Precise, Quick, Easy Way to Make Micro Needles: PμSL, Ultra-High Resolution 3D Printing

抄録

3D printing has been rapidly developed and well accepted in researches and different industries. However, obvious drawbacks of current technologies still inhibit further application and hence commercialization of 3D printing. Among them, resolution is one of the most mentioned concerns. PµSL technology, with ground-breaking resolution, has been increasingly applied in both scientific researches and new product development. The major difference brought by PµSL is its outstanding 2µm/10µm optical resolution, which can achieve respectively ±10µm and ±25µm tolerance, and is possible to produce 3D structures with feature size down to 10µm, or even smaller. Build size is up to 50mm*50mm*50mm (2µm resolution) and 100mm*100mm*75mm (10µm resolution) respectively, allowing for manufacture of models with both practical volume and sophisticated details, simultaneously. Compared to traditional injection molding and machining, PµSL substantially reduces the cost and shorten the lead time by avoiding the mold fabrication or complicated programming. Compared to lithography, PµSL can avoid complicated casting process and able to build more complex 3D structures. This report describes the principle and advantages of PµSL, as well as its applications in micro needle manufacturing, then provides some case studies related to drug delivery, droplet collection and transportation and other bio-inspired interfaces.