Grayscale-induced structures with enhanced fracture performance

UV-curing 3D printing technology has been widely used in fields like metamaterials, mechanics, soft robotics, and sensors. However, it struggles with fabricating structures with uniform mechanical properties. This research introduces grayscale digital processing in UV-curing 3D printing to create functionally graded or composite structures with varied performance. We developed a novel method to experimentally verify how grayscale values impact the mechanical properties of 3D-printed structures. By applying different grayscale values to specific regions, we achieved varied mechanical properties within a single structure. Our experiments showed precise control over elongation at break, fracture force, and fracture toughness. The results demonstrate that grayscale digital processing can significantly enhance the versatility of 3D-printed structures. This approach is promising for advanced engineering applications requiring complex and multifunctional materials, highlighting its potential to advance UV-curing 3D printing technology.