KR102466872B1 - Method and system for fabrication of high-resolution structure using size-tunable hydrogels - Google Patents

Abstract

Various embodiments provide a method for fabricating a high-resolution structure using a size-adjustable hydrogel. According to various embodiments, a basic structure is created, a hydrogel is applied to the basic structure, a temporary structure made of the hydrogel is created, the hydrogel is contracted, the temporary structure is contracted, and the contracted temporary structure or By using the basic structure to create the final structure, a high-resolution structure can be fabricated.

Description

Method and system for manufacturing high-resolution structures using size-adjustable hydrogels

Various embodiments relate to a method and system for fabricating a high-resolution structure using a size-adjustable hydrogel.

3D printing technology is an additive manufacturing (AM) method in which three-dimensionally designed model drawings are stacked layer by layer using a CAD (Computer-Aided Design) program. After the first development of stereolithography (SLA), a curing-based method of laminating structures using layer-by-layer curing through laser or UV exposure on photocurable resin, the thermoplastic material is melted and then sprayed through a nozzle to form a 3D structure. Several processes have been continuously developed, including the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) method of fabricating structures. These 3D printing techniques are characterized by the ability to produce various and complex structures that are difficult to implement on a conventional two-dimensional plane, and to utilize various materials such as polymer compounds, metals, and ceramics.

3D printing technology began to be commercialized in earnest in 1984 after Charles Hull of the United States implemented the 3D printing system for the first time and applied for a patent related to the stereolithography process. As it declined and became more accessible, it attracted more attention. It is a trend that goes beyond simple model or prototype production (Rapid Prototyping; RP) and is being used in various industrial fields. Due to the diversity of materials and the improvement of technology, their use in new fields is spreading, and many industries are actively promoting the introduction of 3D printing technology for reasons such as minimizing material loss, customized production, and ease and precision of design. It is not only used in manufacturing parts or construction industries through 3D additive manufacturing, but also in the biotechnology industry, such as bio and medical, which requires a special shape tailored to each patient.

As such, 3D printing is attracting attention as a promising future technology that has the potential to be used in various fields, and its utilization is also greatly increasing. The resolution of laminated parts using 3D printing is mainly influenced by the 3D printing technique used and the equipment performance of the 3D printer. In order for 3D printing techniques to be utilized in more diverse fields, an important issue is how precisely the designed model drawings can be expressed and produced. As the cost related to 3D printing has decreased compared to the past, the scope of application is gradually expanding not only in the industrial field where 3D printing technique was mainly used, but also in the home, school, and laboratory. Based on increased accessibility, high 3D printing resolution that can replace existing products is emerging as an essential element for personalized production that can be used in everyday life.

In order for 3D printing technology to have higher utilization in various fields as a custom manufacturing technique, it is necessary to develop in a direction that can replace existing products through material diversity and high-resolution production. Accordingly, various techniques have been developed, starting with the SLA technique, which is the first 3D printing technique, and a lot of research is being conducted to implement 3D printing for various materials with higher resolution.

Different 3D printing techniques each have different resolutions, ranging from tens to hundreds of microns or more. The SLA technique with a resolution of tens of microns shows the highest resolution, and the FDM technique, which is the most used method for personal 3D printers, shows a relatively low tendency with a resolution of hundreds of microns. However, in general, the higher the resolution in the 3D printing technique, the more it has various limitations, including the cost aspect. For example, in the case of the SLA technique having the highest resolution of several tens of microns, the price of equipment and materials used is high, and the printing speed is slow. On the other hand, the most common FDM technique has a relatively low cost and fast printing speed, but has a relatively low resolution. Other 3D printing techniques such as SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) and IP (Inkjet Printing) have similar tendencies.

Various embodiments propose a high-resolution structure fabrication technology using a size-adjustable hydrogel in order to overcome the limitations in terms of resolution and cost that various arbitrary structure fabrication techniques, including 3D printing techniques, have in common.

A high-resolution structure manufacturing method according to various embodiments includes generating a basic structure, applying a hydrogel to the basic structure, and generating a temporary structure made of the hydrogel, contracting the hydrogel, and Shrinking the temporary structure, and generating a final structure using the temporary structure or the basic structure.

A high-resolution structure manufacturing system according to various embodiments includes a basic structure generating unit configured to generate a basic structure, and a temporary structure configured to generate a temporary structure made of the hydrogel by applying a hydrogel to the basic structure. A temporary structure contracting unit configured to contract the temporary structure by contracting the hydrogel, and a final structure generating unit configured to generate a final structure using the temporary structure or the basic structure. .

In various embodiments, a high-resolution structure may be fabricated using a size-adjustable hydrogel. Specifically, a final structure with high resolution, that is, a reduced size, can be obtained by repeatedly contracting the hydrogel while substituting the basic structure manufactured through 3D printing with the hydrogel. As such, various embodiments are compatible with existing 3D printing techniques and can be implemented without additional equipment through a hydrogel that can be synthesized at low cost, which can be advantageous in terms of cost and time. In addition, in various embodiments, the final structure may be made of various materials such as elastomer, resin, plastic, and hydrogel. Accordingly, various embodiments may be utilized to easily manufacture a product suitable for individual needs or to easily manufacture a high-precision miniaturized device having various functions such as a lab-on-a-chip or a sensor.

1 is a diagram illustrating a system for fabricating a high-resolution structure according to various embodiments.
2 is a diagram for explaining a scenario for fabricating a high-resolution structure according to the first embodiment.
3 is a diagram for explaining a scenario for fabricating a high-resolution structure according to a second embodiment.
4 is a diagram illustrating a method for fabricating a high-resolution structure according to various embodiments.
5 to 11 are diagrams for explaining application of various embodiments.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of this document will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Various embodiments suggest a high-resolution structure fabrication technique using a hydrogel capable of adjusting the size. Various embodiments have the following three features. The first feature is that a high-resolution structure that exceeds the resolution of the 3D printer can be manufactured using various 3D printers. The second feature is that this technology can be implemented without additional equipment through a hydrogel that can be synthesized at low cost. The third feature is that the final structure can be made of various materials such as plastic, polydimethysiloxane (PDMS), and hydrogel.

