SWOMP (Selective Dual-Wavelength Olefin Metathesis 3D-Printing)

2024: Product Announcement

On March 11, 2024, American researchers from the Sandian National Laboratories announced the development of a new 3D printing technology that allows the creation of durable non-metallic products five times faster than traditional methods. The proposed system is called SWOMP - Selective Dual-Wavelength Olefin Metathesis 3D-Printing, or selective two-wave 3D printing of olefin metathesis.

The principle of liquid 3D printing is to layer-by-layer hardening of photosensitive material under the influence of light. The problem is that to form each subsequent layer, the solidifying polymer has to be moved very slowly to prevent its deformation. Because of this, the 3D printing process slows down significantly. In addition, the resulting products often do not have sufficient strength.

SNL

The new technology involves the use of two light sources - ultraviolet and blue. 3D printing in this case is carried out as usual - in layer-by-layer mode. However, the second light source prevents polymerization of the material at the bottom of the cuvette, which solves the sticking problem. As a result, the movement of the already formed layers can be carried out faster, which speeds up the entire process by about five times.

To increase the strength of the final products, the project participants instead of the traditional acrylic-based material used dicyclopentadiene, which is usually used in the production of paints, varnishes and flame retardants. Those skilled in the art have been able to develop a method for faster polymerization of this substance under the influence of light so that it can be effectively used in 3D printing. To do this, the base components of the material were changed from acrylic to olefin. The new technology is expected to expand the scope of 3D printing.^[1]

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