In a major leap for additive manufacturing, scientists at the American Chemical Society have developed a revolutionary 3D printing method that produces two different solid materials from one single resin. This innovation, could simplify the creation of complex, multi-material objects—without the need for multiple printing stages or material swaps.
A Dual-Solid Printing Process from Just One Liquid
Traditionally, multi-material 3D printing has required either separate printheads or time-consuming changes of resins and settings. However, this new approach changes the game. Researchers created a light-based 3D printing technique that selectively hardens different parts of a single liquid resin into two chemically distinct solids, each with its own set of mechanical properties.
How It Works: Controlling Chemistry with Light
By tuning the wavelength of light, the researchers activated two separate chemical reactions within the same resin. One wavelength triggered a thiol–ene polymerization, resulting in a soft, rubbery material. Another wavelength initiated acrylate polymerization, producing a hard, plastic-like solid.
Through digital light projection, they could rapidly alternate the light patterns and wavelengths, controlling where each type of solid formed—layer by layer.
Potential Applications: From Soft Robotics to Biomedical Devices
This technique opens up exciting possibilities. Engineers could, for instance, 3D print soft robotic grippers with rigid joints in one go. Biomedical devices requiring both flexibility and strength could also benefit. Moreover, this method eliminates the common challenges of layer delamination or adhesion failures seen in traditional multi-material printing.
