What Happened
A recent development reported by Hackster.io unveils a novel 3D printing resin that introduces a subtractive process to Digital Light Processing (DLP) additive manufacturing. Traditionally, DLP-based 3D printing has been purely additive—building parts layer by layer by curing resin with projected light. This new resin, however, enables a unique ability to remove material during the printing process, effectively blending additive and subtractive techniques within the same workflow.
Why It Matters
This innovation is significant for the volumetric 3D printing field, which aims to produce complex, high-resolution parts more quickly and with fewer constraints than conventional layer-by-layer methods. The ability to perform subtraction during printing addresses longstanding challenges such as achieving intricate internal geometries, improving surface finish, and reducing post-processing. By integrating subtraction directly into the printing process, manufacturers could save time and cost while expanding design freedom.
Technical Context
Volumetric 3D printing differs from traditional additive manufacturing by curing entire volumes or large sections of material simultaneously rather than sequentially layering thin slices. DLP technology projects patterned light to solidify photopolymer resin selectively, enabling high resolution and speed. However, it has been limited to additive-only processes.
The novel resin reported introduces a chemical or physical mechanism that allows selective removal of cured material during the build. While exact details are sparse, this could involve controlled resin reactivity or light-induced degradation that subtracts material in specific areas. This dual-mode capability—adding and subtracting—could enable more precise control over part geometry, internal channels, and surface textures.
Such an approach aligns with emerging trends in hybrid manufacturing, combining additive and subtractive methods to leverage the strengths of both. It also complements volumetric printing’s goal of accelerating build times and enhancing part complexity.
Near-term Prediction Model
Given the novelty of this resin, the technology is currently at an early stage. Its practical integration into commercial DLP printers and workflows will require further validation, optimization, and scaling. However, the potential impact on volumetric 3D printing and additive manufacturing at large is promising.
What to Watch
- Further technical disclosures detailing the resin’s chemistry and subtractive mechanism.
- Demonstrations of complex parts showcasing the combined additive-subtractive process.
- Adoption trials by DLP printer manufacturers and industrial users.
- Development of software tools to design and control subtraction during printing.
- Comparative studies on mechanical properties and surface quality improvements.