It can sometimes be difficult to visualize the difference that print resolution makes, or what we even mean by resolution, but when evaluating 3D printing technology, understanding this is extremely important. Different applications require different technical requirements, and of course, there is also the economics to consider.
Pictured above is a micro 3D printed glaucoma stent, a medical device that is inserted into the eye as a treatment protocol for glaucoma. This part is traditionally machined in production which is very expensive.
A desktop SLA machine will give you about 50µm resolution as you can see on the far right. An industrial SLA system will give 30µm resolution. With the BMF process, you can get down to resolution that will be appropriate for this part and will be printed “true to CAD”.
Capable of achieving resolution of 2µm~50µm and tolerance of +/- 5µm~25µm, BMF’s PµSL technology provides mold-free, ultra-high-resolution fast prototyping and end part capability.
We’ve developed the world’s most accurate micro-precision 3D printers that print parts at industrial speeds. We’d be glad to 3D print a sample part so that you can experience the quality of our products and services first-hand. Or, if you’re ready to start streamlining research and production, request a quote to have us print your part via our in-house 3D printing services.
Feel free to browse some of our original research and content to learn more about our products and technology; and see how we can help you improve your operational processes.
Microscale 3D Printing for High-Fidelity Prototyping of Medical Parts
Medical Devices 3D Printing: Video Round up
The Future of Micro 3DP for Medical Devices
Micro 3D Printing for Microfluidics
Part of the Week: Fluids Connector
Designing Microfluidic Devices for 3D Printing
Webinar: Micro 3D Printing Applications for MEMS and Microfluidics
Additive manufacturing (AM) sometimes offers a simpler approach to production compared to conventional manufacturing, but just as often, AM is chosen because it permits a design advantage other processes cannot achieve. Eye stents used in glaucoma surgery might be an application that achieves both. Microscale 3D printing promises to simplify how these eye stents are made, while also improving the experience for the patient by reducing the number of glaucoma surgeries from two to only one.
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