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MODULE 3
3D PRINTING
NANOGRAPHY
6103- Specialized Printing Applications

3D PRINTING
 INTRODUCTION:
There are typically four types of manufacturing processes
1 Joining processes are characterized by their ability to
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fuse or two or more components for the purpose of

creating a different object, such as a ready-to-sell
consumer product. Most materials can be joined- and
there are typically multiple ways to join them.
E.g.- Welding, Soldering, Bolting, Riveting, Stapling.
2 Forming processes involve the physical manipulation of
an object. With forming, an object is physically deformed
to achieve a different size and/or shape upon exposing
to physical stress, such as heat or pressure.
E.g.- Forging, Cold rolling, Hot rolling, Extrusion, Pressing,
Bending, Shearing, Stamping, Coining, Ironing
 3 Subtractive manufacturing is an umbrella term for
various controlled machining and material removal
processes that start with solid blocks, bars, rods of
plastic, metal, or other materials that are shaped by
removing material through cutting, boring, drilling, and
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grinding.
These processes are either performed manually or more
commonly, driven by computer numerical control (CNC).
4 Additive manufacturing processes, in contrast to the
subtractive process, build objects by adding material
one layer at a time, with each successive layer bonding
to the preceding layer until the part is complete.
This method is also called as 3D printing or Rapid
Prototyping.
3D PRINTING- PRINCIPLE AND CHARACTERISTICS
3D printing is a process that creates a physical object from a
digital design. There are different 3D printing technologies and
materials you can print with, but all are based on the same
principle: a digital model is turned into a solid three-
dimensional physical object by adding material layer by layer.
3D printing does not constitute a single technology but a set of
manufacturing processes, very different from each other, that
share three common characteristics:
1. They are manufacturing processes by addition of material to
construct a solid three-dimensional object.
2. The object is constructed by superimposing successive layers
of material.
3. The object is made from a digital 3D model.
 3D PRINTING WORKFLOW
The starting point for any 3D printing process is obtaining a virtual design of the object,
which can either be created using a variety of 3D software programs, like 3D CAD, or
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scanned with a 3D scanner. The files are saved in STL or OBJ file form.
The model is then into layers, thereby converting the design into a file readable by
the 3D printer.
Toolpath is calculated for each layer and the machine code or G-Code is generated.
Which contains the information about the Thickness, Holes or gaps, Angles and overhang in
the design. This code is the translation of the piece into instructions that the machine can
understand.
 Once the G-Code has being obtained the process of 3D printing can be implemented. The
G-Code is sent to the machine, and the machine starts to work.
Extracting pieces: When the printer has finished printing, it is the moment to implement the
process of extracting the piece/s.
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For a lot of printed pieces, a finishing process is needed, that varies along the kind of
technology and kind of machine. For some technologies and machines this process is
necessary which includes removing support structures, Curing, Polishing, Sanding and
Coating.
 3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGIES
Several printing technologies are available for producing 3D prints using various materials:
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Polymerization Stereolithography (SLA)

Material deposition Fused deposition modelling (FDM)/Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)
Melting / Sintering Selective laser melting (SLM), Direct metal laser sintering (DMLS)
Gluing Selective Deposition Lamination (SDL)
Jetting Color Jet printing (CJP)
 1. STEREOLITHOGRAPHY
Stereolithography is an additive manufacturing process
which employs a vat of liquid UV curable photopolymer
"resin" and an ultraviolet laser to print the layers one at
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a time.
For each layer, the laser beam traces a cross-section of
the part pattern on the surface of the liquid resin.
Exposure to the ultraviolet laser light cures and solidifies
the pattern traced on the resin and joins it to the layer
below.
After the pattern has been traced, the elevator platform
descends by a distance equal to the thickness of a single
layer. Then, a resin-filled blade sweeps across the cross
section of the part, re-coating it with fresh material. On
this new liquid surface, the subsequent layer pattern is
traced, joining the previous layer. And the process is
repeated until the model is finished.
 After print, the object is immersed in a chemical bath in order to be cleaned of excess resin
and are subsequently cured in an ultraviolet oven
The design for this method requires supporting structures which serve to attach the part to
the elevator platform, prevent deflection due to gravity and hold the cross sections in place
so that they resist lateral pressure from the re-coater blade.
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UV curable resins, waxes and ceramics are used as printing materials.

