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Electric pulses precisely shape 3D-printed metal parts

Researchers at Saarland University have developed a non-contact method to transform 3D-printed metal parts into precision-finished components with complex geometries and tight tolerances. The technique combines metal 3D printing and electrochemical machining to produce high-precision functional surfaces.

SourceSaarland University·DateMay 28, 2020

Researchers review advances in 3D printing of high-entropy alloys

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) exhibit remarkable mechanical properties at high temperatures and exceptional strength, ductility, and fracture toughness at cryogenic temperatures. Researchers reviewed the recent achievements in 3D printing of HEAs, validating laser-based techniques for producing high-quality products.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 22, 2020

Advanced manufacturing game changer

A team of Louisiana engineers and scientists, with federal funding from the National Science Foundation, are developing new technologies and materials to enhance structural safety and integrity in 3-D printing. They will use machine learning to efficiently discover and test optimal material compositions and processing methods.

SourceLouisiana State University·DateMay 21, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Scientists dissect the complex choices of animals

Researchers from the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior and the University of Konstanz created artificial shelters that vary in precise ways, allowing them to reveal the underlying preferences of animals. The findings suggest that animals prefer certain traits over others when choosing a home, such as intactness over shell length.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·DateMay 19, 2020

Three-dimensional chessboards

Osaka University researchers have developed a new method to create nanocellulose films with multiple axes of alignment using liquid-phase 3D-patterning. This technology has the potential to lead to affordable and energy-efficient optical materials, including smartphone displays.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNanomaterials·DateMay 19, 2020

Expandable foam for 3D printing large objects (video)

Researchers developed an expandable resin that can be used to print large objects with an inexpensive, commercially available 3D printer. The material expands upon heating, creating a porous, polystyrene foam-like material up to 40 times larger in volume than the original printed object.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 13, 2020

Researchers invent technology to remedy 3D printing's 'weak spot'

Texas A&M researchers have developed a way to strengthen 3D printed parts by welding adjacent layers together using plasma science and carbon nanotube technology. The new technology increases the reliability of final parts, making them comparable to injection-molded parts.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 12, 2020
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Ultra-long-working-distance spectroscopy with 3D-printed aspherical microlenses

Researchers have developed a new technique that uses 3D-printed aspherical microlenses to overcome the limitations of traditional microscope objectives. This allows for ultra-long-working-distance spectroscopy, enabling researchers to study single nanometre-sized light emitters without the need for bulky microscopes.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMay 7, 2020

Suppressing spatter reduces random defects in metal 3D printing

Researchers discovered that controlling laser power can mitigate spatter issues in L-PBF printing, reducing the formation of defects and deformations. This breakthrough could lead to more reliable and high-quality prints, revolutionizing manufacturing in advanced fields.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 7, 2020

Print your own laboratory-grade microscope for US$18

The OpenFlexure Microscope is a fully automated, laboratory-grade instrument that can be 3D printed for as little as $18. It features motorised sample positioning and focus control, producing high-quality images.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateMay 4, 2020

3D-printed concrete to help build offshore wind energy infrastructure

Researchers at Purdue University are working on a method to fabricate wind turbine substructures and anchors using 3D-printed concrete, which could reduce material costs and increase design flexibility. The team is collaborating with RCAM Technologies to develop concrete additive manufacturing for offshore wind energy technology.

SourcePurdue University·DateApr 30, 2020
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

A great new way to paint 3D-printed objects

Rutgers engineers have created a highly effective way to paint complex 3D-printed objects using an efficient painting method that reaches all nooks and crannies. The technique, known as electrospray deposition, has been used mainly for analytical chemistry but has also been applied in lab-scale demonstrations of coatings.

SourceRutgers University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 28, 2020

3D printing and moon dust: an astronaut's kit for future space exploration?

Researchers from Politecnico di Milano have successfully used laser 3D printing to create components from lunar regolith, a potential game-changer for future space missions. The study demonstrates the feasibility of using local resources in space, enabling In-Situ-Resource-Utilisation (ISRU) and reducing reliance on Earth-based supplies.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalAdditive Manufacturing·DateApr 16, 2020
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

3D-printed corals provide more fertile ground for algae growth

Researchers have successfully 3D printed coral-inspired structures that can grow dense populations of microscopic algae, up to 100 times more densely than natural corals. This breakthrough could lead to the development of efficient bioreactors for producing algae-based biofuels and help restore coral reefs.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 9, 2020

3D-printed corals could improve bioenergy and help coral reefs

Researchers have developed 3D-printed coral-inspired structures that can grow dense populations of microscopic algae, opening up new applications for coral conservation and bioenergy. The innovative technology mimics the symbiotic relationship between corals and algae, with microalgae producing sugars to the coral through photosynthesis.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 9, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Printing complex cellulose-based objects

