3D-Printing Breakthrough at University of Florida Enhances Affordability and Sustainability

3D-Printing Breakthrough at University of Florida Enhances Affordability and Sustainability
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 12, 2024

University of Florida engineers have introduced a new method for 3D printing known as vapor-induced phase-separation 3D printing, or VIPS-3DP. This technique allows for the production of both single-material and multi-material objects. The approach is seen as a significant development in the field of additive manufacturing.

Yong Huang, Ph.D., a professor in UF's department of mechanical and aerospace engineering, outlined that this new printing process enables economical and sustainable creation of customized objects. The technique was detailed in a recent issue of Nature Communications.

According to Huang, this method is more cost-effective and straightforward than existing technologies. It permits the economical printing of advanced materials, including metals, using a process that is simpler compared to traditional methods.

The process involves using eco-friendly, dissolvable polymer-based liquids that may contain metal or ceramic particles to serve as the ink in a 3D printer. During printing, a non-solvent vapor is introduced, which solidifies the liquid components of the ink, a core aspect of the vapor-induced phase-separation process.

Huang noted that this method allows for the creation of multi-material parts with controllable, multi-scale porosity. This capability is crucial for producing items with varying substance concentrations and porosity at different parts, useful in applications ranging from medical implants to lightweight aerospace components.

The porosity of the objects-characterized by small holes or gaps-can be tailored by adjusting the printing conditions and the amount of sacrificial material used in the VIPS-3DP process. Marc Sole-Gras, Ph.D., a former graduate student under Huang and the first author of the paper, highlighted its potential, particularly in bone tissue engineering, where implants need specific porosity to integrate with human tissue.

Besides reducing the need for heavy infrastructure investment, the VIPS-3DP method offers an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional printing techniques by utilizing sustainable materials and lowering energy consumption.

The technology, licensed by UF, holds two patents and was developed with support from several federal agencies, including the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy.

Research Report:Vapor-induced phase-separation-enabled versatile direct ink writing