Pros:
One of the advantages of stereolithography is its speed.
Prototypes made by stereolithography are strong.
Cons
Post processing is needed.
The photopolymer resin is expensive.
The models become more brittle overtime.
2. FUSED DEPOSITION MODELLING (FDM)
This technology works by depositing a melted material
(usually a thermoplastic) using a heated nozzle.
The object is built by depositing small amounts of
melted material along the horizontal plane. The
substance usually used for printing is a plastic filament
which is fed to the nozzle from the spool by a feeding
mechanism which unwinds it from a coil. In the nozzle
the material is liquefied and on the platform.
As soon as it touches the build stage, the filament
hardens while being gradually deposited, following
the design structure. When each layer is complete, the
machine rises the appropriate distance in the Z
direction and begins the next layer.
 The building material stabilizes directly after extrusion by cooling.
FDM is a prominent form of rapid prototyping, is used for prototyping
and rapid manufacturing.
Filament materials used include PLA , ABS , PC , PA , Copper Fill, Brass
Fill, Bronze Fill, Wood Fill, Flexible(TPE, TPU), special filaments
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(transparent, fluorescent, conductive).

Pros:
Cheaper since plastic is used.
Even cheap printers have good resolution.
Cons:
Supports leave marks that require removing and sanding.
Needs additional support for overhanging designs.
FILAMENT MATERIALS USED
Polylactic Acid (PLA)
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)
Polycarbonate (PC)
Polyamide (PA)
Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)
Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE)
Copper Fill, Brass Fill, Bronze Fill, Wood Fill,
Special filaments - transparent, fluorescent,
conductive.
 3. GRANULAR MATERIALS BINDING
This terms refer to a laser based 3D printing process
that works with powdered materials. This methods
are also called Selective Laser Sintering is an
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additive manufacturing technique that uses a high

power laser (for example, a carbon dioxide laser) to
fuse small particles of plastic, metal (direct metal
laser sintering), ceramic, or glass powders into a
mass that has a desired three-dimensional shape.
The laser is traced across a powder bed of tightly
compacted powdered material, according to the 3D
data fed to the machine, in the X-Y axes. As the
laser interacts with the surface of the powdered
material it sinters, or fuses, the particles to each
other forming a solid.
 As each layer is completed the powder bed drops incrementally
and a roller smoothens the powder over the surface of the bed
prior to the next pass of the laser for the subsequent layer to
be formed and fused with the previous layer.
The build chamber is completely sealed as it is necessary to
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maintain a precise temperature during the process specific to

the melting point of the powdered material of choice. Once
finished, the entire powder bed is removed from the machine
and the excess powder can be removed to leave the
parts.
Depending on the material, up to 100% density can be
achieved with material properties comparable to those from
conventional manufacturing methods. In many cases large
numbers of parts can be packed within the powder bed,
allowing very high productivity.
The general idea of the production process is similar to the
Fused Deposition Modelling technology.
 Other methods similar to Selective Laser Sintering are:
SLM (Selective Laser Melting)
DMLS (Direct Metal Laser Sintering)
1. SLM (Selective Laser Melting) The SLM technology is very similar to the SLS technology.
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The primary difference is that the heat and precision of the laser fully melt the particles of
material, and the cooling will fuse back together to create the final solid structure.
Materials used:
Aluminum, Titanium, Stainless Steel, Cobalt Chrome
2. DMLS (Direct Metal Laser Sintering)
In principle, this is an SLM technology specifically for metals. The core difference is that
DMLS sinters particles of metal powder, which produces parts that have a higher porosity
than those produced by standard SLM.
Materials:
Stainless Steel, Maraging Steel, Cobalt Chromium, Aluminium, Titanium
 Pros:
One of the key advantages of this process is that the powder
bed serves as an in-process support structure for overhangs
and undercuts.
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Production of complex shapes are possible with this process.

