Researchers at Tsinghua University have developed a groundbreaking volumetric 3D printing method that dramatically reduces print times to under one second. This innovation leverages a high-speed rotating periscope projector to synthesize holographic light fields, eliminating the need to rotate the resin volume itself and thus avoiding fluid instability issues typically associated with high-speed spinning of liquid resin. This new approach also enables the use of lower-viscosity resins, enhancing material compatibility.
The system is capable of printing full 3D objects in just 0.6 seconds with a resolution of 19 µm, supported by a robust algorithmic correction that ensures micrometer-scale accuracy. Utilizing a digital micromirror device running at up to 17,000 Hz, the method projects optimized holographic light patterns from multiple angles, allowing for high resolution across a 1-cm depth range — more than 20× the objective’s depth of field.
Additionally, the system’s capability to incorporate a fluidic channel allows for continuous and scalable mass production, or printed results can be pumped into a collection vessel. Such adaptability demonstrates significant potential for broader manufacturing applications beyond research labs.
The technology is compatible with a range of materials, including acrylate resins, PEGDA, GelMA, SilMA hydrogels, and elastic materials, paving the way for diverse applications in fields like bioprinting, drug screening, microfabrication, and photonics. This research represents a significant step forward in the efficiency and versatility of volumetric 3D printing, offering promising opportunities for scalable production in various industrial sectors.

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Researchers at Tsinghua University have achieved sub-second volumetric 3D printing using a high-speed rotating periscope projector that synthesizes holographic light fields. The system prints full 3D objects in 0.6 seconds at 19 µm resolution without rotating the resin volume, avoiding fluid instability. A digital micromirror device running at up to 17,000 Hz projects optimized light patterns from multiple angles, achieving over 20× the objective's depth of field. The approach supports lower-viscosity resins and is compatible with acrylate resins, PEGDA, GelMA, SilMA hydrogels, and elastic materials. A fluidic channel integration enables continuous mass production, with applications spanning bioprinting, drug screening, microfabrication, and photonics.

Advancements in Sub-Second Volumetric 3D Printing