Various embodiments show a difference from the existing technology research direction for resolution improvement by introducing a new material approach rather than improving the performance of the 3D printer itself. In general, the precision of a structure produced by a 3D printer is mainly determined by the 3D printing technique and performance of the equipment used, and a correspondingly expensive and high-performance 3D printer is required to obtain a high-resolution structure. In addition, considerable cost and time are consumed to develop equipment that exceeds the existing output limits. Various embodiments are technologies that can overcome cost and time limitations by introducing a material called a hydrogel capable of contraction in an intermediate process, unlike the development direction of the existing 3D printing.

Various embodiments are characterized by being compatible with several independently used 3D printers, and have an advantage in terms of cost in that they use hydrogels that can be synthesized at low cost without additional equipment. Various embodiments can be applied to commonly available low-resolution 3D printers to overcome the resolution limit, and by repeatedly performing the entire process, a structure with several times the resolution of the original output can be manufactured.

Various embodiments differ from existing 3D printing technologies in that each 3D printing technique can manufacture a structure with various materials such as elastomer, resin, plastic, and hydrogel in addition to the existing limited printing materials. In general, 3D printing manufacturing techniques have compatible materials for each technique. In the case of the FDM technique, only thermoplastic materials can be used because the structure is manufactured through nozzle spraying after melting the printing material at a high temperature. In the SLA technique, since the structure is hardened layer by layer through light, a photocurable resin must be used. In various embodiments, in addition to elastomers such as PDMS and ecoflex, the final structure can be fabricated with various curable materials such as resin, plastic, and hydrogel, so it is a technology that can be widely used than conventional 3D printing techniques.

1 is a diagram illustrating a system 100 for fabricating high-resolution structures in accordance with various embodiments. 2 is a diagram for explaining a scenario for fabricating a high-resolution structure according to the first embodiment. 3 is a diagram for explaining a scenario for fabricating a high-resolution structure according to a second embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the system 100 may fabricate high-resolution final structures 250 and 350 from basic structures 210 and 310 using a hydrogel capable of contraction. At this time, the system 100 repeatedly uses the hydrogel to shrink the basic structures 210 and 310, and through this, a higher resolution, that is, a more reduced size final structure 250 and 350 can be manufactured. can Specifically, the system 100 may include a basic structure generator 110, a temporary structure generator 120, a temporary structure contraction unit 130, an iteration processor 140, or a final structure generator 150. have. In some embodiments, at least one of the components of system 100 may be omitted and at least one other component may be added. In some embodiments, at least any two of the components of system 100 may be integrated into one.

In the basic structure generating unit 110 , the basic structure 210 may be created. Here, in the basic structure generating unit 110, the basic structures 210 and 310 may be created using a basic material. In addition, the basic structure generating unit 110 may generate the basic structures 210 and 310 through any technology capable of creating an arbitrary two-dimensional or three-dimensional structure, such as 3D printing, all patterning, printing, and molding technologies. To this end, the basic structure generating unit 110 may include a 3D printer (P).

The temporary structures 220 and 320 may be generated by applying the hydrogel to the basic structures 210 and 310 in the temporary structure generator 120 . Through this, the temporary structures 220 and 320 may be made of hydrogel. At this time, the hydrogel may have a contractible property. In addition, the hydrogel is gelled in a liquid state having flowability and formed into temporary structures 220 and 320 having shapes, and the temporary structures 220 and 320 may maintain their shapes. For example, the hydrogels 220 and 320 may be stretchable hydrogels, and thus the temporary structures 220 and 320 may have elasticity and flexibility. In addition, channels corresponding to the basic structures 210 and 310 may be provided in the temporary structures 220 and 320 .

According to the first embodiment, in the basic structure generating unit 110, as shown in FIG. 2, the basic structure 210 may have a predetermined pattern 211. For example, a pattern 211 may be provided on one surface of the basic structure 210 . In this case, as shown in FIG. 2 , in the temporary structure generating unit 120 , the temporary structure 220 may be generated by applying the hydrogel on the pattern 211 of the basic structure 210 . Then, the temporary structure 220 may be obtained by separating the temporary structure 220 from the pattern 211 . Here, since the temporary structure 220 has elasticity and flexibility, damage to the temporary structure 220 may be prevented when the temporary structure 220 is separated from the pattern 211 . Through this, a recess 221 corresponding to the pattern 211 of the basic structure 210 may be provided as a channel on one surface of the temporary structure 220 .

According to the second embodiment, in the basic structure generator 110, as shown in FIG. 3, the basic structure 310 may be implemented in a predetermined pattern 311. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3 , in the temporary structure generating unit 120 , the temporary structure 320 may be generated by applying a hydrogel to surround the basic structure 310 . Here, the hydrogel may be removed through physical force or chemical treatment. For example, a hydrogel that melts under specific chemical conditions (eg, pH, temperature, ion concentration, catalytic treatment, chemical reaction, etc.) can be used. Alternatively, after using a hydrogel that can be swollen or easily deformed under these chemical conditions, the hydrogel can be physically removed. Then, the temporary structure 320 may be obtained by removing the basic structure 310 from the inside of the temporary structure 320 . Here, the basic structure 310 may be removed through physical force or chemical treatment. To this end, the basic material of the basic structure 310 may be a material that can be melted under predetermined conditions, such as PLA (Poly Lactic Acid) or ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene). For example, the basic structure is melted using an organic solvent such as chloroform or dichloromethane, without affecting the shape or size of the temporary structure 320. (310) can be eliminated. Alternatively, it may be physically removed after softening by treatment with an organic solvent as described above. Alternatively, it can be physically removed after melting or softening under specific chemical conditions (eg, pH, temperature, ion concentration, catalytic treatment, chemical reaction, etc.). Through this, a cavity 321 corresponding to the pattern 311 of the basic structure 310 may be provided as a channel in the temporary structure 320 .

