Microscale 3D Printing Strength Measured Accurately for the First Time

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In a groundbreaking development, scientists have achieved accurate measurements of the strength of microscopic 3D prints for the first time ever. While traditional testing methods work well for larger prints, smaller prints produced using the unique 2PP process have posed a challenge due to their size. By collaborating with UpNano and their ultra-fast 2PP 3D printer, researchers from TU Wien were able to test a wide range of mechanical properties of these tiny prints, including tensile, flexure, hardness, as well as creep and fracture behavior. This breakthrough will allow for proper testing of 2PP prints and open doors for new applications where certifications are required.

Table of Contents

Introduction

In the world of 3D printing, the ability to accurately measure the strength of microscopic prints has always been a challenge. Standard testing equipment is designed for larger prints and cannot be used effectively on microscale prints. However, a breakthrough has been made in this area with the development of the Two-Photon Polymerization (2PP) process. This process allows for the creation of extremely tiny prints with high resolution. By collaborating with TU Wien and UpNano, researchers have been able to test the mechanical properties of 2PP prints and accurately measure their strength. This has significant implications for the production of ISO-certified parts and opens up new possibilities for applications requiring certification.

Background

Standard strength testing in 3D printing

In the field of 3D printing, it is crucial to ensure that printed parts possess the necessary strength and durability for their intended applications. To determine the mechanical properties of a printed part, standard strength testing is performed. This involves subjecting the part to various stress tests, such as bending, breaking, and stretching, using precision testing equipment. By analyzing the behavior of the part under different conditions, reliable data on its engineering properties can be obtained.

Limitations of standard testing equipment for microscale prints

While standard strength testing works well for larger 3D prints, it poses challenges for microscale prints, particularly those produced using the 2PP process. Microscale prints are too small to fit within standard testing equipment, which limits the ability to accurately measure their strength. This creates uncertainty regarding the mechanical properties of these prints and hinders their widespread use in applications requiring certification.

The 2PP Process

Description of the 2PP process

The Two-Photon Polymerization (2PP) process is a unique form of 3D printing that utilizes lasers focused on a tiny point within a vat of transparent resin. The focal point of the laser has high energy density, which triggers polymerization in the resin. By moving this focal point within the resin, complete objects can be created with exceptional resolution. The ability of the 2PP process to produce extremely tiny prints makes it ideal for applications where high precision is required.

Advantages of 2PP printing

The 2PP process offers several advantages over traditional 3D printing methods. Firstly, its ability to create highly detailed prints with microscale dimensions enables the production of intricate and complex structures. This opens up new possibilities in fields such as microelectronics, optics, and biomedical engineering. Secondly, the high resolution achieved through 2PP printing ensures that the prints have excellent surface finish and accuracy. Finally, the 2PP process allows for the use of a wide range of materials, giving designers and engineers greater flexibility in terms of material properties.

Collaboration between TU Wien and UpNano

Testing a range of mechanical properties

To accurately measure the strength of 2PP prints, researchers from TU Wien collaborated with UpNano, a leading manufacturer of ultra-fast 2PP printers. Using the NanoOne printer from UpNano, the team tested a wide range of mechanical properties of the 2PP-printed material. This included tensile strength, flexure strength, hardness, creep behavior, and fracture behavior. By subjecting the prints to these tests, the researchers were able to gather comprehensive data on their mechanical performance.

Materials used for testing

In their experiments, the researchers used two materials from UpNano GmbH, namely UpPhoto and UpDraft, along with ETA/TTA (ethoxylated (20/3)-trimethylolpropane triacrylate in combination with trimethylolpropane triacrylate). These materials are widely used in 2PP printing and have been proven to exhibit excellent mechanical properties. The use of commercially available materials ensures that the test results are representative of the prints produced in real-world applications.

Results and Implications

Ability to accurately measure strength of 2PP prints

The collaboration between TU Wien and UpNano has successfully addressed the issue of accurately measuring the strength of 2PP prints. By subjecting the prints to rigorous testing, the researchers were able to obtain reliable data on their mechanical properties. This information is critical for designers and engineers working with microscale prints, as it allows them to optimize their designs and ensure the parts meet the required strength and durability standards.

Potential for ISO-certified parts

The ability to accurately measure the strength of 2PP prints opens up the possibility of producing ISO-certified parts using this process. ISO certification is important in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical, where stringent quality standards must be met. With the availability of certified parts, designers and engineers can confidently incorporate 2PP prints into their products, knowing that they meet the necessary requirements.

New applications requiring certification

The accurate measurement of strength in 2PP prints also paves the way for new applications that require certification. Until now, the lack of reliable data on the mechanical properties of microscale prints has limited their use in certified applications. However, with the ability to obtain ISO-certified parts, industries such as microelectronics, microfluidics, and micro-optics can now explore the use of 2PP prints in their products. This opens up exciting possibilities for advancements in these fields.

Conclusion

The collaboration between TU Wien and UpNano has brought about a significant breakthrough in the field of microscale 3D printing. By accurately measuring the strength of 2PP prints, designers and engineers can now have confidence in the mechanical properties of these prints. This opens up new opportunities for the use of microscale prints in various industries, including those requiring ISO certification. The 2PP process, with its exceptional resolution and ability to produce highly detailed prints, holds great promise for the future of 3D printing at the microscale.