The new DISH technology is making a breakthrough in 3D printing, overcoming the limitations of traditional layer-by-layer methods. By using holographic light fields, it enables the creation of complex millimeter-scale structures in just 0.6 seconds.

Solving the Speed and Precision Challenge

Until now, 3D printing has faced a trade-off between speed and precision, which has limited its use in mass production. However, a research team from Tsinghua University, led by academician Dai Qionghai, has developed a technology called Digital Incoherent Synthesis of Holographic Light Fields (DISH), which allows for the printing of highly precise objects in record fractions of a second. The results of their work have been published in the journal Nature.

Advantages Over Traditional Methods

Conventional volumetric additive manufacturing technologies, such as computer axial lithography, require the physical sample to rotate 360°, leading to mechanical instability and necessitating the use of viscous resins to prevent the object from settling during the lengthy printing process.

DISH completely eliminates this drawback thanks to its innovative approach. Instead of rotating the sample, it uses a high-speed rotating periscope that makes up to 10 revolutions per second around a stationary container. This stationary method allows the entire three-dimensional light intensity distribution to be projected simultaneously through a single optical flat surface. As a result, an impressive printing speed is achieved—up to 333 cubic millimeters per second, with a minimum feature size of just 12 micrometers.

Compatibility with Various Materials

Thanks to the ultra-fast completion of the printing process, DISH technology is compatible with low-viscosity materials, such as aqueous PEGDA solutions. The object solidifies long before gravity can cause it to settle. Researchers have already demonstrated that integrating DISH with a liquid channel enables continuous mass production of a wide variety of structures.

Application Prospects

This technological breakthrough paves the way for rapid and high-throughput manufacturing of photonic computing devices, smartphone camera modules, microrobots, and detailed models of biological tissues.