Parts produced with this process are much stronger.
Cons:
High temperature.
Considerable cooling time.
Generally the surface finish and accuracy is not as good.
 4. LAMINATED OBJECT MANUFACTURING
In this process, spatial objects are recreated by applying
layers of flat material glued together. The material
(usually paper) is glued together and the layer outline is
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cut with a computer-controlled knife or laser cutter.

The main components of the system are a feed
mechanism that advances a sheet over a build platform,
a heated roller to apply pressure to bond the sheet to
the layer below, and a laser to cut the outline of the part
in each sheet layer. Parts are produced by stacking,
bonding, and cutting layers of adhesive-coated sheet
material on top of the previous one. A laser cuts the
outline of the part into each layer.
After each cut is completed, the platform lowers by a
depth equal to the sheet thickness, and another sheet is
advanced on top of the previously deposited layers.
 The platform then rises slightly and the heated roller applies pressure to bond the new layer.
The laser cuts the outline and the process is repeated until the part is completed. After a
layer is cut, the extra material remains in place to support the part during build.
Materials used:
Paper, Plastic, Metal.
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Pros:
Produce larger-scaled models.
Usually inexpensive.
Fast and accurate.
Cons:
Need for decubing, which requires a lot of labor.

Selective Deposition Lamination (SDL) is a similar method.

 5 INKJET
5.1 Binder Jetting where the material being jetted is a binder,
and is selectively sprayed into a powder bed of the part
material to fuse it a layer at a time to create/print the
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required part. As is the case with other powder bed systems,

once a layer is completed, the powder bed drops
incrementally and a roller or blade smoothens the powder
over the surface of the bed, prior to the next pass of the jet
heads, with the binder for the subsequent layer to be formed
and fused with the previous layer.
Pros:
The powder bed itself provides support function.
Different materials can be used, including ceramics and food.
Ability to add a full color palette with binder.
 5.2 Material Jetting: It is a 3D printing process where the
actual build materials (in liquid or molten state) are
selectively jetted through multiple jet heads (with others
simultaneously jetting support materials). However, the
materials tend to be liquid photopolymers, which are cured
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with a pass of UV light as each layer is deposited.

The nature of this product allows for the simultaneous
deposition of a range of materials, which means that a single
part can be produced from multiple materials with different
characteristics and properties.
Materials used:
Photopolymer resins, composite materials with properties
based on photopolymer resins.
Pros: This is a very precise method.
Produce accurate parts with a very smooth finish.
 APPLICATIONS OF 3D PRINTING
Medical and Dental:- The medical sector is viewed as being one that was an
early adopter of 3D printing, but also a sector with huge potential for
growth, due to the customization and personalization capabilities of the
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technologies and the ability to improve lives as the processes

improve and materials are developed that meet medical grade standards.
Aerospace:- Aerospace sector was an early adopter of 3D printing
technologies in their earliest forms for product development and prototyping.
Because of the critical nature of aircraft development, the R&D is demanding
and strenuous, standards are critical and industrial grade 3D printing systems
are put through their paces.
Automotive:- Another general early adopter of 3D printing was the
automotive sector. Many automotive companies are now also looking at the
potential of 3D printing to fulfill after sales functions in terms of production of
spare/ replacement parts, on demand, rather than holding huge inventories.
 Jewellery:- Traditionally, the design and manufacturing process for jeweler
has always required high levels of expertise and knowledge involving
specific disciplines that include fabrication, mold-making, casting,
electroplating, forging, silver/gold smithing, stonecutting, engraving and
polishing.
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Art/Design/Sculpture:- Artists and Sculptors are engaging with 3D printing in

different ways to explore form and function in ways previously impossible.
Whether purely to find new original expression or to learn from old masters
this is a highly charged sector that is increasingly finding new ways of
working with 3D printing and introducing the results to the world.
Architecture:- Architectural models have long been a staple application of
3D printing processes, for producing accurate demonstration models of an
vision. 3D printing offers a relatively fast, easy and economically
viable method of producing detailed models directly from 3D CAD or other
digital data that architects use.
 Fashion:- 3D printed accessories including shoes, head-pieces, hats and bags
have all made their way on to global catwalks. And some even more
visionary fashion designers have demonstrated the capabilities of the tech for
haute couture- dresses, capes, full-length gowns and even some under wear
have debuted at different fashion venues around the world.
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Food:- 3D printing is emerging as a new way of preparing and presenting

food. 3D printing of at the cellular protein level and recently pasta is
another food group that is being researched for 3D printing food. In the
future 3D printing is also being considered as a complete food preparation
method and a way of balancing nutrients in a comprehensive and healthy
way.

