Liquid Silicone 3D Printing Carries Serious Implications
A revolutionary approach to 3D printing has emerged with the introduction of Rapid Liquid Print's new silicone 3D printer, appropriately named Levity. The printer's unique design and function make it an awe-inspiring sight, as attested by [3D Printing Nerd] in a brief video demonstration presented below.
The innovative Levity addresses the challenges that arise from printing a viscous substance, such as platinum-cure silicone, by employing buoyancy. Instead of using a regular printing bed, Levity prints in a gel medium, which fully supports the printing process as the silicone cures. The fact that the silicone doesn't cure instantly is advantageous, as it allows the layers to bleed into one another, potentially creating a stronger Print in all directions compared to FDM printing. Although there's no concrete evidence to confirm this, the layer-blending process produces a remarkably smooth finish in the final prints.
The video depicts a mesmerizing process akin to magic, with prints miraculously appearing in the gel medium. The gel is a commercially available hydrogel, ensuring a sufficient build volume—no less than 125 liters—is available. The two-part silicone is also industry standard and commercially available, though it's likely that the exact ratios have been tweaked for this specific process.
Interested buyers can sign up for the Levity waiting list at Rapid Liquid Print's website, but be prepared for a delay as units are scheduled to ship next year and demand is high. Alternatively, members of the 3D printing community may choose to take matters into their own hands, as has been the case with SLS printers and resin printers in the past.
Although the Rapid Liquid Print team deserves undeniable recognition for their achievement, the act of imitation has long been seen as the sincerest form of flattery. With the right resources, knowledge, and patience, it's possible that enthusiasts may attempt to create their own DIY version of the Levity. Much like in days gone by when hobbyists had to create their own 3D printers, there's potential for the DIY movement to adapt and build upon the innovative Rapid Liquid Print technology.
Enrichment Data:
- Building a DIY version of Rapid Liquid Print's silicone 3D printer involves recreating a system capable of continuously extruding and curing silicone material to form objects quickly. Challenges include precise extrusion, a gel support medium, and a synchronized control system for motion, extrusion, and curing.
- Key components for a DIY RLP-style silicone 3D printer include an extruder system, a gel support bath or alternative medium, a curing system, a motion control system, and control electronics and software.
- Suggested practical steps involve using a modified desktop 3D printer frame, designing or procuring a silicone extruder, experimenting with gel baths, implementing local curing, and developing or adapting control software.
- Utilize silicone elastomers formulated for rapid curing, open-source CNC motion control boards, research papers, and community forums for resources.
A DIY enthusiast might endeavor to build a replica of Rapid Liquid Print's silicone 3D printer, harnessing technology that integrates continuous silicone extrusion, a gel support medium, and a synchronized control system for motion, extrusion, and curing. Adapting and improving upon the innovative Rapid Liquid Print technology is a possible outcome of the DIY movement.
