3D printing gives the ability to produce parts directly within the Nanofabrication Unit has become an important practical tool for research. Having 3D printing equipment on-site allows the team to design and fabricate components such as sample holders, alignment jigs, vacuum connectors, and other custom fixtures quickly and at low cost. This flexibility shortens development cycles and makes it easier to adjust setups or test new concepts without relying on external machining services.

Current Equipment and Capabilities

Bambu Lab X1E – Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)

The X1E prints by extruding thermoplastic filament through a heated nozzle, layer by layer. It supports several nozzle diameters, including 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 mm. When using the 0.2 mm nozzle, the printer can reach a Z-resolution in the range of about 40–140 µm, and with careful tuning, layers as thin as 60 µm are achievable. This configuration is ideal for small, detailed parts that require high accuracy and smooth surfaces. The enclosed, temperature-controlled chamber (up to roughly 60 °C) helps maintain dimensional stability when printing engineering-grade materials.

Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra – Masked Stereolithography (MSLA)

The Saturn 4 Ultra builds parts by curing liquid resin with UV light projected through a monochrome LCD mask. It provides an XY resolution of approximately 19 × 24 µm and Z-axis precision of around 20 µm, allowing for very fine features and high surface quality. It is particularly suited for applications where detail and finish are critical, such as optical mounts, molds, or small precision components.

Complementary Roles

The two systems cover different but complementary needs. The X1E is used mainly for functional and structural parts that must be strong and durable, while the Saturn 4 Ultra is used for detailed components that require excellent resolution and finish. Together, they provide a flexible fabrication platform that supports both rapid prototyping and the production of refined components for research.

Communication and Visualization Support

The printers are also used to prepare physical models for conferences, lectures, and posters, helping researchers explain complex structures or nanoscale concepts in a clear and engaging way. Being able to produce accurate 3D representations of experimental devices or systems gives audiences a tangible sense of scale and geometry, improving both understanding and impact during presentations.

Future Direction

As nanoscale additive manufacturing continues to advance—particularly in two-photon polymerization systems capable of features below 100 nm—the unit plans to add a dedicated nanoscale 3D printer. This addition will extend our capabilities from supporting tools and prototypes to the direct fabrication of functional nanostructures, creating a seamless link between macro-, micro-, and nanoscale research.