UpNano

About

UpNano is a pioneering company specialising in 2-photon polymeriation (2PP) solutions. Combined with a wide range of printing resins, their innovative 2PP systems, including the flagship NanoOne platform, deliver unmatched precision and speed and can achieve 3D printed details below 200 nm. In this way, they enable production of intricate polymeric microparts from prototyping to industrial-scale volumes. Additionally, UpNano's bioprinting capabilities allow 3D printing with living cells, opening new possibilities in medical and biological applications.

Key features

Ultra-high resolution 3D printing using leading 2PP technology
Wide, growing range of resins for different applications
Compact systems
Modular and upgradeable design
2PP printing as a service

Applications

Microfluidics: Creating intricate microfluidic devices for various applications
Bioprinting: Printing with living cells for medical and biological research
Optics: Manufacturing high-precision optical components
Medical devices: Producing sterile cell scaffolds and microneedle arrays
Material science: Developing novel materials and structures at micron and sub-micron scales
Micro mechanics: Fabricating detailed mechanical parts for various industries
Micro-optics: Creating advanced optical elements with high resolution

Technologies

2-photon polymerisation

Two-photon polymerization (2PP) uses a focused laser beam projected into a photosensitive resin to induce polymerization at the focal point (also known as the voxel). Specifically, the process involves the simultaneous absorption of two photons by a photoinitiator, which then triggers polymerization of the resin. Fine control of the focal point by scanning the laser beam means that 2PP can provide 3D printing with ultra-high resolution and precision, enabling the fabrication of complex structures with sub-micron accuracy according to CAD-designed models.

Printing modes

UpNano systems can be used to print structures in different modes. The mode selected depends on the application:

Vat mode: This mode is used for producing taller structures up to 40 mm in height by drawing the object up out of the resin vat layer by layer
Bottom-up mode: Ideal for printing into sterile vessels or transparent substrates, this mode involves building the structure from the bottom up, ensuring high precision and cleanliness
Top-down mode: This mode prints the object from the top down, which is useful for creating complex structures with high resolution and detail

Adaptive resolution

UpNano's patented Adaptive Resolution technology enhances throughput by automatically adjusting laser voxel size for different geometry areas. For high-volume segments, the focal point is enlarged to optimise throughput. Conversely, for high-resolution segments, the laser is tightly focussed to achieve the highest possible 2PP precision.

Products

nanoONE

The NanoOne platform is the fastest high-resolution 3D printing system available. It combines the precision of 2-photon polymerization with unmatched high throughput. The system comes with a 780 nm laser with the option of 250 or 1000 mW power:

250 mW: Entry level tool for classic 2PP applications
1000 mW: The most powerful femtosecond laser allowing for mesoscale structures and use of exotic resins

nanoONE bio

The nanoONE bio package is the only 2PP printer with an integrated incubation system, bringing the potential for biocompatible applications (3D printing in the presence of living cells) with the characteristic 2PP performance of the nanoONE platform. From creating cell models that mimic natural tissue topography to the sterile fabrication of cell scaffolds, the nanoONE bio opens doors to a new era in biomedical research.

nanoONE green

With a green wavelength of 515 nm and a laser power of 400 mW, the nanoONE green offers 30% higher precision compared to a 780 nm laser and the ability to work with a broader range of standard and transparent materials. In this way, this product opens up new capabilities for optical and industrial applications.

Resins

UpNano’s high performance 2-photon resins are optimized to fully exploit the capabilities of their high-performance 2PP printing systems. The portfolio includes nine resins, each tailored for specific applications:

UpNano and UpDraft: Standard production for broad application versatility
UpFlow and UpOpto: Optimised optical properties including transparency and fluorescence
UpSol and UpBrix: Pushing the boundaries of 3D printing precision
UpThermo, UpBlack and UpQuartz: Specialised optical and material properties

NanoPro VT: 2PP printing service gallery image 1

NanoPro VT: 2PP printing service gallery image 2

NanoPro VT: 2PP printing service

The newly developed NanoPro VT, which is purpose designed for industrial-scale production, allows 2PP 3D printing to overcome its stigma of being a prototyping, small-volume and research-oriented technology. It proves that 2PP 3D printing is an excellent solution for achieving the balance of fast production and complexity of design needed for mass micropart production.