1. Layer-by-layer 3D printing.
Layer-by-layer 3D printing. A common strategy for constructing three-dimensional objects is layer-by-layer construction, whereby a 3D structure is formed by stacking several layers of flat materials into a 3D pattern. Each layer can be thought of as a 2D pattern that has been expanded slightly into a thin 3D volume. An easy, illustrative example is provided by the formation of a pyramid shape. Each layer in a pyramid is a square 2D pattern with limited volume. (A) A low-resolution 3D object refers to an object formed from thick layers, which for a pyramid results in an object with thick, prominent steps. (B) By increasing the number of layers and decreasing thickness, the resolution of the pyramid is increased to give the appearance of a smooth surface. (C) For 3D bioprinting, complex structures such as vasculature can be constructed layer-by-layer with feature resolution dependent on layer thickness. Left panel shows an example 3D object representing a branching vascular structure is depicted. The vascular object can be constructed through iterative addition of 2D patterns. Right panel examples 1, 2 and 3 show top-down views of select 2D patterns at differing layers heights in the object.
Jacob L. Albritton, and Jordan S. Miller Dis. Model. Mech. 2017;10:3-14
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