University of California

Tyler Ray

Matthew R Begley

Rachel Collino

A method of three-dimensional (3D) printing includes applying a solution to a channel. The solution includes a plurality of anisotropic particles suspending in the solution. Acoustic waves are applied to the channel. The frequency of the acoustic waves is configured to organize the plurality of anisotropic particles into one or more columns of organized anisotropic particles. The channel is connected to a printhead and a waste outlet. The solution comprising the one or more columns of organized anisotropic particles is deposited on a substrate via the printhead outlet.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing methods using acoustic waves and anisotropic particles

A three-dimensional (3D) printer includes an acoustophoresis device having at least a first inlet, a first outlet, and a channel defined between the first inlet and the first outlet. A piezoelectric device is adhered to a surface of the acoustophoresis device to generate sound waves within the channel. A printhead is connected to the first outlet of the acoustophoresis device, wherein a solution comprising anisotropic particles is delivered to the at least first inlet and wherein the anisotropic particles are organized into one or more columns along an axis parallel to a direction of flow of the solution by standing acoustic waves generated by the piezoelectric device, wherein the at least one column of anisotropic particles is aligned with the first outlet, and wherein the first outlet is in fluid communication with the printhead to deliver one or more columns of ordered, anisotropic particles to the printhead.

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Goleta, CA, United States of America

Tyler Ray