The world's first chip-based 3D printer is born: smaller than a coin, with no moving parts

June 10 news, 3D printing has long been favored for its ability to reduce manufacturing costs, especially for small-batch production. However, traditional 3D printers are often bulky, heavy, and need to be placed on a stable platform to work properly.

On June 6, MIT announced that researchers from the school, in collaboration with a team from the University of Texas at Austin, have successfully developed the world's first chip-based 3D printer prototype, which is even smaller than a coin.

It is noted that this printer uses a photonic chip that can focus the light beam into the resin tank. When light of a specific wavelength is irradiated onto the resin, the resin quickly solidifies and takes shape. Unlike the traditional bulky design that relies on robotic arms and motors to change the focus of the light beam, this chip-based printer cleverly uses micro-optical antennas to manipulate the light beam to achieve the shape required for printing, effectively saving space and completely eliminating moving parts.

If the project can be successfully commercialized, the face of manufacturing will change dramatically. This pocket-sized printer, due to its portability and efficiency, will enable professionals such as engineers, doctors and even emergency personnel to print what they need anytime and anywhere without the need for bulky large equipment.

For example, an orthopedic surgeon could bring a 3D scanner into the operating room and scan a patient's fractured bone. Biomedical engineers could then use the scan data to design a custom bone implant and then print it using the portable 3D printer and biomedical resin.

Similarly, due to the advantages of the printer being light and compact, it is very suitable for space exploration projects such as the Artemis moon landing program. Astronauts can print the tools they need at any time in space according to actual needs.

These are just some of the exciting possibilities that this chip-based 3D printer brings. Professor Jelena Notaros of MIT said: "This technology completely subverts the traditional impression of 3D printers. It is no longer a bulky machine on a laboratory bench, but a device that can be held and carried. It is really exciting to imagine the new applications that will arise from this and the huge changes that will happen to the 3D printing industry."

I believe that in the near future, as this chip-based 3D printer technology matures, everyone will be able to have a "printing factory" in their pocket.