Desktop manufacturing of complex objects, prototypes and biomedical scaffolds by means of computer-assisted design combined with computer-guided 3D plotting of polymers and reactive oligomers

Full Paper: Computer-assisted design and image processing were combined wit h computer-guided one- and two-component air-driven 3D dispensing of hotmel ts, solutions, pastes, dispersions of polymers as well as monomers and reac tive oligomers to produce solid objects with complex shapes and tailor-made internal structures. During the 3D plotting process either individual micr odots or microstands were positioned in order to construct complex objects, fibers, tubes and scaffolds similar to non-wovens. The resolution was in t he range of 200 mum and depended upon inner nozzle diameter, air pressure, plotting speed, rheology, and plotting medium. Plotting in liquid media wit h densities similar to thar of the dispensing liquid eliminated the need fo r construction of temporary support structures. The design capabilities of this computer-guided 3D plotting process was demonstrated using conventiona l moisture-curable silicone resin.