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Ringling train chugs into digital world

The century-old Wisconsin train car has been digitally accessed through 3D models and printed spare parts created using digital photogrammetry and terrestrial laser scanning. The project, led by the University of South Florida, aims to preserve the fragile antique components while allowing for future restoration efforts.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·DateNov 14, 2018

Origami, 3D printing merge to make complex structures in one shot

Researchers created complex origami structures with unprecedented strength, light weight, and expandability using Digital Light Processing (DLP) 3D printing. The innovative approach enables folding and refolding of the structures without breaking, paving the way for numerous potential applications.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalSoft Matter·DateOct 20, 2018
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

3D-printed lithium-ion batteries

A new method for 3D printing lithium-ion batteries has been developed, overcoming the limitation of commercially available battery shapes. The researchers increased the battery's ionic conductivity by infusing polymers with an electrolyte solution and boosting electrical conductivity using graphene or multi-walled carbon nanotubes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·DateOct 17, 2018

New NIST method measures 3D polymer processing precisely

Researchers at NIST have developed a novel light-based technique to measure the mechanical and flow properties of materials during the curing process in real-time. This allows for fast and accurate optimization of processing conditions for various materials, from biological gels to stiff resins.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalSmall Methods·DateOct 9, 2018

Aluminum on the way to titanium strength

Researchers at NUST MISIS have developed a technology that doubles the strength of aluminum composites obtained by 3D printing, advancing them to titanium alloy quality. The new composite uses nitrides and aluminum oxides as precursors, increasing tensile strength and Brinell hardness.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalSustainable Materials and Technologies·DateOct 9, 2018
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 bioprinting of living structures with built-in chemical sensors

A team of researchers has created a breakthrough in 3D bioprinting by integrating oxygen-sensitive nanoparticles into gel materials, enabling real-time monitoring of metabolic activity and microenvironment of cells within living structures.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 1, 2018

Introducing the 'smart mirror'

Researchers from NIST developed a laser power sensor that can be built into manufacturing devices for real-time measurements. The 'smart mirror' uses radiation pressure to measure the force of light on a reflective surface, providing high accuracy and sensitivity for lasers of hundreds of watts.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalIEEE Sensors Journal·DateSep 18, 2018

At last, a simple 3D printer for metal

Researchers have developed a new approach to 3D printing metals, using metallic glasses, which can produce solid, high-strength metal components with minimal processing. The technique eliminates the need for expensive and complicated support structures, making it more practical and commercially viable than current methods.

SourceElsevier·JournalMaterials Today·DateSep 4, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Research brief: Researchers 3D print prototype for 'bionic eye'

A team of researchers at the University of Minnesota has successfully 3D printed a hemispherical surface with an array of light receptors. This breakthrough discovery brings scientists closer to creating a 'bionic eye' that could potentially restore vision in blind individuals.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 28, 2018
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.

Metamolds: Molding a mold

Researchers from IST Austria have developed a tool that automatically finds the best way of designing molds, producing optimized silicone mold pieces. The method can lower the cost of this fabricating technique, making it accessible for everyone.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·DateAug 20, 2018

3D inks that can be erased selectively

Researchers from KIT have developed photoresists that can be erased selectively, allowing specific degradation and reassembly of microstructures on the micrometer and nanometer scales. This enables complex geometries with precise filigree structures, applications in biomedicine, microelectronics, and optical metamaterials.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 15, 2018

Research brief: New 3D-printed device could help treat spinal cord injuries

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a groundbreaking 3D-printed device that uses regenerative cells to connect living nerve cells above and below spinal cord injury sites. The device has shown promise in improving bladder control, stopping uncontrollable movements, and alleviating pain.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 9, 2018

New NYUAD research finds 3D printers offer alternate method to create microfluidic probes

Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have developed a method to create microfluidic probes using 3D printing, which provides an effective and inexpensive technique for studying cancer cells. The new approach enables scientists to fabricate probes that can deliver reagents in a localized manner, allowing for targeted cell culture and analysis.

SourceRubenstein Associates, Inc.·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 8, 2018
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

DIY robots help marine biologists discover new deep-sea dwellers

A team of engineers, marine biologists, and roboticists developed soft gripper devices that allow scientists to gently collect delicate organisms from the deep sea. The devices were able to collect sea slugs, corals, sponges, and other marine life with less damage than traditional tools.

