University of Wyoming Researchers Unlock 3D Printing of Soft, Flexible Materials

The University of Wyoming’s Additive Manufacturing Lab, led by Assistant Professor Daniel Rau, is tackling a long-standing challenge in 3D printing: the ability to print soft, elastic materials like elastomers. Their National Science Foundation–backed project—titled Improving the Vat Photopolymerization 3D Printing of Soft Elastomers Through a Deeper Understanding of Process Dynamics—has received nearly $199K in funding to explore why current printing methods produce distorted or unstable results when working with these rubber-like substances University of Wyoming

By using UV‑cured photopolymers, Rau’s lab aims to dive deep into the curing process (from liquid to solid) and uncover what happens at each stage. The end goal? High‑precision printability of soft structures—opening doors for biomedical implants, wearable tech, safer protective gear, and beyond. As Rau puts it: “You know, the human body is very soft … we think we could get really, really good performance”3D Printing Industry

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