Solvent-cast three-dimensional printing of multifunctional microsystems

Abstract

The solvent-cast direct-write fabrication of microstructures is shown using a thermoplastic polymer solution ink. The method employs the robotically controlled microextrusion of a filament combined with a rapid solvent evaporation. Upon drying, the increased rigidity of the extruded filament enables the creation of complex freeform 3D shapes.

Keywords: 3D printing; microfabrication; polylactides; solvent-cast; thermoplastics.