Source: 1. 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing Technologies Springer, L. Jyothish Kumar, Pulak M. Pandey, David Ian Wimpenny.
2. The 3D printing handbook: Technologies, design and applications- Ben redwood, Filemon Schoffer, Brian Garret
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3D BIOPRINTING &
NANO SCALE 3D PRINTING
 3D BIOPRINTING
3D bioprinting is an additive manufacturing process that uses bioinks to print living cells
developing structures layer-by-layer which imitate the behavior and structures of natural
tissues. Bioinks, that are used as a material in bioprinting, are made of natural or synthetic
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biomaterials that can be mixed with living cells. The technology and bio printed structures
enable researchers to study functions of the human body in vitro.
The first steps in 3D printing were taken in 1980s, when in 1984 Charles Hull filed a patent
for the first commercial 3D printing technology. This has been a symbol of the birth of 3D
printing, and it created the base for 3D bioprinting as well. Bioprinting came into picture in
1988, when Robert J. Klebe used inkjet printer for printing cells. After these first steps, the
field has constantly evolved, and new methods and techniques have been discovered.
This process is a multidisciplinary area of interconnection between life sciences and
engineering. Through the combination of cells, growth factors, and biomaterials, and the
principles of additive manufacturing-the creation of 3D structure layer by layer- using Bio-
Inks.
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Img:- Evolution of 3D bioprinting process

Source:- Journal of Functional Biomaterials: 3D Bioprinting Technology and Hydrogels Used in the Process
 STEPS OF BIOPRINTING
The three basic steps of bioprinting are:
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1. Pre-bioprinting. This involves creating a digital file for the printer to read. Today, these
files are often based on CT and MRI scans. Researchers prepare cells and mix them with
their bioink, using a live-cell imaging system to ensure there are enough cells to bioprint a
tissue model successfully.
2. Bioprinting. Researchers load the cell-laden bioink into a cartridge and choose one or
multiple printheads, depending on the structure trying to build. Developing different
types of tissue requires researchers to use different types of cells, bioinks and equipment.
3. Post-bioprinting. Most structures are crosslinked to become fully stable. Crosslinking is
usually done by treating the construct with either ionic solution or UV light the
composition helps researchers determine what kind of crosslinking to use. Then the cell-filled
constructs are placed inside an incubator for cultivation.
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Source:- Journal of Functional Biomaterials: 3D Bioprinting Technology and Hydrogels Used in the Process
 Preparation
3D imaging: Similarly to what 3D scanning is to
conventional 3D printing, normal computed
tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) scans are utilized to get as much information as
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possible about biological structures and their

surroundings.
3D modeling: The actual three-dimensional model of
the structure or tissue is generated by special
software. The model is developed on a microscale,
already considering the layer-by-layer fabrication
method and the carrier materials.
Bioink preparation: The bioink type and preparation
depend on the printing method of the particular
bioprinter.
 Construction (or 3D printing)
Printing: Regardless of the method, the 3D bioprinting process involves depositing the
material layer-by-layer. The printing resolution can reach incredible single-cell deposition in
some bioprinting methods.
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Post-Bioprinting
Crosslinking: Once printed, the materials are still in a relatively sluggish state, so an extra
step is necessary to properly solidify and blend them together. This is known as crosslinking,
and an essential step to ensure the mechanical and chemical properties of the printed
structure. Crosslinking can use different environmental controls like UV light, temperature, and
chemicals, among others.
Maturation: Finally, the bioprinted and crosslinked structures need to grow biologically. This
means that the printed living cells will reproduce, and tissue will grow following the
underlying printed structures. This step is also called incubation and is done inside bioreactors
that create a favorable environment for reproduction and tissue growth.
 BIOINKS
The term bioink refers to the printable substance in bioprinting, which contains cells or other
biological parts. Bioinks are used as the base material when bioprinting tissue, organ, or
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bone-like structures with bioprinters. 3D bioinks can be cell-laden, scaffold-free, or cell-free

