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RepRapMicron uses fiber optics for micro-scale resin printing

Brief written by the FOSSWire AI editor from Hackaday How we write

1 min read

Key Takeaway

The RepRapMicron project has developed a PIKA UV Head that uses fiber optics to achieve 3D printing resolutions down to 9 µm.

Summary

The RepRapMicron (µRepRap) project has introduced the PIKA UV Head, a specialized print head designed for microscopic 3D printing. By combining off-the-shelf optical fiber with UV LED modules, the system can cure resin in-situ to create extremely small structures. Recent demonstrations include a 0.5 mm Benchy boat printed with a resolution of approximately 9 µm.

Technical details of the PIKA UV Head

  • Uses a single mode fiber optical cable (modified patch cord) to deliver light.
  • Utilizes a 3W UV LED module to cure eSun Standard Resin.
  • Achieves a printing resolution of approximately 9 µm.
  • Requires standard SLA post-processing, including cleaning the part and the fiber from liquid resin.

Why it matters

This project applies the RepRap philosophy of accessible manufacturing to the microscopic scale using relatively low-cost components.

Original reference: hackaday.com →