Printing soft matter in three dimensions

Ryan L. Truby and Jennifer A. Lewis ()
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Ryan L. Truby: John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University
Jennifer A. Lewis: John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University

Nature, 2016, vol. 540, issue 7633, 371-378

Abstract: Abstract Light- and ink-based three-dimensional (3D) printing methods allow the rapid design and fabrication of materials without the need for expensive tooling, dies or lithographic masks. They have led to an era of manufacturing in which computers can control the fabrication of soft matter that has tunable mechanical, electrical and other functional properties. The expanding range of printable materials, coupled with the ability to programmably control their composition and architecture across various length scales, is driving innovation in myriad applications. This is illustrated by examples of biologically inspired composites, shape-morphing systems, soft sensors and robotics that only additive manufacturing can produce.

Date: 2016
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DOI: 10.1038/nature21003

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