Acoustic Holography Scales Up 3D Printing
2 min read
A Breakthrough by Scientists Scientists just pulled off the most interesting and remarkable feat in 3D printing: creating objects with acoustic holograms in an entirely new dimension of speed and precision. The new technique is called holographic direct sound printing, or HDSP, and may mark a game-changer for industries that range from medicine to aerospace.
Whereas traditional 3D printing techniques produce objects layer by layer, HDSP shapes the material directly using sound waves, free of any gravity-related constraints. In this process, much more complex structures can be obtained while printing time is significantly reduced.
The researchers have been able to achieve fast polymerization of highly detailed objects simply by embedding cross-sectional images of a desired design into acoustic holograms. The stationary hologram complements the moving printing platform that ensures fidelity to the printed image.
HDSP can achieve printing speed up to 20 times faster with energy consumption reduced, said Professor Muthukumaran Packirisamy of Concordia University; the adaptiveness of this technique allows shape, motion, and materials changes while printing.
Probably one of the most promising features of HDSP is storing multiple images within one hologram, hence printing several objects in the same space without any delay. This opens completely new avenues for applications across many fields.
Applications that can be explored in HDSP may include:
Tissue engineering: Tissue creation for medical studies and treatments by creating complex tissue structures.
Drug delivery: Localized drug and cell delivery systems for targeted therapies.
Organ repair: Repairing damaged organs or fragile parts that are situated in deep-seated parts of the body. Aerospace: 3D printing complex structures for aircraft parts. The researchers believe HDSP is going to be one of those paradigm-shifting technologies, much like the move from stereolithography to digital light processing in light-based 3D printing. With its ability to print through opaque materials and
within the body, HDSP has the potential to change industries and revolutionize the manufacturing process.
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