In a significant advancement for volumetric 3D printing (VAM), researchers from Switzerland’s École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and Sweden’s Uppsala University have developed a pioneering volumetric additive manufacturing technique that enables post-printing hydrogel infusion—unlocking the creation of functional magnetic and conductive composites. This innovation addresses a longstanding limitation of traditional VAM, which has historically struggled to integrate soft, functional materials into printed structures, restricting its use in fields requiring both structural integrity and specialized properties.​

Traditional VAM works by focusing light into a photosensitive resin bath to solidify 3D structures in a single step, offering faster printing speeds than layer-by-layer methods. However, its rigid resin base made it nearly impossible to incorporate soft, functional materials like hydrogels—critical for applications in soft robotics and biomedicine. The new technique solves this by first printing a porous, lattice-like structure using a biocompatible photopolymer via VAM. After printing, the porous framework is infused with hydrogels loaded with functional additives: magnetic nanoparticles for responsive actuation (enabling soft robots to mimic muscle movement) or conductive polymers for electrical signal transmission (ideal for biomedical sensors).​

This hybrid approach preserves VAM’s speed advantage—printing small-scale structures in minutes rather than hours—while adding versatility. In testing, the team demonstrated magnetic composites that can bend and twist in response to external magnetic fields, and conductive composites that maintain stable electrical performance even when stretched. For soft robotics, this means more agile, lightweight components; for biomedical devices, it opens doors to implantable sensors or drug-delivery systems that integrate seamlessly with biological tissues.​

As demand grows for functional, biocompatible 3D-printed materials, this breakthrough expands VAM’s industrial and research potential. If you’re exploring innovative 3D printing solutions for soft robotics, biomedical devices, or other advanced applications, connect with us to learn how this volumetric printing technology can support your project goals.

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