3D printed features in the 100 μm range for application in sensing

In this work the 3D extrusion printing fabrication process for intricate structures is examined. Required support material normally is removed by brute force water jetting. We investigated the chemical dissolution of Fullcure 705 support material while minimally affecting Fullcure 720 structural material. From several solvents ethanol turned out to be the best with respect to selectivity and dissolution speed. We found that the dissolution process can be theoretically accurately described by the Noyes-Whitney equation, implying that the development of various structures can be predicted quite well. The fabrication process was used to make various 5 mm diameter membranes, ranging in thickness from 112 to 768 μm and their mechanical performance was characterised.