In the temporary structure contraction unit 130, the temporary structures 220 and 320 may be contracted. At this time, the temporary structures 220 and 320 may be contracted by drying the hydrogel in the temporary structure contraction unit 130 . When the hydrogel dries, moisture contained in the hydrogel evaporates, and as a result, the temporary structures 220 and 320 may contract. At this time, as the temporary structures 220 and 320 contract, the channels and cavities of the temporary structures 220 and 320 may also contract. For example, for isotropic shrinkage, the hydrogel can be dried slowly by gradually raising the temperature in a humid environment. Through this, contraction in the longitudinal direction may occur in the temporary structures 220 and 320 by about 40% to about 50% compared to before contraction. Alternatively, a hydrogel that shrinks under specific chemical conditions can be used. For example, a hydrogel that shrinks at high or low temperature, shrinks at high or low pH, high or low ion concentration, or shrinks after a chemical reaction may be used.

If necessary, the basic structures 210 and 310 may be regenerated in the iteration processing unit 140 using the temporary structures 220 and 320 . Through this, in the repetition processing unit 140, the basic structures 210 and 310 of a reduced size may be created. For example, at the time of the first iteration, that is, when the number of iterations is one, the size of the basic structure 210 or 310 first generated is reduced to 1/2 of the size of the basic structure 210 or 310 to be generated. can Also, the basic structures 210 and 310 generated by the iteration processing unit 140 may be provided to the temporary structure generation unit 120 . Accordingly, temporary structures 220 and 320 having a more reduced size may be obtained through repetition of the temporary structure generator 120 and the temporary structure contraction unit 130 . That is, temporary structures 220 and 320 of a reduced size may be repeatedly generated and contracted. For example, as the number of iterations is added to 2 or 3 times, the size of the basic structure 210 or 310 reduced to 1/4 or 1/8 of the size of the first generated basic structure 210 or 310 is generated. It will be.

According to the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 , in the iterative processing unit 140 , the basic structure 210 may be created by applying a basic material to the surface of the temporary structure 220 . Here, the basic material may be a curable material. For example, the basic material may be applied to the surface of the temporary structure 220 and then cured to form the basic structure 210 . And, by separating the temporary structure 220 from the basic structure 210, the basic structure 210 can be obtained. At this time, in the temporary structure contraction unit 130, as the temporary structure 220 contracts, the recess 221 of the temporary structure 220 also contracts, and in the repetition processing unit 140, the basic structure 210 The temporary structure 220 may have a pattern 211 corresponding to the recess 221 . In addition, the basic structure 210 generated by the iteration processing unit 140 may be provided to the temporary structure generation unit 120 .

According to the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 , in the repetition processing unit 140 , the basic structure 310 may be created by filling the interior of the temporary structure 320 with a basic material. Here, the basic material may have an arbitrary shape and may be a material capable of being cured. For example, the basic material may be applied to the inside of the temporary structure 320 and then cured to form the basic structure 310 . And, by removing the temporary structure 320 from the outside of the basic structure 310, the basic structure 310 can be obtained. For example, the hardened basic material is cut into powder form, put into the cavity 321 inside the temporary structure 320, and the temperature is raised to soften or melt the basic material so that the inside of the cavity 321 is uniformly formed. After filling, the temperature can be lowered again to cure the basic material. As another example, the cured basic structure 310 may be formed by dissolving the cured basic material in a solvent, putting it into the cavity 321 and evaporating the solvent. Here, by melting the temporary structure 320, the temporary structure 320 may be removed. For example, the hydrogel can be removed by applying physical force or melting under specific chemical conditions (eg, pH, temperature, ion concentration, catalytic treatment, chemical reaction, etc.). In addition, after using a hydrogel that can be expanded or easily deformed under these chemical conditions, the temporary structure 320 can be removed without affecting the shape or size of the basic structure 310 by physically removing the hydrogel. can At this time, in the temporary structure contraction unit 130, as the temporary structure 320 is contracted, the cavity 321 of the temporary structure 320 is also contracted, and in the repetition processing unit 140, the basic structure 310 is temporarily The structure 320 may have a pattern 311 corresponding to the cavity 321 . In addition, the basic structure 310 generated by the repetition processing unit 140 may be provided to the temporary structure generation unit 120 .

In the final structure generating unit 150, the final structures 250 and 350 may be generated using the temporary structures 220 and 320 or the basic structures 210 and 310. Here, in the final structure generating unit 150, the final materials 250 and 350 may be created using the final materials. For example, the final material may include at least one of elastic polymers such as PDMS and Ecoplex, resins, plastics, metals, metal oxides, ceramics, polymers, and hydrogels. Through this, in the final structure generating unit 150, the final structures 250 and 350 having a reduced size may be created. For example, when not repeated by the iteration processing unit 140, the final structures 250 and 350 having a size reduced to 1/2 of the size of the first generated basic structures 210 and 310 may be generated. . As another example, as the number of iterations is added once or twice by the repetition processing unit 140, the final structure having a size reduced to 1/4 or 1/8 of the size of the first basic structure 210 or 310 ( 250, 350) can be created. Here, the final structures 250 and 350 may be formed from the temporary structures 220 and 320 . In this case, the final structures 250 and 350 have a reverse tone of the initially formed basic structures 210 and 310 . Meanwhile, the final structures 250 and 350 may be formed from the basic structures 210 and 310 . In this case, the final structures 250 and 350 have the same structure as the initially formed basic structures 210 and 310 while being smaller in size.

