A breakthrough in volumetric 3D printing, HoloVAM, promises to revolutionize optics and photonics applications, particularly in bioprinting. Researchers have developed a holographic technique that significantly boosts efficiency and speed compared to traditional Tomographic Volumetric Additive Manufacturing (TVAM).
Conventional TVAM, while capable of rapid, single-shot 3D printing by solidifying resin with light patterns, suffers from low light efficiency and image distortion. HoloVAM addresses these issues using 3D holograms, increasing light efficiency by 20 times. This allows for faster, more accurate fabrication of millimeter-scale objects with details as fine as 31 micrometers, achieved in under 60 seconds.
The core innovation is the HoloTile system, which divides complex holograms into tiled sections and projects them rapidly. Through phase adjustments and specialized Bessel and vortex beams, the system minimizes speckle noise. A rotating resin veil further smoothes edges by blurring noise patterns.
This method excels in bioprinting, leveraging “self-healing beams” that maintain shape through materials, which is crucial for cell-laden bio-resins. Successful tests included detailed 3D Benchy models, microscopic pillars, and hydrogel prints with living cells, demonstrating enhanced quality and penetration depth. The elimination of digital correction further streamlines biomedical applications. This development, alongside innovations like UMC Utrecht’s functional cell regions and Melbourne’s Dynamic Interface Printing, highlights the accelerating progress in 3D bioprinting, paving the way for advanced clinical applications.
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