Lattice Boltzmann Multicomponent Model for Direct-Writing Printing

TL;DR

This paper presents a mesoscale lattice Boltzmann model to simulate multicomponent flows in direct-writing printing, providing insights into ink rheology and process parameters affecting printed product quality.

Contribution

It introduces a novel mesoscale simulation approach for multicomponent flows in direct-writing printing, enabling analysis of ink rheology and process effects.

Findings

Insights into ink rheological effects on print quality

Impact of processing parameters on shear stress and accuracy

Potential applications in biofabrication and photonics

Abstract

We introduce a mesoscale approach for the simulation of multicomponent flows to model the direct-writing printing process, along with the early stage of ink deposition. As an application scenario, alginate solutions at different concentrations are numerically investigated alongside processing parameters, such as apparent viscosity, extrusion rate, and print head velocity. The present approach offers useful insights on the ink rheological effects upon printed products, susceptible to geometric accuracy and shear stress, by manufacturing processes such as the direct-writing printing for complex photonic circuitry, bio-scaffold fabrication, and tissue engineering.