According to the first embodiment, the final structure generating unit 150 may generate the final structure 250 by applying a final material to the surface of the temporary structure 220 as shown in FIG. 2 . Here, the final material may be a curable material. For example, the final material may be applied to the surface of the temporary structure 220 and then cured to form the final structure 250 . Then, the final structure 250 may be obtained by separating the temporary structure 220 from the final structure 250 . At this time, as the temporary structure 220 shrinks in the final structure generator 150, the recess 221 of the temporary structure 220 also shrinks, and in the final structure generator 150, the final structure 250 ) may have a pattern 251 corresponding to the recess 221 of the temporary structure 220 .

According to the second embodiment, the final structure generating unit 150 may generate the final structure 350 by applying a final material to the inside of the temporary structure 320 as shown in FIG. 3 . Here, the final material may be a curable material. For example, the final material may be applied to the interior of the temporary structure 320 and then cured to form the final structure 350 . Then, the final structure 350 may be obtained by removing the temporary structure 320 from the outside of the final structure 350 . Here, by melting the temporary structure 320, the temporary structure 320 may be removed. For example, hydrogels can be removed by applying physical force or melting under specific chemical conditions (eg, pH, temperature, ion concentration, catalytic treatment, chemical reaction, etc.). In addition, the temporary structure 320 can be removed without affecting the shape or size of the final structure 350 by physically removing the hydrogel after using a hydrogel that can be expanded or easily deformed under these chemical conditions. can At this time, as the temporary structure 320 shrinks in the temporary structure shrinking unit 130, the cavity 321 of the temporary structure 320 also shrinks, and in the final structure generating unit 150, the final structure 350 may have a pattern 351 corresponding to the cavity 321 of the temporary structure 320 .

4 is a diagram illustrating a method for fabricating a high-resolution structure according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 4 , high-resolution final structures 250 and 350 may be fabricated from the basic structures 210 and 310 using a hydrogel capable of contraction. At this time, the basic structures 210 and 310 are repeatedly reduced by using the hydrogel, and through this, the final structures 250 and 350 having a higher resolution, that is, a smaller size can be manufactured.

First, in step 410, the basic structure 210 may be created. Here, the basic structures 210 and 310 may be created using a curable basic material. In addition, the basic structures 210 and 310 may be created through any technology capable of making two-dimensional and three-dimensional structures, such as 3D printing, all patterning, printing, and molding technologies.

Next, in step 420, the temporary structures 220 and 320 may be created by applying the hydrogel to the basic structures 210 and 310. Through this, the temporary structures 220 and 320 may be made of hydrogel. At this time, the hydrogel may have a contractible property. In addition, the hydrogel is gelled in a liquid state having flowability and formed into temporary structures 220 and 320 having shapes, and the temporary structures 220 and 320 may maintain their shapes. For example, the hydrogels 220 and 320 may be stretchable hydrogels, and thus the temporary structures 220 and 320 may have elasticity and flexibility. In addition, a channel corresponding to the basic structures 210 and 310, that is, a recess 221 or a cavity 321 may be provided.

According to the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 , the basic structure 210 may have a predetermined pattern 211 . For example, a pattern 211 may be provided on one surface of the basic structure 210 . In this case, the temporary structure 220 may be created by applying the hydrogel on the pattern 211 of the basic structure 210 . Then, the temporary structure 220 may be separated from the pattern 211 to obtain the temporary structure 220 . Here, since the temporary structure 220 has elasticity and flexibility, damage to the temporary structure 220 may be prevented when the temporary structure 220 is separated from the pattern 211 . Through this, a recess 221 corresponding to the pattern 211 of the basic structure 210 may be provided as a channel on one surface of the temporary structure 220 .

According to the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 , the basic structure 310 may be implemented in a predetermined pattern 311 . In this case, the temporary structure 320 may be created by applying the hydrogel to surround the basic structure 310 . Here, the hydrogel may be removed through physical force or chemical treatment. For example, a hydrogel that melts under specific chemical conditions (eg, pH, temperature, ion concentration, catalytic treatment, chemical reaction, etc.) can be used. Alternatively, after using a hydrogel that can be swollen or easily deformed under these chemical conditions, the hydrogel can be physically removed. Then, the temporary structure 320 may be obtained by removing the basic structure 310 from the inside of the temporary structure 320 . Here, the basic structure 310 may be removed by physically removing or chemically melting the basic structure 310 . To this end, the basic material of the basic structure 310 may be a material that can be melted under predetermined conditions, such as PLA or ABS. For example, since the basic material is melted using an organic solvent such as chloroform or dichloromethane, the basic structure 310 may be removed without giving an image of the shape or size of the temporary structure 320 . Alternatively, it may be physically removed after softening by treatment with an organic solvent as described above. Alternatively, it can be physically removed after melting or softening under specific chemical conditions (eg, pH, temperature, ion concentration, catalytic treatment, chemical reaction, etc.). Through this, a cavity 321 corresponding to the pattern 311 of the basic structure 310 may be provided as a channel in the temporary structure 320 .

Subsequently, in step 430, the temporary structures 220 and 320 may be contracted. At this time, the temporary structures 220 and 320 may be contracted by drying the hydrogel. When the hydrogel dries, moisture contained in the hydrogel evaporates, and as a result, the temporary structures 220 and 320 may contract. At this time, as the temporary structures 220 and 320 contract, the channel of the temporary structures 220 and 320, that is, the recess 221 or the cavity 321 may also contract. For example, for isotropic shrinkage, the hydrogel can be dried slowly by gradually raising the temperature in a humid environment. Through this, contraction in the longitudinal direction may occur in the temporary structures 220 and 320 by about 40% to about 50% compared to before contraction. Alternatively, a hydrogel that shrinks under specific chemical conditions can be used. For example, a hydrogel that shrinks at high or low temperature, shrinks at high or low pH, high or low ion concentration, or shrinks after a chemical reaction may be used.

