3D Printing in Fiber-Device Technology

Abstract Recent advances in additive manufacturing enable redesigning material morphology on nano-, micro-, and meso-scale, for achieving an enhanced functionality the macro-scale. From non-planar flexible electronic circuits, through biomechanically realistic surgical models, to shoe soles individualized user comfort, multiple scientific technological areas undergo material-property redesign enhancement enabled by 3D printing. Fiber-device technology is currently entering such a transformation. In this paper, we review recent adopting printing direct digital of fiber preforms with complex cross-sectional architectures designed desired thermally drawn fiber-device functionality. Subsequently, taking recursive approach, fibers can serve as raw printing, resulting macroscopic objects functionalities, from optoelectronic bio-functional, imparted fiber-devices properties. Graphic abstract