3D printing with a 3D printed digital material filament for programming functional gradients

Sang-Joon Ahn, Howon Lee () and Kyu-Jin Cho ()
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Sang-Joon Ahn: Seoul National University
Howon Lee: Seoul National University
Kyu-Jin Cho: Seoul National University

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing attracts growing attention as a promising method for creating functionally graded materials. Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is widely available, but due to its simple process, creating spatial gradation of diverse properties using FDM is challenging. Here, we present a 3D printed digital material filament that is structured towards 3D printing of functional gradients, utilizing only a readily available FDM printer and filaments. The DM filament consists of multiple base materials combined with specific concentrations and distributions, which are FDM printed. When the DM filament is supplied to the same printer, its constituent materials are homogeneously blended during extrusion, resulting in the desired properties in the final structure. This enables spatial programming of material properties in extreme variations, including mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, and color, which are otherwise impossible to achieve with traditional FDMs. Our approach can be readily adopted to any standard FDM printer, enabling low-cost production of functional gradients.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47480-5

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