Embedded 3D Printing of Multimaterial Polymer Lattices via Graph-Based Print Path Planning

Recent advances in computational design and 3D printing enable the fabrication of polymer lattices with high strength-to-weight ratio and tailored mechanics. To date, 3D lattices composed of monolithic materials have primarily been constructed due to limitations associated with most commercial 3D printing platforms. Here, freeform fabrication of multi-material polymer lattices via embedded three-dimensional (EMB3D) printing is demonstrated. An algorithm is developed first that generates print paths for each target lattice based on graph theory. The effects of ink rheology on filamentary printing and the effects of the print path on resultant mechanical properties are then investigated. By co-printing multiple materials with different mechanical properties, a broad range of periodic and stochastic lattices with tailored mechanical responses can be realized opening new avenues for constructing architected matter.

Automated summary

Recent advancements in computational design and 3D printing technology have allowed for the fabrication of polymer lattices that have a high strength-to-weight ratio and tailored mechanics. However, limitations with most commercial 3D printing platforms have only allowed for the construction of monolithic 3D lattices. This study demonstrates the use of embedded three-dimensional (EMB3D) printing to create multi-material polymer lattices, enabling the fabrication of a wide range of periodic and stochastic lattices with tailored mechanical responses by printing multiple materials with different mechanical properties.