A new printing process, that can make three-dimensional (3D) objects glow in the dark, has been developed by a team of researchers from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in Germany.

Unlike traditional methods, the new printing process enables manufacturers to directly print electroluminescent (EL) foils onto 3D objects and components.

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The printing process works by adding a coating onto materials that can flex and bend. In addition to the electroluminescent layer, the coating is also made up of electrically conductive materials.

According to a report, these glowing 3D objects can be useful for enhancing safety in buildings and can also be used for designing purposes. The process was developed in collaboration with German company Franz Binder GmbH & Co.

Rainer Kling of KIT's Light Technology Institute said, "By means of the innovative production process we developed together with our industry partner, any type of three-dimensional object can be provided with electroluminescent coatings at low costs,"

Engineer Elodie Chardin said, "In this way, it is possible to provide surfaces and even spheres with homogeneous coatings at low costs,"

The printing process took two years to develop, according to a report, and was funded by the German Foundation for the Environment.

There are many types of printing processes used for many different applications.

Last year, Chinese scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, China, had developed a liquid phase 3D printing method that uses metal alloy ink to manufacture metal objects.

Engineers at the Additive Development Center at General Electric Aviation recently developed a mini jet engine using a 3D printer that works by melting metal powder. This printing process used by the GE engineers is called Direct Metal Laser Melting (DMLM).

3D printing technology has been very useful for many industries and applications such as electronic devices, medical devices, bone implants, automobiles, and aircrafts.

TagsPrinting Process Makes 3D Objects Glow in the Dark, 3D Printing, Printing Process, Electroluminescent, 3D Objects, coating, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Germany