**Scientists Produce Complex 3D Shapes with
Groundbreaking HSDP Technology by Concordia University
Researchers at Concordia University have developed a revolutionary method poised to transform 3D printing technology. Known as Holographic Direct Sound Printing (HSDP), this innovative approach leverages acoustic holograms to produce objects faster, with greater complexity and improved energy efficiency. Details of the research are published in the journal Nature Communications.
What is HSDP and How Does it Work?
HSDP builds upon a method first introduced in 2022. This technology utilizes sonochemical reactions occurring in microscopic cavitation zones, which generate extreme heat and pressure within a trillionth of a second, solidifying resin.
The key innovation of HSDP lies in its use of acoustic holograms. These holograms encode cross-sectional images of a design and enable simultaneous polymerization. Unlike traditional "voxel-by-voxel" 3D printing processes, HSDP can shape an entire object in a single step. Moreover, the fixed hologram ensures exceptional precision and accuracy in the printed object.
Speed and Energy Efficiency
According to Prof. Muthukumaran Packirisamy from Concordia University's Department of Mechanical, Industrial, and Aerospace Engineering, HSDP could increase printing speeds by up to 20 times while significantly reducing energy consumption.
Packirisamy highlights that the process also allows for design modifications during printing, enabling the integration of multiple materials and the creation of dynamic, complex structures.
“By optimizing the parameters, we can construct intricate structures and control the speed of the process,” he explains.
Multi-Object Production with Acoustic Holograms
Another advantage of HSDP is its ability to produce multiple objects simultaneously. Through precise control of acoustic holograms, multiple designs can be embedded within a single hologram, allowing for the creation of distinct objects in different locations within the same print area.
Potential applications include advanced tissue engineering, localized drug and cell delivery systems, innovative skin grafts, and enhanced therapeutic drug distribution methods.
Printing in Confined and Internal Spaces
The unique ability of sound waves to penetrate opaque surfaces sets HSDP apart. This technology enables 3D printing within confined spaces or behind solid materials. Its applications range from repairing damaged organs to performing precision repairs on aircraft components.
Packirisamy compares this technology to the evolution of 3D printing from laser-based point-by-point curing to digital light processing (DLP), which allowed for curing entire resin layers in a single step. He suggests HSDP could similarly redefine the standards of 3D printing:
“We can print behind opaque objects, behind a wall, inside a tube, or even inside a body. Imagining the possibilities is truly exciting.”
Looking Ahead
HSDP offers unprecedented speed, accuracy, and flexibility, making it a game-changer for the future of 3D printing. This technology is already compatible with devices approved for medical applications, and researchers anticipate a broader range of uses in the coming years.
References