3d printing in the classroom copyright © 2012 board of trustees, university of illinois. all rights...

3D Printing in the Classroom

Copyright © 2012 Board of Trustees, University of Illinois. All rights reserved. Last modified 2/10/12

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Today

• Learn about creating nano-sized 3-D objects• Learn about polymerization and how it can be

initiated by light• Learn how to use this technology to create

3-D objects

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Micromanufacturing

• Current micromanufacturing methods make relatively flat objects.– Alignment of layers hard to

achieve– Process very complex and

expensive

• Flat objects called 2-D or 2.5-D

The Challenge: Lack truly 3-D microfabrication methodsThe Challenge: Lack truly 3-D microfabrication methods

Example of 2.5D objects

The Solution: Microstereo LithographyThe Solution: Microstereo Lithography

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Micromanufacturing• Micromanufacturing refers to methods used

to create structures of micrometer sizes or smaller.

One micrometer, or micron, is one-millionth of a meter ( )

One nanometer is one-billionth of a meter ( )

1.0x10 6m

1.0x10 9m

50 microns

Micro Gears Photonic Crystal Bioreactor

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3-Dimensional Printing

• Work of Professor Nicholas Fang in nanoscale optical imaging

• Idea is to mimic a complicated and expensive lab setup in an inexpensive way.

• Uses equipment normally found in a school classroom.

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3-Dimensional Printing

• So, can’t take $ 500,000 machine into classroom – what can students do?

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3-Dimensional Printing

computer with PowerPoint image

data projector

magnifying glassmirror

elevatorproduct (3-d object)

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Light-Activated Polymer

• uv light reacts with initiator to create two radicals.

• Radicals each have single free electron.

+

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Light Activated Polymer

• Radical bonds with monomer.

• Now single free electron at end of chain

+

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Light Activated Polymer

• Repeats until two ends with free electrons interact and bond.

+

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Elevator Design

• Drawer slide provides smooth movement.

• T-nut and threaded screw controls motion.

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Slicing the 3D Object

• 3D objects are constructed by slices.

• Overlapping between layers is generally required.

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Overhanging Structures?

• Amount of Sudan I determines thickness of layer. Optical

absorptiondepth

Opticalabsorptiondepth

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What to Do

• Make black/white images.

• Set up system.

• Print!

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Slicing the 3D Object

• Create each different slice.

• Add blank slide to advance elevator.

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Sample

• To make a rectangular box…

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Sample

• To make a rectangular box…

Repeat this slide to make a taller rectangular cube

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Alignment is Important

• Be sure each slide aligns.

• To align - copy slide, make modifications.

• Check properties.

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Preparation Slides

• Polymer reacts with uv light.

• Polymer does NOT react with red light, but we can see red.

• Red is good color to use for preparing an apparatus.

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Focus Slide

• Use a red complex image to focus.

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Alignment Slide

• Make a red version of the largest image to align.

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Instructions

• Use red text for instructions.

Repeat 25 times

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Final

• Put these elements together in one file.

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Examples of Objects

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Examples of Objects

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Examples of Objects

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Examples of Objects

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Examples of Objects

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Examples of Objects

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Examples of Objects

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Examples of Objects

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Using Math

Student Objects

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Student Objects

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A Different Application!

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One Layer at a Time

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Mathematical Sculpture

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Mathematical Sculptures

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The Holy Grail

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Engagement Ring!

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