From GitHub · · 1m 10s
µRepRap: Micron-Scale 3D Printing
A home-built 3D printer achieves 1μm precision for micron-scale manufacturing.
In brief
A home-built 3D printer achieves 1μm precision for micron-scale manufacturing. Vik Olliver's µRepRap project creates a 1μm precise 3D printer using accessible materials for micron-scale fabrication. Originally reported by GitHub.
µRepRap Overview
The µRepRap is a RepRap capable of micron and sub-micron fabrication using common materials.
“The µRepRap is intended to be a RepRap (a replicating 3D printer) capable of micron (1/1000th of a millimetre, or 1µm) and sub-micron fabrication, made with only common and easily accessible materials.”
PIKA Version
PIKA V0.02 produces 1μm positioning accuracy and 10μm resin line precision in an 8mm cubic volume.
“PIKA V0.02 hardware is producing repeatable positioning of approximately 1μm and reliable 10μm or better accuracy in an approximately 8mm cubic volume.”
MAUS Version
MAUS V0.05 achieved 5μm positioning over a 4mm square but motion is not linear.
“This achieved approximately 5μm positioning best case over a 4mm square, though motion is not linear.”
Microelectronics Context
MEMS are essential in everyday electronics, but traditional fabrication is costly and complex.
“Microelectronics and Micro-electromechanical Systems (MEMS) are essential components of most of the electronic wizardry we use in our everyday lives”
OpenFlexure Project
The OpenFlexure Project developed sub-micron resolution microscope platforms for micron-scale fabrication.
“microscope platforms capable of sub-micron resolution were developed by The OpenFlexure Project”
Requirements
Micron-scale printing needs 3-axis positioning, CAD/CAM software, axis zeroing sensors, and a deposition system.
“Micron scale 3d printing has many of the same requirements that The RepRap Project developed when initially printing on the macro scale”
Probe Print Head
A 0.5mm hypodermic needle or acupuncture needle can be used as a probe for initial testing.
“A robust probe for initial testing can be made from a 0.5mm hypodermic needle or 0.25mm acupuncture needle”
Building Materials
UV resin is deposited using capillary action for sub-15μm droplets with minimal equipment.
“Additive fabrication is currently implemented by transferring minute quantities of "Top Coat" UV nail gel resin with the probe”
Funding
The project is funded through GitHub issues and Buy Me A Coffee donations.
“The RepRapMicron is not funded by any academic institution, or any organization. If you wish to collaborate on any part of the project, open a Github issue and be welcomed. If you wish to contribute financially, Vik's Workshop has a Buy Me A Coffee link.”
Summary
The µRepRap aims to enable micron-scale fabrication and future smaller-scale replication.
“The current μRepRap 3D printer is intended to provide a platform for further hardware and software development on the micron scale.”
The key point
Vik Olliver's µRepRap project creates a 1μm precise 3D printer using accessible materials for micron-scale fabrication.