Subsequently, in step 441, it may be determined whether or not to perform repetition. That is, it can be determined whether or not there is a request for the temporary structures 220 and 320 having a more reduced size. At this time, in step 441, if it is determined that repetition is to be executed, in step 445, the basic structures 210 and 310 may be regenerated using the temporary structures 220 and 320. Through this, the reduced-size basic structures 210 and 310 may be created. For example, at the time of the first iteration, that is, when the number of iterations is one, the size of the basic structure 210 or 310 first generated is reduced to 1/2 of the size of the basic structure 210 or 310 to be generated. can Thereafter, steps 420 and 430 are repeated to obtain the temporary structures 220 and 320 having a more reduced size. That is, temporary structures 220 and 320 of a reduced size may be repeatedly generated and contracted. For example, as the number of iterations is added to 2 or 3 times, the size of the basic structure 210 or 310 reduced to 1/4 or 1/8 of the size of the first generated basic structure 210 or 310 is generated. It will be.

According to the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 , the basic structure 210 may be created by applying a basic material to the surface of the temporary structure 220 . Here, the basic material may be a curable material. For example, the basic material may be applied to the surface of the temporary structure 220 and then cured to form the basic structure 210 . And, by separating the temporary structure 220 from the basic structure 210, the basic structure 210 can be obtained. At this time, as the temporary structure 220 contracts, the recess 221 of the temporary structure 220 also contracts, and the basic structure 210 has a pattern corresponding to the recess 221 of the temporary structure 220 ( 211) may have. After this, steps 420 and 430 may be repeated.

According to the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 , the basic structure 310 may be created by filling the inside of the temporary structure 320 with a basic material. Here, the basic material may be a curable material. For example, the basic material may be applied to the inside of the temporary structure 320 and then cured to form the basic structure 310 . And, by removing the temporary structure 320 from the outside of the basic structure 310, the basic structure 310 can be obtained. For example, the hardened basic material is cut into powder form, put into the cavity 321 inside the temporary structure 320, and the temperature is raised to soften or melt the basic material so that the inside of the cavity 321 is uniformly formed. After filling, the temperature can be lowered again to cure the basic material. As another example, the cured basic material may be melted in a solvent, put into a cavity, and the solvent evaporated to form a cured basic structure 310. Here, the temporary structure 320 is melted and the temporary structure 320 is removed. For example, the hydrogel can be removed by applying physical force or melting under specific chemical conditions (eg, pH, temperature, ion concentration, catalytic treatment, chemical reaction, etc.). In addition, after using a hydrogel that can be expanded or easily deformed under these chemical conditions, the temporary structure 320 can be removed without affecting the shape or size of the basic structure 310 by physically removing the hydrogel. can At this time, as the temporary structure 320 is contracted, the cavity 321 of the temporary structure 320 is also contracted, and the basic structure 310 has a pattern 311 corresponding to the cavity 321 of the temporary structure 320. can have After this, steps 420 and 430 may be repeated.

Finally, in step 450, the final structures 250 and 350 may be created using the temporary structures 220 and 320 or the basic structures 210 and 310. At this time, in step 441, if it is determined that the repetition is not necessary, the final structures 250 and 350 may be generated using the temporary structures 220 and 320 or the basic structures 210 and 310. Here, the final materials 250 and 350 may be created using the final materials. For example, the final material may include at least one of elastic polymers such as PDMS and Ecoplex, resins, plastics, metals, metal oxides, ceramics, polymers, and hydrogels. Through this, final structures 250 and 350 having a reduced size may be created. For example, when repetition is not executed, final structures 250 and 350 having a size reduced to 1/2 of the size of the first basic structures 210 and 310 may be generated. As another example, as the number of repetitions is added once or twice, final structures 250 and 350 having a size reduced to 1/4 or 1/8 of the size of the first basic structures 210 and 310 are generated. can Here, the final structures 250 and 350 may be formed from the temporary structures 220 and 320 . In this case, the final structures 250 and 350 have a reverse tone of the first formed basic structures 210 and 310 . Meanwhile, the final structures 250 and 350 may be formed from the basic structures 210 and 310 . In this case, the final structures 250 and 350 have the same structure as the initially formed basic structures 210 and 310 while being smaller in size.

According to the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 , the final structure 250 may be created by applying a final material to the surface of the temporary structure 220 . Here, the final material may be a curable material. For example, the final material may be applied to the surface of the temporary structure 220 and then cured to form the final structure 250 . Then, the final structure 250 may be obtained by separating the temporary structure 220 from the final structure 250 . At this time, as the temporary structure 220 contracts, the recess 221 of the temporary structure 220 also contracts, and the final structure 250 has a pattern corresponding to the recess 221 of the temporary structure 220 ( 251) may have. At this time, since the basic structure 210 and the temporary structure 220 generated in the previous process are maintained without being removed, they may be used again.

