The castle on a pencil tip
In discussions about high-resolution 3D printing, a common question arises: how does UpNano define high resolution? In response to this question, at TU Wien, we have developed a memorable and vivid explanation.
By leveraging UpNano’s state-of-the-art high-resolution printing platform, NanoOne, it becomes possible to fabricate a miniature castle on the tip of a pencil. This innovative system achieves an exceptional spatial resolution, operating down to the nanometer scale.
The twin towers of the castle fascinate at first sight
The pillars forming the right spire have a diameter of 950 nm, approximately 100 times thinner than the average human hair. Despite their microscale dimensions, these pillars exhibit exceptional structural integrity as they are perfectly straight and fulfill their weight-bearing function.
You will only believe it when you see it
Fabricated with remarkable precision using 2-photon lithography, the mini-castle showcases dimensions of 230x250x360 µm³ and astonishingly was printed in under six minutes.
Delve into the intricate details of its production process through the YouTube video.
Winner of Wiki Science Competition
A scanning electron microscope photo of the nanoscale 3D printed castle won first place in the 2017 Wiki Science Competition in Austria, demonstrating both its fascination and innovative manufacturing technology.
From the sketch to implementation
Designed by Daniela Mitterberger and Tiziano Derme of MäID in Graz, the miniature castle on a pencil tip pays creative homage to the Sutyagin House in Arkhangelsk, Russia. Once the residence of the local crime lord Nikolai Petrovich Sutyagin and his family, the 44-meter-high wooden marvel was considered the tallest of its kind but was demolished in 2008 after a legal dispute. Explore the artistic reinterpretation of the Sutyagin House in the pencil-tip castle, blending creativity and history on nanoscale.