Scientists successfully printed complex structures containing up to 27% cellulose particles, exhibiting mechanical properties similar to those of natural materials like wood. The developed process enables the creation of customized packaging, cartilage replacements, and potentially even sports car bodies.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 25, 2020
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Quantum leap for quantum computing

The University of California, Riverside, has been awarded $3.75 million to lead a collaborative effort in developing scalable quantum computers. The project aims to establish a novel platform for quantum computing that can scale up to many qubits, overcoming current limitations.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateMar 5, 2020

Biomaterial discovery enables 3D printing of tissue-like vascular structures

Researchers have developed a new biomaterial that can be 3D printed to create tissue-like vascular structures, which could enable the recreation of vasculature in the lab. The material exhibits biologically relevant properties and has the capacity to withstand flow, making it suitable for building complex robust structures.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 4, 2020

Integrating electronics onto physical prototypes

CurveBoards enable easier testing of circuit functions and user interactions with products like smart devices and flexible electronics. The custom-designed objects merge form and function testing in early prototyping stages, improving the overall prototyping experience.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMar 4, 2020
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Making 3-D printing smarter with machine learning

Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering develop machine learning algorithms to predict shape deviations in 3-D printing, resulting in improved accuracy across various applications and materials. The software tool, PrintFixer, is designed to be accessible to industry professionals and hobbyists alike.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalIEEE Transactions on Automation Science and Engineering·DateFeb 11, 2020

Superior 'bio-ink' for 3D printing pioneered

Researchers at Rutgers University have developed a new 'bio-ink' for 3D printing that can serve as scaffolds for growing human tissues. The ink combines modified hyaluronic acid and polyethylene glycol to form a gel with controlled stiffness and binding sites for cells, enabling precise tissue growth and repair.

SourceRutgers University·JournalBiointerphases·DateFeb 10, 2020
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Fastest high-precision 3D printer

Scientists at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have developed a system to print highly precise, centimeter-sized objects with submicrometer details at an unmatched speed. The new 3D printer produces speeds of about 10 million voxels per second, corresponding to the speed reached by graphical 2D inkjet printers.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateFeb 5, 2020

Grooves hold promise for sophisticated healing

Researchers at Rice University have created a grooved method to seed 3D-printed scaffolds with living cells, enabling the growth of different tissue types in a single platform. This innovative approach protects cells from heat and shear stresses, allowing for the creation of hard implants that can heal bone, cartilage, or muscle.

SourceRice University·JournalBioprinting·DateFeb 4, 2020

Sustainable 3D-printed super magnets

Scientists at TU Graz have successfully manufactured super magnets with high relative density and controlled microstructures using 3D printing technology. The developed process enables efficient material use by tailoring magnetic properties according to the application, making it a promising alternative to rare earth metals.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalMaterials·DateJan 30, 2020
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

A technology for embedding data in printed objects

A team from Nara Institute of Science and Technology has developed a method to embed information in 3D printed objects and retrieve it using a consumer document scanner. The technique uses Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) with modified layer thickness to hide data.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Multimedia·DateJan 16, 2020

Recycled plastics transformed into 3D printing material

A new project at Aarhus University aims to develop a standardized, documentable 3D printing filament from recycled plastics. The goal is to improve the industry's reliance on new plastics and reduce waste., This innovation has the potential to significantly impact the environment and climate in the long term.

SourceAarhus University·DateJan 13, 2020

Ultrasound can make stronger 3D-printed alloys

Researchers used ultrasound to shake metal alloy grains into tighter formations during 3D printing, resulting in improved tensile strength and yield stress by 12%. The technique can be applied to various commercial metals, enabling the production of high-performance structural parts or structurally graded alloys.

SourceRMIT University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 9, 2020
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Honey, I shrunk Michelangelo's David

Scientists from ETH Zurich have successfully created a miniature copper statue of Michelangelo's famous sculpture using 3D printing technology. The technique allows for the creation of metal structures at the nanometer and micrometer scale, enabling the production of complex geometries with high precision.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalMicromachines·DateDec 19, 2019

SUTD-led research sets the groundwork for patient-specific 3D printed meniscus

The study developed a comprehensive computational model of an intact knee joint to analyze the biomechanical response of soft-tissues under different meniscus conditions. The results suggested that a composite meniscal implant with a shell-core structure performed better than other options, restoring natural joint mechanics.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalIEEE Access·DateNov 29, 2019
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Additive manufacturing and NI/TI metal bolster cooling technology

A novel elastocaloric cooling material made from nickel-titanium alloy was developed using additive technology, showing high efficiency, ease of scaling-up, and minimal environmental impact. The material demonstrated robust mechanical integrity, withstanding one million cycles without degradation.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience·DateNov 28, 2019

Fatigue-resistant, high-performance cooling materials enabled by 3D printing

Researchers have developed a new type of solid-state elastocaloric cooling material using 3D printing that exhibits exceptional fatigue resistance and efficiency. The unique nanocomposite structure produced by this method could enable the widespread use of mechanocaloric cooling materials in refrigeration applications.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 28, 2019