hydrogel-based bioink made of nanofibrillar cellulose and water.
Bio-Inks are hydrogel biomaterials that enable the production of special structures
containing living and functional cells. Bioinks, mixed with living cells, are printed in 3D to
construct natural tissue-like three-dimensional structures. The major goal is to create life-like
organs or structures. Currently, this technology is used in various research areas, such as
tissue engineering and new drug development.
Choosing the right composition of bioink, and the bioink density can affect the cell viability
and cell density, hence, selecting the most suitable bioink for each research purpose is
essential.
 3D BIOPRINTERS
3D printers and 3D bioprinters are similar to each other,
but 3D printers are designed to print solid materials,
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where 3D bioprinters are designed to print liquid or gel.

3D bioprinters are also designed to handle sensitive
material that contain living cells, without creating too much
damage on the end result. Bioprinting technologies are
mainly divided into three categories, inkjet-based
bioprinting, pressure-assisted bioprinting and laser-
assisted bioprinting, based on their underlying printing
principles. These various printing technologies have their
advantages and limitations.
 3D BIOPRINTING TECHNOLOGIES
1. Inkjet-based bioprinting: Inkjet bio printers are capable of
printing biological materials with optimized speed, resolution
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and accuracy. They can work with single or multi ink system,
and materials with accuracy and complex geometry. This
type of bioprinting can be performed using thermal or
piezoelectric actuator methods to deposit liquid droplets of
defined size layer by layer
In thermal actuator, rapid electrical heating is provided to
the bioprinter head, which generates pressure pulses which
forces the droplets out through the nozzle. This heating can
vary from 200 °C -300 °C with out damaging the cells. The
piezo electric forces generate an acoustic wave causing the
pressure necessary to eject the droplet from the nozzle. For
this class of bio printers we can use inks with low viscosity and
cell density.
 2. Pressure-assisted bioprinting:
This technique relies on the extrusion of selected biomaterials
usually formulated as pastes, solutions or dispersions. These
biomaterials are extruded by coordinating the motion of
pneumatic pressure or plunger or screw-based pressure in the
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form of a continuous filament through a microscale nozzle

orifice or a microneedle onto a stationary substrate. After the
layer-by-layer deposition of biomaterial, complete 3D
patterns and constructions are finally formed.
 3. Laser-assisted bioprinting is based on the deposition of
biomaterials onto a substrate using a laser as the energy source. This
technology usually consists of three systems:
(i) a pulsed laser source.
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(ii) a ribbon coated with liquid biological materials that are

deposited on the metal film, and
(iii) a receiving substrate.
The laser irradiates the ribbon, leading to evaporation of the liquid
biological materials. The receiving substrate contains a biopolymer or
cell culture medium to preserve cellular adhesion and sustained
growth after transfer of the cells from the ribbon.
 AREAS OF APPLICATION
Drug development: Many of studies rely on living subjects. Bio-printed tissues can be
used instead during the early stages, providing a more ethical and cost-effective solution.
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Using bio-printed tissue can help researchers determine a drug efficacy sooner,
enabling them to save money and time.
Artificial organs: Being able to bio print organs could help clinicians keep up with patients or
eliminate the organ donation list entirely. While this solution is far down the line, it is one of
the most impactful possibilities in the field.
Wound healing: A lot of tissue-specific bioinks are available today, enabling researchers to
work with artificial skin cells, neurons, hepatocytes and more. One day, clinicians could use
these models for therapeutic procedures like skin grafts, bone bandages for combat wounds
or even plastic surgery.
 RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
We are still quite far from mass-producing artificial organs and human tissues.
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In April 2019, news media outlets worldwide reported the first vascularized 3D printed
miniature heart developed by Tel Aviv School of Molecular Cell Biology and
Biotechnology. The mini-organ was created using patient-specific materials but showed no
functionality whatsoever.
Few months later an American biotech company BioLife4D announced its own bio-printed
heart that was bigger and replicated some functionality found in human hearts.
In 2019, the researchers at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York were able to
create fully-vascularized skin patches.
 ADVANTAGES OF 3D BIOPRINTING
Allows mimicking the real structure of desired tissue/organ etc.
Possible creation of patient-specific and organ-specific treatments.
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Effects of drugs can be examined more accurately.

