Concordia University has developed direct-to-sound printing (DSP) technology. In the current version of the prototype, the system consists of a transducer that sends focused ultrasound pulses through the walls of the camera.

How is the 3D printing process using ultrasound?

The raw material is polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a liquid polymer resin. Ultrasonic fields cause rapid oscillations of microscopic bubbles that form at predetermined points of the material, creating the desired object.

The oscillation of the bubbles raises the temperature to about 14700 ºC and the pressure to 1000 bar. Although the sharp increase in temperature and pressure takes only a few picoseconds, the resin hardens exactly where the bubble exits. The transducer moves along a programmed trajectory, creating a point-to-point three-dimensional object.

How it works: watch the video

How will it help in practice?

In addition to the ability to produce highly detailed objects this way, the DSP method allows you to non-invasively print stuff inside other structures if they have a transparent surface. For example, you can repair the interior of the aircraft without opening the fuselage. Even create 3D objects inside the human body without surgery.

In addition, the new method is also suitable for printing from ceramic materials. The developers plan to experiment with polymer-ceramic composites, and then get the pure metal.