New 3D printing technique produces 'living' 4D materials

A new 3D printing technique harnesses the power of visible light to create 'living' 4D materials with controlled polymerisation, enabling objects to transform their shape in response to conditions. The technology has numerous potential applications, including recycling and biomedical uses.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 18, 2019

Multimaterial 3D printing manufactures complex objects, fast

MM3D printing breaks the speed barrier for multimaterial 3D printing by switching between up to eight materials at 50 times per second. This enables the creation of complex shapes and origami-like architectures with high quality transitions.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature·DateNov 13, 2019

3D-printed plastics with high performance electrical circuits

Researchers have embedded high-performance electrical circuits inside 3D-printed plastics, increasing conductivity by 10-fold. This innovation could lead to smaller, more efficient drones and biomedical implants, as well as better-performing small satellites.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAdditive Manufacturing·DateNov 5, 2019
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Mimicking body's circulatory AC could keep airplanes, cars and computers cooler

Drexel researchers developed a computational platform that can quickly produce designs for 3D printing carbon-fiber composite materials with an internal vasculature optimized for active-cooling. Microvascular composites offer many advantages over existing liquid and air-cooling systems, including being much lighter and durable.

SourceDrexel University·JournalInternational Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer·DateOct 31, 2019

Researchers use 3D printing to make glass optical fiber preform

The researchers developed a method to print silica optical fibers using additive manufacturing, eliminating the need for precise core centering. This allows for the creation of complex fiber designs and applications, such as fiber optic sensors, with reduced costs and improved longevity.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateOct 30, 2019
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Bioprinting: Living cells in a 3D printer

Researchers at TU Wien have developed a new bioprinting process that integrates living cells into fine structures created in a 3D printer, achieving high resolution and speed. This technique allows for the control of cell behavior and growth, enabling studies on tissue development and disease spread.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateOct 21, 2019

Highest throughput 3D printer is the future of manufacturing

Northwestern University researchers have developed HARP, a high-throughput 3D printer that can print large parts in hours and small parts at high resolutions. The technology bypasses heat limitations with a nonstick liquid interface, enabling fast and large-scale manufacturing without molds or warehouses.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateOct 17, 2019

HARP eclipses CLIP in continuous, rapid and large-scale SLA 3D printing

Researchers have developed a new approach to rapid and large-scale stereolithographic 3D printing, called HARP, which surpasses the capabilities of existing methods like CLIP. The method uses a flowing layer of fluorinated oil as a heat exchanger, allowing for faster rates and wider resin compatibility.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 17, 2019
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

3D-printed coral could help endangered reefs

Researchers at the University of Delaware found that 3D-printed coral models do not harm fish behavior or coral survival. Fish showed no preference between native coral and artificial habitats, making biodegradable materials like cornstarch a promising alternative to plastic.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 16, 2019

Oscillation assisted 3D printing renders ultrafast fabrication of microlens array

A new 3D printing technique enables fast fabrication of microlens arrays with precise optical surfaces, overcoming existing limitations. The method combines oscillation-assisted digital light processing (DLP) and grayscale UV exposure to produce uniform lenses with high surface smoothness.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 15, 2019

Lehigh to present research, new programs at BMES 2019

Lehigh University is presenting various research projects, including 3D printing for tissue regeneration and biomechanics of Ebola adhesion. The university also launched a new B.S. program in Biocomputational Engineering, emphasizing innovation in bioengineering and healthcare.

SourceLehigh University·DateOct 14, 2019

Particles emitted by consumer 3D printers could hurt indoor air quality

Research from Georgia Institute of Technology found that consumer-grade 3D printers emit particles that can negatively impact indoor air quality and respiratory health. The study suggests measures such as better ventilation, lower nozzle temperatures, and using low-emission filaments to minimize harm.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateOct 7, 2019
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

New metasurface design can control optical fields in three dimensions

Researchers at the University of Washington have designed a 3D-printed metamaterial that can manipulate light with nanoscale precision, focusing it to discrete points in a 3D helical pattern. The device has high spatial resolution and could enable miniaturization of optical elements and creation of ultra-compact depth sensors.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 4, 2019

Acoustic energy harnessed to soften shear-thickening fluids

Shear-thickening fluids can be manipulated using ultrasonic waves to soften them, opening up new applications for materials like concrete and ceramics. The approach uses acoustic transducers to break force chains responsible for thickening, allowing for dynamic tuning of the material.

SourceCornell University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 17, 2019

A swifter way towards 3D-printed organs

Researchers from Harvard's Wyss Institute create a new 3D printing method called SWIFT, which allows for the growth of large, vascularized human organ building blocks. The technique enables the creation of viable, organ-specific tissues with high cell density and function.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 6, 2019