3D Printing in Fiber-Device Technology
Louis van der Elst, Camila Faccini de Lima, Meve Gokce Kurtoglu, Veda Narayana Koraganji, Mengxin Zheng, Alexander Gumennik
Abstract
Abstract Recent advances in additive manufacturing enable redesigning material morphology on nano-, micro-, and meso-scale, for achieving an enhanced functionality on the macro-scale. From non-planar and flexible electronic circuits, through biomechanically realistic surgical models, to shoe soles individualized for the user comfort, multiple scientific and technological areas undergo material-property redesign and enhancement enabled by 3D printing. Fiber-device technology is currently entering such a transformation. In this paper, we review the recent advances in adopting 3D printing for direct digital manufacturing of fiber preforms with complex cross-sectional architectures designed for the desired thermally drawn fiber-device functionality. Subsequently, taking a recursive manufacturing approach, such fibers can serve as a raw material for 3D printing, resulting in macroscopic objects with enhanced functionalities, from optoelectronic to bio-functional, imparted by the fiber-devices properties. Graphic abstract