According to the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 , a final structure 350 may be created by applying a final material to the inside of the temporary structure 320 . Here, the final material may be a curable material. For example, the final material may be applied to the interior of the temporary structure 320 and then cured to form the final structure 350 . Then, the final structure 350 may be obtained by removing the temporary structure 320 from the outside of the final structure 350 . Here, by melting the temporary structure 320, the temporary structure 320 may be removed. For example, the hydrogel can be removed by applying physical force or melting under specific chemical conditions (eg, pH, temperature, ion concentration, catalytic treatment, chemical reaction, etc.). In addition, the temporary structure 320 can be removed without affecting the shape or size of the final structure 350 by physically removing the hydrogel after using a hydrogel that can be expanded or easily deformed under these chemical conditions. can At this time, as the temporary structure 320 shrinks, the cavity 321 of the temporary structure 320 also shrinks, and the final structure 350 has a pattern 351 corresponding to the cavity 321 of the temporary structure 320. can have

In various embodiments, a high-resolution structure may be fabricated using a size-adjustable hydrogel. Specifically, by repeatedly contracting the hydrogel while replacing the basic structures 210 and 310 manufactured through various technologies capable of making arbitrary two-dimensional and three-dimensional structures, including 3D printing, with hydrogel, high-resolution, that is, reduced A final structure 250, 350 of any size may be obtained. As such, various embodiments are compatible with existing structure fabrication techniques and can be implemented without additional equipment through a hydrogel that can be synthesized at low cost, which can be advantageous in terms of cost and time. In addition, in various embodiments, the final structures 250 and 350 may be made of various materials such as elastomers, resins, plastics, metals, metal oxides, ceramics, polymers, or hydrogels. Accordingly, various embodiments may be utilized to easily manufacture a product suitable for individual needs or to easily manufacture a high-precision miniaturized device having various functions such as a lab-on-a-chip or a sensor.

A method for fabricating a high-resolution structure according to various embodiments includes generating the basic structures 210 and 310 (step 410), applying a hydrogel to the basic structures 210 and 310, and temporarily made of the hydrogel. Creating the structures 220 and 320 (step 420), shrinking the temporary structures 220 and 320 by contracting the hydrogel (step 430), and the temporary structures 220 and 320 or the basic structure 210 , 310) to generate the final structures 250 and 350 (step 450).

According to the first embodiment, the basic structure 210 has a predetermined pattern 211, and a recess 221 corresponding to the pattern 211 may be provided on one surface of the temporary structure 220. .

According to the first embodiment, the step of generating the temporary structure 220 (step 420) includes applying a hydrogel on the pattern 211 and generating the temporary structure 220 by gelation of the hydrogel; and separating the temporary structure 220 from the pattern 211 to obtain the temporary structure 220 .

According to the first embodiment, the temporary structure 220 may be created to have elasticity and flexibility in order to prevent damage to the temporary structure 220 when the temporary structure 220 is separated.

According to the first embodiment, after contracting the temporary structure 220 (step 420), generating the basic structure 210 (step 410), generating the temporary structure 220 (step 420), And contracting the temporary structure 220 (step 430) may be repeated.

According to the first embodiment, the step (step 410) of generating the basic structure 210 is, when repeated, applying a basic material to the surface of the temporary structure 220 to create the basic structure 210; and obtaining the basic structure 210 by separating the temporary structure 220 from the basic structure 210 (step 445).

According to the first embodiment, the step 450 of creating the final structure 250 includes applying a final material to the surface of the temporary structure 220 to have a pattern 251 corresponding to the recess 221. A step of generating the final structure 250 and a step of obtaining the final structure 250 by separating the temporary structure 220 from the final structure 250 may be included.

According to the first embodiment, the step of generating the final structure 250 (step 450) includes applying a final material to the surface of the basic structure 210 to have the same pattern 251 as the recess 221. It may include generating the structure 250 and obtaining the final structure 250 by separating the basic structure 210 from the final structure 250 .

According to the second embodiment, the basic structure 310 is implemented as a predetermined pattern 311, and the temporary structure 320 may have a cavity 321 corresponding to the pattern 311 provided therein.

According to the second embodiment, the step of generating the temporary structure 320 (step 420) includes applying a hydrogel to surround the basic structure 310 and generating the temporary structure 320 by gelation of the hydrogel. and obtaining the temporary structure 320 by removing the basic structure 310 from the inside of the temporary structure 320 .

According to the second embodiment, the basic structure 310 is made of a material that can be physically or chemically removed under predetermined conditions, and can be removed from the inside of the temporary structure 320 .

According to the second embodiment, the obtaining of the temporary structure 320 may include melting the basic structure 310 using an organic solvent to remove the basic structure 310 .

According to the second embodiment, after contracting the temporary structure 320 (step 430), generating the basic structure 310 (step 410), generating the temporary structure 320 (step 420), And contracting the temporary structure 320 (step 430) may be repeated.

According to the second embodiment, the step (step 410) of generating the basic structure 310 is, when repeated, filling the interior of the temporary structure 320 with a basic material to create the basic structure 310; and removing the temporary structure 320 from the outside of the basic structure 310 to obtain the basic structure 310 (step 445).

According to the second embodiment, the hydrogel is physically or chemically removable under predetermined conditions, and can be removed from the outside of the basic structure 310 .

According to the second embodiment, the step of obtaining the basic structure 310 may include removing the temporary structure 320 by melting the hydrogel using a solution having a predetermined pH.

According to the second embodiment, the step (step 450) of generating the final structure 350 is implemented as a pattern 351 corresponding to the cavity 321 by applying the final material to the inside of the temporary structure 320. It may include generating the final structure 350 and obtaining the final structure 350 by removing the temporary structure 320 from the outside of the final structure 350 .

According to the second embodiment, the step (step 450) of generating the final structure 350 is a final material implemented in the same pattern 351 as the cavity 321 by applying a final material to the inside of the basic structure 310. A step of generating the structure 350 and removing the basic structure 310 from the outside of the final structure 350 to obtain the final structure 350 may be included.

According to the second embodiment, the step of generating the basic structure 310 (step 410) may include generating the basic structure 310 through 3D printing.

According to various embodiments, the final structures 250 and 350 may be formed of at least one of elastomer, resin, plastic, metal, metal oxide, ceramic, polymer, or hydrogel.

According to various embodiments, high-resolution final structures 250 and 350 may be fabricated by the above-described method.

