Programmed multimaterial assembly by synergized 3D printing and freeform laser induction

Bujingda Zheng, Yunchao Xie, Shichen Xu, Andrew C. Meng, Shaoyun Wang, Yuchao Wu, Shuhong Yang, Caixia Wan, Guoliang Huang, James M. Tour and Jian Lin ()
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Bujingda Zheng: University of Missouri
Yunchao Xie: University of Missouri
Shichen Xu: Rice University
Andrew C. Meng: University of Missouri
Shaoyun Wang: University of Missouri
Yuchao Wu: University of Missouri
Shuhong Yang: University of Missouri
Caixia Wan: University of Missouri
Guoliang Huang: University of Missouri
James M. Tour: Rice University
Jian Lin: University of Missouri

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract In nature, structural and functional materials often form programmed three-dimensional (3D) assembly to perform daily functions, inspiring researchers to engineer multifunctional 3D structures. Despite much progress, a general method to fabricate and assemble a broad range of materials into functional 3D objects remains limited. Herein, to bridge the gap, we demonstrate a freeform multimaterial assembly process (FMAP) by integrating 3D printing (fused filament fabrication (FFF), direct ink writing (DIW)) with freeform laser induction (FLI). 3D printing performs the 3D structural material assembly, while FLI fabricates the functional materials in predesigned 3D space by synergistic, programmed control. This paper showcases the versatility of FMAP in spatially fabricating various types of functional materials (metals, semiconductors) within 3D structures for applications in crossbar circuits for LED display, a strain sensor for multifunctional springs and haptic manipulators, a UV sensor, a 3D electromagnet as a magnetic encoder, capacitive sensors for human machine interface, and an integrated microfluidic reactor with a built-in Joule heater for nanomaterial synthesis. This success underscores the potential of FMAP to redefine 3D printing and FLI for programmed multimaterial assembly.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48919-5

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