Decreases animal testing.
Biocompatibility with human cells and tissues.
Automating complex processes.
Consistency, less human errors.
 DISADVANTAGES OF 3D BIOPRINTING
Pricing, expensive technology
Complexity.
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Maintaining cell environment can be difficult.

Ethical concerns.
High energy consumption

Source: 3D Bioprinting Methods and Techniques: Applications on Artificial Blood Vessel Fabrication,
Theodore G. Papaioannou, Danae Manolesou, Evangelos Dimakakos, Gregory Tsoucalas, Manolis Vavuranakis and Dimitrios Tousoulis , doi: 10.6515/ACS.201905_35(3).20181115A
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NANOSCALE 3D PRINTING
 NANOSCALE 3D PRINTING
Nanotechnology refers to technology that deals with measurements and tolerances of less
than 100 nanometers. For some sense of just how small this technology is, 0.05 millimeters (the
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thickness of 1 sheet of paper) equates to 50,000 nanometers! This technology is so small it is

invisible to the naked eye and promises to be one of the most important advancements in 3D
printing thus far.
Nanoscale 3D printing is a type of additive manufacturing that enables the fabrication of
three-dimensional structures with features as small as a few nanometers. Nanoscale 3D
printing uses specialized equipment and techniques to produce objects on an extremely small
scale, with a high degree of precision and accuracy.
Nanoscale 3D printing has many potential applications, including in the fields of medicine,
electronics, and optics. For example, it could be used to create tiny sensors or diagnostic
devices for medical applications, or to manufacture ultra-small electronic components for use
in advanced computing systems
 PRINTING METHODS
1. Two-photon lithography: This method uses a focused
laser beam to polymerize a photosensitive material,
creating a 3D pattern within the material. The laser beam
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is tightly focused using a high numerical aperture objective

lens, which allows for high resolution patterning. The
polymerization process is initiated by the absorption of
two photons simultaneously, which allows for precise control
over the pattern. Two-photon lithography is capable of
producing complex structures with sub-micron resolution,
making it a popular method for fabricating micro- and
nano-scale devices.
The photosensitive materials used in two-photon
lithography are typically organic polymers or inorganic
materials that can be polymerized by the laser. Examples
include photoresists, photo-curable polymers, and metallic
nanoparticles.
 2. Electron beam lithography: This technique uses a
beam of electrons to etch a pattern onto a substrate.
The beam is focused using a series of electromagnetic
lenses, which allows for extremely precise control over
the pattern. The electron beam can be used to directly
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write patterns onto a resist material, which can then be

used as a mask for further processing steps. Electron
beam lithography is capable of producing patterns with
sub-10 nm resolution, making it a popular method for
fabricating nanoscale devices.
Electron beam lithography typically uses a resist
material that can be selectively exposed and developed
to create a pattern. The resist materials can be either
positive or negative, and can be made from organic or
inorganic materials.
 3. Dip-pen nanolithography: This method uses a
sharp tip to deposit molecules onto a surface,
allowing for the creation of patterns with a
resolution of a few nanometers. The tip is coated
with a solution of molecules, and then brought into
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contact with the surface. The molecules transfer

from the tip to the surface, creating a pattern.
Dip-pen nanolithography is a relatively simple
and low-cost method of nanoscale patterning, but
is limited in its ability to create complex patterns.
The materials used in dip-pen nanolithography
are typically molecules that can be deposited
onto a surface. Examples include DNA, proteins,
and polymers.
 4. Scanning probe lithography: This technique uses a
scanning probe microscope to create a pattern on a
surface by either removing material (nanomachining)
or depositing material (nanopatterning). The probe is
controlled by computer software, which allows for
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precise control over the pattern. Scanning probe