According to various embodiments, the system 100 for manufacturing a high-resolution structure by performing the above-described method includes a basic structure generating unit 110 configured to generate the basic structures 210 and 310, and the basic structures 210 and 310 ) to apply the hydrogel to the temporary structure generating unit 120 configured to generate the temporary structures 220 and 320 made of the hydrogel, and to contract the temporary structures 220 and 320 by contracting the hydrogel. The final structure generating unit 150 configured to generate the final structures 250 and 350 using the configured temporary structure contraction unit 130 and the temporary structures 220 and 320 or the basic structures 210 and 310, can include

According to various embodiments, the system 100 generates the basic structures 210 and 310 from the temporary structures 220 and 320 after the temporary structures 220 and 320 are contracted, and the temporary structure generator 120 ) may further include an iteration processing unit 140 configured to provide.

As described above, a technique according to various embodiments is a technique of repeatedly contracting a basic structure generated through 3D printing using a contractible hydrogel to obtain a high-resolution final structure. 5 to 11 are diagrams for explaining application of various embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 5, basic structures of 4x, 2x, and 1x sizes were fabricated using commonly available FDM-based low-resolution 3D printers, and contracted by applying techniques according to various embodiments. While the shape of the basic structure created through 3D printing beyond the output limit was not clear immediately after printing, the final structure obtained through three shrinkages was obtained in a small size while maintaining its original shape.

As shown in FIG. 6, a mold having a channel thickness of 300 μm is created as a basic structure through 3D printing, and the technology according to various embodiments is repeatedly applied to the mold to improve resolution by about 3 times (~100 μm). confirmed.

A hydrogel used in the technology according to various embodiments has high elasticity and flexibility. As shown in FIG. 7, when drying is performed in a state in which the shape is adjusted during the contraction process of the hydrogel, the size shrinks as it is while maintaining the shape. After covering the outside with PDMS, it was confirmed that the final structure having a curved channel inside could be fabricated by melting the hydrogel inside.

As shown in FIG. 8, a final structure of a hydrogel having a reduced channel was fabricated by applying a technique according to various embodiments. Here, the final structure was fabricated in the opposite structure of the first basic structure. As shown in (A) of FIG. 8, it was confirmed that the structure was well maintained even after shrinkage by injecting the fluorescent dye into the inside. In addition, as shown in (B) of FIG. 8, by injecting a liquid metal into the channel, the possibility of application in various fields such as a sensor was shown.

As shown in (A) of FIG. 9 , a hydrogel mask usable for material deposition was fabricated as a temporary structure by applying a technique according to various embodiments. Then, silver nanowires were deposited through a spray coating technique. On the other hand, as shown in (B) of FIG. 9 , silver nanowires were deposited on a curved surface such as a glass vial using the flexibility of a hydrogel, and then a circuit was constructed to conduct an LED spot lighting test.

)을 가지는 PCL(polycaprolactone)을 녹여서 수축된 하이드로젤 내부에 주입한 후 경화시켜 수축된 3차원의 최종 구조체를 획득하였다. 또한, 도 11에 도시된 바와 같이, 3D 프린팅을 통해 제작한 3차원의 베이직 구조체에 대해서도 다양한 실시예들에 따른 기술을 적용하였다.Techniques according to various embodiments were applied to a three-dimensional basic structure to fabricate a final structure having a reduced size. Here, the final structure was manufactured in a reduced size of the same structure as the first generated basic structure. In order to confirm that the technology according to various embodiments can be applied to a three-dimensional structure, as shown in FIG. 10, a hydrogel was synthesized in a state surrounding a spherical ceramic ball and then shrunk. Relatively low melting point (60

) was melted, injected into the contracted hydrogel, and then cured to obtain a contracted three-dimensional final structure. In addition, as shown in FIG. 11 , the technology according to various embodiments is applied to a three-dimensional basic structure manufactured through 3D printing.

Based on the advantage of being custom-made, 3D printing technology shows high potential for utilization in the existing manufacturing field, and the diversity of materials and the improvement of technology are used in many manufacturing fields that require more diverse materials and higher quality. It's getting attention. In particular, in bio and medical-related industries, 3D printing technology is rapidly being incorporated throughout the industry in that it enables the production of personalized medical parts with complex shapes. In addition, manufacturing of various devices using 3D printing technology is also attracting great attention in that it can simplify the existing complex manufacturing process. By manufacturing a high-resolution structure by applying the technology according to various embodiments, it can be applied to the following various manufacturing industries that have a complex shape or require a fine structure based on improved resolution.

First, it can be applied in bio and medical related industries. Bio- and medical-related manufacturing industries are one of the fields where 3D printing technology, which enables small-scale production of a variety of customized products, can be used because it is important to manufacture medical parts tailored to individual patients. The production of implant parts through 3D printing is already being used for tooth correction, and research to print human organs such as bone tissue, artificial joints, and blood vessels with complex and fine structures is continuously being conducted.

Second, it can be applied to manufacturing small devices (lab-on-a-chip, sensors, etc.). The device has a specific function, such as a lab-on-a-chip, a biomimetic chip that can be used for research in various fields such as medical diagnosis, environmental and chemical analysis, or a sensor that detects, measures, and outputs physical/chemical information. As a device for performing, it is used in various fields. Research is being conducted to manufacture devices using 3D printing for reasons such as minimization of material loss and ease and precision of design. Attempts are being made to improve or mimic complex forms of living organisms.

The technology according to various embodiments may be used together with the existing personalized 3D printing technology. Recently, high-precision medical product manufacturing technology that can reproduce the complex structure of a living body is being actively developed in the bio and medical related markets. Techniques according to various embodiments will make it possible to manufacture individually customized medical parts that have such complex structures or require high precision using universally supplied 3D printers instead of high-resolution and expensive 3D printers. Based on high accessibility, it is expected that it will be possible to produce products suitable for individual needs in that they can be easily used in daily life.

