Direct-write 3D printed self-supporting flexible microstructure devices

Cuiwen Hu, Haifeng Chen, Deyun Mo, Haishan Lian, Yinhuan Yang, Xiaojun Chen

Abstract: Conventional 3D printing methods often require supporting structures to maintain the structure of the suspended parts in the manufacture of metamaterials, micronano arrays, micro-channels. The remaining uncured resin in the microstructure and the removal of the sacrificial layer material by post-processing are a key challenge for structural molding. Therefore, we propose a free-form-based direct writing 3D printing technology for manufacturing flexible microstructures without self-supporting materials. We proved that the 3D printed microstructure can withstand the bending moment it generates to prevent the collapse of the flexible microstructure. This method provides a new way for the manufacture of flexible microstructure devices such as soft robots, flexible sensing, biological tissues, micro-nano fluidics, and metamaterials.