3D printing processes for photocurable polymeric materials: technologies, materials, and future trends

• Published in: Journal of Applied Biomaterials & Functional Materials Vol. 16; no. 3; pp. 151 - 160
• Main Authors: Taormina, Gabriele, Sciancalepore, Corrado, Messori, Massimo, Bondioli, Federica
• Format: Book Review Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.07.2018; Sage Publications Ltd
• Subjects: 3-D printers; Lithography; Matrix materials; Nanocomposites; Photopolymerization; Polymer processing; Polymers; Process parameters; Three dimensional printing; digital light processing; polymeric-nanocomposite; 3D printing; stereolithography
• ISSN: 2280-8000; 2280-8000
• DOI: 10.1177/2280800018764770

The aim of this review is a faithful report of the panorama of solutions adopted to fabricate a component using vat photopolymerization (VP) processes. A general overview on additive manufacturing and on the different technologies available for polymers is given. A comparison between stereolithography and digital light processing is also presented, with attention to different aspects and to the advantages and limitations of both technologies. Afterward, a quick overview of the process parameters is given, with an emphasis on the necessities and the issues associated with the VP process. The materials are then explored, starting from base matrix materials to composites and nanocomposites, with attention to examples of applications and explanations of the main factors involved.