Project Nanoscale 3D printing Program Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Research Program Term Summer 2025 Status Closed Research Area Manufacturing, AI/ML Description The ability to create 3D structures in the micro and nanoscale is important for many applications including electronics, microfluidics, and tissue engineering. This project deals with developing and testing of a laser-based setup for building 3D structures with sub-micrometer resolution. A method known as femtosecond laser two photon polymerization is used to fabricate such structures in which a resin is exposed to laser. Moving the laser in a predefined path results in the desired shape and structure. The 3D printing process incorporates the steps from designing a CAD model file to slicing the model in layers to generating the motion path of the laser needed for fabricating the structure. Machine learning is also being used to improve the printing accuracy. Possible involvements by the undergraduate researcher include developing control algorithms, better CAD models, and better manufacturing strategies. Supervisor Xianfan Xu Mentor Type of work required Experimental, CAD design Websites https://engineering.purdue.edu/NanoLab/ Qualifications Mechanical Engineering undergraduate, junior or senior standing, GPA > 3.5 Credit Hours 0 Weekly Hours 20 (estimated)