lithography is capable of producing patterns with
sub-10 nm resolution, making it a popular method for
fabricating nanoscale devices.
The materials used in scanning probe lithography
depend on the specific technique being used. For
example, nanomachining typically uses hard, durable
materials such as metals or ceramics, while
nanopatterning can use a wide range of materials,
including metals, polymers, and organic molecules.
 5. Focused ion beam lithography: This method uses a
beam of ions to etch a pattern onto a substrate. The
beam is focused using a series of electromagnetic lenses,
which allows for extremely precise control over the
pattern. Focused ion beam lithography is capable of
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producing patterns with sub-10 nm resolution, and can

also be used for nanomachining and nanopatterning.
However, it is a relatively slow process and can damage
the substrate material due to the high energy of the ion
beam.
Focused ion beam lithography typically uses a resist
material that can be selectively etched by the ion beam.
The resist materials can be either organic or inorganic,
and can be made from materials such as polymers or
ceramics.
 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
Advantages Disadvantages.
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1. High resolution 1. Cost

2. Flexibility 2. Limited size
3. Customization 3. Limited materials
4. Speed 4. Process complexity
5. Scalability 5. Surface roughness
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NANOGRAPHY
 NANOGRAPHY®
Nanography® is a digital printing process developed by Landa Digital Printing (In May 2012,
by Benny Landa) that employs a combination of offset, inkjet and nanotechnologies to print on
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virtually any paper or film. The name is derived from Landa's colorants (inks), which have
pigment particles measured in the tens of nanometers.
The Nanographic Printing process, also called Nanography, differs from other printing
technologies because it uses an innovative system and printing process that employs Landa
NanoInk colorants, a water-based ink with nano-pigment particles.
Nanographic Printing technology harnesses the advantages of digital printing, and at the same
time, it also offers offset qualities
 WORKING
In nanography, Printing process begins with the jetting of
billions of droplets (spread, sprayed or dropped) the
droplets are not ejected directly onto the substrate. Instead,
6103- Specialized Printing Applications

they are ejected onto an image transfer blanket positioned

1-2 mm away from ink ejectors that are mounted on print
bars. Each print bar prints a specific color.
As each ink droplet lands on the heated blanket, it spreads
and very quickly loses its water, becoming thinner in the
process. When all water has been evaporated, the ink
becomes an ultra-thin, dry polymeric film.
it is pressed into contact with the printing substrate upon
transfer, this thin layer of ink instantaneously bonds to the
substrate without penetrating it. The formed images are
tough and abrasion resistant.
 NANOINK®
The Landa NanoInk droplets form a dry ink film when applied to the
paper or other substrates. Unlike directly applied wet inks, there is no
penetration into the paper fibres. So the Landa NanoInk film does not
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wick along the paper fibres. Instead, it conforms to the surface

roughness, right down to the topography of individual paper fibres.
The extremely small and consistent size of the Landa NanoInk
pigments enables Nanography to achieve a superior light dynamic
range. CMYK colour palette covers 84% of Pantone colour-
30% more than CMYK offset. CMYK+OBG palette covers
96% of all Pantone colour- 50% more than CMYK offset- and
eliminates the need for spot colour, off-press colour mixing and
onpress ink replacement
 THE TRANSFER BLANKET
The blanket and blanket conveyor system
ensures optimum image output. It delivers the
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full image transfer to the paper, the

prevention of any ink residuals, and smooth
and stable blanket motion.
The blanket receives the NanoInk drops,
create a perfect image, and concurrently
allows the transfer of the ink film to the
various substrate types without leaving a
trace on the blanket. This ensures that the full
image is transferred without any distortions
and the blanket remains completely clean-
ready to receive the next image ejection.
https://youtu.be/EVrCvocyC2o
 ADVANTAGES
The Nanographic Printing process offers the capacity to yield the lowest cost-per-page of
all digital printing technologies.
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The ink carrier Landa NanoInk solutions are based on water which is a less costly ink
carrier than any solvent or UV based inks.
The amount of ink used The Landa Nanographic Printing process creates a film of about
500 nm that is approximately half the thickness of an offset printed image and uses less ink
for the same image.
Substrate cost Printing on any substrate enables you to print on low cost, off-the-shelf
uncoated paper rather than expensive coated paper or specially designed paper.
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The Landa S10P Nanographic Printing® Press

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Komori Impremia NS40 - 40" Sheetfed Nanographic Printing® System

6103- Specialized Printing Applications