Lightweight micro lattices with nanoscale features fabricated from Projection Microstereolithography

Abstract

Complex, three-dimensional lightweight cellular materials inspired by nature, such as honeycomb and foamlike structures are desirable for a broad array of applications such as structural components, catalysts supports and energy efficient materials. Additionally, when designed with interconnected porosity, the open volume in the architecture can be exploited for active cooling or energy storage, providing unique opportunities for multifunctionality. However, they are extremely difficult to fabricate with the current state-of-the-art fabrication techniques. This paper reports the fabrication of complex, three-dimensional cellular materials with nanoscale features using a novel additive manufacturing approach, namely Projection Microstereolithography (PμSL). © 2014 IEEE.