A process for 3D printing allows objects to rise continuously from liquid rather than the conventional approach of building objects layer by layer. The technology called Continuous Liquid Interface Production (CLIP) may open opportunities for faster and more consistent quality 3D printing.

CLIP works by projecting light through an oxygen-permeable window into a reservoir of UV curable resin. The build platform lifts continuously as the object is grown. A sequence of UV images are projected through the window and the object is effectively drawn from a resin bath.

The process uses tuneable photochemistry to balance the interaction of light, which triggers photo polymerization, and oxygen, which inhibits it. By using a chemical process it eliminates the mechanical steps and layers used by traditional 3D printing.

Read the full article.