Design and simulation of a nozzle-mask for optical fiber 3D-printing
This paper proposes an innovative approach of manufacturing optical fibers using nozzle-mask-aided additive manufacturing. Nozzle-masks ease 3D-printing of optical fibers allowing the manufacturing or drawing of optical fibers of up to 10 μm diameter. These nozzle-masks feature a suction mechanism to prevent clogging of printhead and mask. The extrusion of Polymethyl-methacrylate material through the print-head and nozzle-mask simplifies the rapid prototyping of the optical fibers.
