainability and will certainly pave the way for further research and advancements in the field of additive manufacturing.
Even today, colors are produced from pigments or chemical dyes. In the world of additive manufacturing, there are no exceptions. Although there are machines capable of printing in different colors and automatically switching from one color to another, their number is limited and each color is requested separately. However, the study published today shows that this situation is regarding to change. On the other hand, as in any other industry, the production of paints is harmful to the environment. While in the world of additive manufacturing, production methods are environmentally friendly, with little waste for example, this new development makes it possible to create colors while consuming less energy and producing less harmful waste for the planet.
Modification of the FDM 3D printer (photo credits: Beckman Institute)
How does this 3D printing technique work?
The 3D printing process proposed by the researchers is based on a “direct writing” technique capable of changing color during the printing process using UV-assisted ink. To achieve this result, an FDM printer was modified by adding certain elements, including a UV guide and a pressure moderator for the UV light. The UV guide radiates light directly to the extruder and this light changes the color of the ink as the material cures. Depending on the concentration of UV rays, the ink will be one color or another. This technique is similar to that used for resin printing, but in this case with specially designed copolymers.
The results are surprising. Just as chameleons shift from green, which is considered their base color, to other, more striking colors, researchers have managed to create more vibrant colors. Sanghyun Jeon, lead author of the research, explains: “ Unlike traditional colors, which come from pigments or chemical dyes that absorb light, structural colors abundant in many biological systems come from nanotextured surfaces that interfere with visible light. They are therefore more vibrant and potentially more durable. »
The ink was named c-BBCP. This image shows the color progression from blue to red following a few seconds (photo credits: Beckman Institute).
The strong point of this study is undoubtedly sustainability. By simply producing a single ink, the entire color production chain we know today, based on pigments and chemical dyes, would be significantly reduced. This means savings in production time, costs and materials. Light would be enough to create an infinity of colors. If it is true that the results obtained so far have been in small proportions, it is to be hoped that research progresses and that more varieties of colors will soon be created. To learn more regarding the study, click ici.
What do you think of this new color 3D printing method? Share your opinion in the comments to the article. Find all our videos on our channel YouTube or follow us on Facebook or Twitter !
*Cover photo credits: Pixabay.
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