A new volumetric 3D-printing technique using light

An example 3D object printed with light. — AFP Relaxnews

Researchers at the École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland have developed a new method to create small soft objects using a laser and a liquid photo-sensitive polymer. Named "volumetric 3D-printing", the technique, which is particularly rapid, has potential applications in a wide range of fields, including bioprinting.

An online video shows an object taking shape in a rotating tube of photo-sensitive liquid polymer which solidifies when it absorbs light. The technique, based on tomography algorithms used in medical imaging, can produce precisely sculpted small objects in record time.