An overview of 3D printing in chemistry

摘要

3D printing (ranging from technology to materials) for additive manufacturing are receiving increased attention in the scientific and technical literature. More specifically, 3D printers (getting progressively cheaper) and properties of the starting printing materials (e.g., mechanical strength, electrical insulation, resistance to chemical attack) are particularly important for many chemistry-related applications. In this paper, 3D printing technology and materials will be reviewed in some detail. Limited examples from the author's laboratory will be reported. Chemistry and bio-related applications of 3D printing will be outlined and possible future directions will be suggested.