Using UpNano's NanoOne 3D printer, it is possible to manufacture parts smaller than 'nano'. Light particles are emitted onto the starting material, and this process occurs within a range of one thousandth of a millimeter. Faulhaber's three compact high-performance motors ensure the correct position. The structure generated by UpNano in 3D printers is very small and can only be recognized under a scanning electron microscope. These structures are used as frameworks for living cells in medical experiments, or as microfilters, microneedles, or microlenses.
With this printer, horizontal structures smaller than 200 nanometers and vertical structures smaller than 550 nanometers can be achieved. Thanks to the two-photon lithography technology based on quantum effects between two light particles, the production of such miniaturized objects is possible. They trigger the solidification of materials, leading to the formation of stable chains in plastic molecules.
Peter Gruber, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of UpNano, said, "In order for decisive photon pairs to cross the finish line, we need to emit a large number of light particles. This is because we need a huge photon density in both time and space to achieve controlled aggregation. Gruber said, 'With other light based 3D printing methods, aggregation is triggered along the entire beam path.'. Therefore, production can only be carried out in layers. By using two-photon lithography, we can focus them on a small point. This point can be freely moved in the material through the high-performance optical components of our printer. This enables us to produce almost any geometric structure. ”
Automatic tilt correction insertion can correct the almost unavoidable tilt when inserting the printing substrate into the printer. The arrangement of the substrate can be changed along three axes (x, y, and z) to achieve optimal positioning.
Gruber said, "We have achieved flatness in the sub micron range. This ensures that the accuracy of the laser optical components can truly enter the printing material. In addition, the related components are decoupled from the surrounding technology and housing. Therefore, the printer can simply stand on any stable table
The mechanical force for precise positioning of the bracket is provided by three precious metal reversing DC gear motors, which are equipped with Faulhaber's 1512 SR IE2-8 series integrated encoder. The flat winding technology with three flat self-supporting copper windings achieves a compact design with a diameter of 15 millimeters and a length of 14.3 millimeters. In addition to the gearbox, the drive also integrates an optical encoder.
Gruber said, "We chose gear motors as the best solution to meet our needs. The suggestion to choose a version with an encoder comes from Faulhaber. Therefore, the alignment function is more precise and smooth. Compared to its small size, this drive provides tremendous power. With its high precision, it improves the quality of our NanoOne device's printing process at critical points
