Technology brings micron-to-sub-millimetre accuracy to desktop 3D printers

Texas Instruments has new DLP Pico controllers that deliver advanced light control capabilities in smaller form factors for mass-market 3D scanners and 3D printers. DLPC347x controllers provide the micron-to-sub-millimetre resolution typically found in high-performance, industrial-grade applications in a smaller form factor for desktop 3D printers and portable 3D scanners. Developers can pair the new controllers with one of four current DLP Pico digital micromirror devices (DMDs) to create a mixture of battery-powered and handheld designs. The high resolution and fast switching speed of the DMDs and new controllers allow 3D printing speeds five times faster than current technologies. With precision pattern control in a tinier form factor, developers can achieve the fine details of an object with micron-level accuracy, which helps applications like dental scanning, 3D modelling and 3D vision for robotics.