The technology according to various embodiments makes it possible to manufacture a miniaturized structure based on a conventional 3D printing technique. If the 3D printing technique and this technology are applied to the manufacture of devices with various uses, such as lab-on-a-chips and sensors, it will be possible to manufacture miniaturized devices with high precision. Devices manufactured on a smaller scale are expected to broaden the range of use of devices, such as showing high measurement accuracy based on fine and complex structures or facilitating biotransplantation.

Various embodiments of this document and terms used therein are not intended to limit the technology described in this document to a specific embodiment, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and/or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, like reference numerals may be used for like elements. Singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this document, expressions such as "A or B", "at least one of A and/or B", "A, B or C" or "at least one of A, B and/or C" refer to all of the items listed together. Possible combinations may be included. Expressions such as "first", "second", "first" or "second" may modify the elements in any order or importance, and are used only to distinguish one element from another. The components are not limited. When a (e.g., first) component is referred to as being "(functionally or communicatively) connected" or "connected" to another (e.g., second) component, that component refers to the other (e.g., second) component. It may be directly connected to the component or connected through another component (eg, a third component).

The term "module" used in this document includes a unit composed of hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. A module may be an integral part or a minimum unit or part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, the module may be composed of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

According to various embodiments, each component (eg, module or program) of the described components may include a singular object or a plurality of entities. According to various embodiments, one or more components or steps among the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or steps may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (eg modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to integration. According to various embodiments, steps performed by a module, program, or other component are executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the steps are executed in a different order, omitted, or , or one or more other steps may be added.

Claims (20)

In the high-resolution structure manufacturing method,
generating a basic structure;
generating a temporary structure made of the hydrogel by applying a hydrogel to the basic structure;
contracting the temporary structure by contracting the hydrogel; and
generating a final structure using the temporary structure or the basic structure;
including,
Way.
According to claim 1,
The basic structure,
have a pre-determined pattern,
In the temporary structure,
A recess corresponding to the pattern is provided on one surface,
Way.
According to claim 2,
The step of creating the temporary structure,
applying the hydrogel on the pattern and generating the temporary structure by gelation of the hydrogel; and
Obtaining the temporary structure by separating the temporary structure on the pattern
including,
Way.
According to claim 3,
The temporary structure,
In order to prevent damage to the temporary structure when the temporary structure is separated, it is created to have elasticity and flexibility,
Way.
According to claim 3,
After the step of contracting the temporary structure,
The step of generating the basic structure, the step of creating the temporary structure, and the step of contracting the temporary structure,
repeated,
The step of generating the basic structure,
When repeated, applying a basic material to the surface of the temporary structure to create the basic structure; and
Obtaining the basic structure by separating the temporary structure from the basic structure.
including,
Way.
According to claim 3,
The step of generating the final structure,
applying a final material to the surface of the temporary structure to create the final structure having a pattern corresponding to the recess; and
Separating the temporary structure from the final structure to obtain the final structure
including,
Way.
According to claim 3,
The step of generating the final structure,
applying a final material to the surface of the basic structure to create the final structure having the same pattern as the recess; and
Separating the basic structure from the final structure to obtain the final structure
including,
Way.
According to claim 1,
The basic structure,
implemented in a pre-determined pattern,
In the temporary structure,
A cavity corresponding to the pattern is provided therein,
Way.
According to claim 8,
The step of creating the temporary structure,
applying the hydrogel to surround the basic structure and generating the temporary structure by gelation of the hydrogel; and
Obtaining the temporary structure by removing the basic structure from the inside of the temporary structure.
including,
Way.
According to claim 9,
The basic structure,
Made of a material that is physically or chemically removable under predetermined conditions and removed from the interior of the temporary structure,
Way.
According to claim 10,
Obtaining the temporary structure,
Melting the basic structure using an organic solvent to remove the basic structure
including,
Way.
According to claim 9,
After the step of contracting the temporary structure,
The step of generating the basic structure, the step of creating the temporary structure, and the step of contracting the temporary structure,
repeated,
The step of generating the basic structure,
When repeated, filling the inside of the temporary structure with a basic material to create the basic structure; and
Obtaining the basic structure by removing the temporary structure outside the basic structure.
including,
Way.
According to claim 11,
The hydrogel,
Physically or chemically removable under predetermined conditions, removed from the outside of the basic structure,
Way.
According to claim 13,
Obtaining the basic structure,
Removing the temporary structure by melting the hydrogel using a solution having a predetermined pH.
including,
Way.
According to claim 9,
The step of generating the final structure,
generating the final structure implemented in a pattern corresponding to the cavity by applying a final material to the inside of the temporary structure; and
Obtaining the final structure by removing the temporary structure outside the final structure.
including,
Way.
According to claim 9,
The step of generating the final structure,
generating the final structure implemented in the same pattern as the cavity by applying a final material to the outside of the basic structure; and
Obtaining the final structure by removing the basic structure from the inside of the final structure.
including,
Way.
According to claim 1,
The step of generating the basic structure,
Creating the basic structure through 3D printing
including,
Way.
A high-resolution structure produced by the method according to claim 1.
In the high-resolution structure manufacturing system that performs the method according to claim 1,
a basic structure generating unit configured to generate a basic structure;
a temporary structure generating unit configured to generate a temporary structure made of the hydrogel by applying a hydrogel to the basic structure;
a temporary structure contraction unit configured to contract the temporary structure by contracting the hydrogel; and
A final structure generating unit configured to generate a final structure using the temporary structure or the basic structure.
including,
system.
According to claim 19,
After the temporary structure is contracted, an iteration processing unit configured to generate a basic structure from the temporary structure and provide it to the temporary structure generating unit.
Including more,
system.

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