Volumetric additive manufacturing via tomographic reconstruction

TLDR

Traditional 3D printing builds objects layer by layer, limiting applications such as printing around preexisting structures. The study proposes rotating a photopolymer within a dynamically evolving light field to fabricate objects in a single revolution. The technique enables printing of complex objects in a single revolution, eliminating layering and proving advantageous for high‑viscosity photopolymers and multimaterial builds. Published in Science, issue p.

Abstract

Fabrication goes for a quick spin Most 3D printing techniques involve adding material layer by layer. This sets some limitations on the types of applications for which 3D printing is suitable, such as printing around a preexisting object. Kelly et al. present a different method for manufacturing by rotating a photopolymer in a dynamically evolving light field (see the Perspective by Hart and Rao). This allowed them to print entire complex objects through one complete revolution, circumventing the need for layering. The method may be particularly useful for high-viscosity photopolymers and multimaterial fabrication. Science , this issue p. 1075 ; see also p. 1042