About this Abstract |
Meeting |
2025 Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium (SFF Symp 2025)
|
Symposium
|
2025 Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium (SFF Symp 2025)
|
Presentation Title |
Vat Photopolymerization of Ultra-Soft Polymer Foams |
Author(s) |
Holden Eigenberger, Daniel Rau |
On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Holden Eigenberger |
Abstract Scope |
We have developed a novel method that uses Vat Photopolymerization (VP) Additive Manufacturing to print 3D parts that are then converted to extremely soft foams through a post processing step. We first print parts from a hydrogel-based resin, dry them, re-swell them with a copper nitrate-based solution, and finally heat the parts. Heating the copper nitrate infused parts induces a chemical reaction that foams the printed material while also preserving the original 3D shape. We can tailor the resulting mechanical properties of the foam by controlling parameters such as the formulation of the copper nitrate-based solution and hydrogel resin, the temperature of the heating, and the duration of the heating. The extremely soft and flexible foams help expand the materials available for VP AM. We demonstrate the potential of this approach by utilizing the foam's soft mechanical properties and geometric freedom of AM to create effective vibration dampeners. |
Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: Post-meeting proceedings |