Researchers from Zhejiang University in Hangzhou City, east China, have achieved a significant breakthrough in 3D printing technology by developing ultra-strong and tough 3D printable elastomers. The study was recently published in the journal Nature.
This advancement addresses one of the key limitations in 3D printing—the mechanical performance of printed materials. While 3D printing offers exceptional freedom in producing geometrically complex and customizable products, its adoption in mass manufacturing has been hindered by low print speeds and insufficient mechanical properties.
Professor Wu Jingjun from Zhejiang University highlighted the importance of this development, stating that it brings new hope for the large-scale application of 3D printing in manufacturing high-performance products. “To make 3D printing technology adaptable to more scenarios, it is necessary to alter the material properties,” added researcher Fang Zizheng.
The team engineered a novel 3D photo-printable resin that produces an elastomer with a remarkable tensile strength of 94.6 MPa and toughness of 310.4 MJ/m3. These figures far exceed those of any previously 3D-printed elastomers.
In practical tests, the researchers printed a rubber band using the new material. The rubber band demonstrated extraordinary endurance, stretching up to nine times its original length and withstanding a tensile strength of 94 MPa without breaking. Additionally, objects like balloons printed with this material exhibited excellent puncture resistance.
This innovation not only enhances the mechanical properties of 3D-printed products but also opens up possibilities for their use in industries that require durable and high-performance materials. The breakthrough could significantly impact sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and biomedical engineering, where material strength and reliability are critical.
As 3D printing technology continues to evolve, developments like this from Zhejiang University are paving the way for more versatile and robust applications, potentially revolutionizing manufacturing processes across the globe.
Reference(s):
Researchers develop 3D printable elastomers with exceptional strength
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