SourceThe City University of New York·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 1, 2018

Fast, cheap and colorful 3D printing

Researchers developed a new photosensitizer using gold nanorods to enable color printing in selective laser sintering. The material is cost-effective for large-scale production and produces brightly colored objects.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 1, 2018

A soft, on-the-fly solution to a hard, underwater problem

A multidisciplinary team developed soft, flexible, and customizable samplers that can grasp delicate sea creatures without damaging them. The researchers 3D-printed modifications to the device overnight, revolutionizing marine biology fieldwork and enabling scientists to collect samples in their native habitats.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 1, 2018
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.

3D printing the next generation of batteries

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a new 3D printing method that creates porous microlattice structures in battery electrodes, resulting in fourfold increase in specific capacity and twofold increase in areal capacity. The technology has potential applications in consumer electronics, medical devices, aerospace, a...

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalAdditive Manufacturing·DateJul 30, 2018
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.

It's time to 3D sketch with air scaffolding

A KAIST team introduced Agile 3D Sketching with Air Scaffolding, combining hand motions and pen-based sketching to create 3D shapes. The technique allows designers to reduce time while enhancing accuracy in defining proportion and scale of products.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·DateJul 25, 2018

The perfect terahertz beam -- thanks to the 3D printer

Terahertz radiation can be used for various applications, including airport security checks and material analysis. Researchers at TU Wien have developed a technique to shape these beams using a precisely calculated plastic screen produced on a 3D printer, resulting in precise control over the beam's shape and direction.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 11, 2018

Tailored polymers from a printer

Researchers develop a novel approach to create tailored, tough polymers for 3D printing. The new method uses an ester-activated vinyl sulfonate ester as a chain transfer agent, reducing the risk of shrinkage cracks and increasing material flexibility.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 6, 2018

3D printing achieves more accurate and precise physical models from patient imaging data

Researchers developed a rapid method for creating highly detailed physical models directly from volumetric data stacks, overcoming current limitations in 3D data processing workflows. The new approach enables accurate anatomical details to be replicated in 3D-printed models, improving diagnostics and presurgical planning.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·Journal3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing·DateJul 3, 2018

Game-changing finding pushes 3D-printing to the molecular limit

Researchers have developed a 3D-printed device that stores information reversibly using photoactive molecules and polymers. The technique expands the toolbox of advanced materials available to engineers, enabling complex designs like QR codes or barcodes to be encoded and erased.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 19, 2018
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.

Researcher creates 3D printed multimaterial with programmed stiffness

A new method of microscale 3D printing allows switching between materials of different modulus without cross contamination, enabling programmable morphing and morphing capability in various applications such as aircraft wing structures and microrobotics. The technology can create materials with tailored stiffness and toughness.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 8, 2018

Swimming without an engine

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new propulsion concept that exploits water temperature for swimming robots, eliminating the need for engines or power supplies. The robots use bistable propulsion elements triggered by shape memory polymer strips to propel forward.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 5, 2018

Combining experts and automation in 3D printing

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed an optimization algorithm that combines expert judgment with automation in 3D printing, enabling high-fidelity prints of soft materials. The Expert-Guided Optimization (EGO) method significantly reduces the time and energy required to find optimal print combinations.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 31, 2018

Making data matter

Researchers create physical objects from imaging datasets using a new data processing method that preserves fine details and allows quick distinction between parts. This innovation aims to make 3D printing more accessible and allow anyone to print nearly anything.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 31, 2018
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.

One-step, 3D printing for multimaterial projects developed by WSU researchers

Researchers at Washington State University have developed a one-step 3D printing process for multimaterial projects, allowing for faster production and reduced manufacturing steps. The technology enables the creation of complex products with multiple parts in one operation, reducing the need for adhesives and joint connections.

SourceWashington State University·JournalAdditive Manufacturing·DateMay 30, 2018

First 3D-printed human corneas

Scientists at Newcastle University successfully printed the first human corneas using a unique gel-like substance and 3D printing technology. The breakthrough could provide an unlimited supply of corneas for transplantation, addressing a significant shortage that affects millions worldwide.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalExperimental Eye Research·DateMay 29, 2018

Now, you can hold a copy of your brain in the palm of your hand

Researchers developed a new method to convert complex medical images into physical models with unprecedented detail. This technique uses dithered bitmaps to simplify grayscale images, allowing for faster and more accurate printing.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·Journal3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing·DateMay 29, 2018
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.

Custom 3D-printed models help plastic surgeons plan and perform rhinoplasty

Three-dimensional printed models provide a useful visual reference for plastic surgeons performing rhinoplasty, helping to achieve the desired clinical result. The models also improve communication with patients before surgery, making it easier to understand the surgical possibilities and limitations.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateMay 29, 2018

3D printed sugar offers sweet solution for tissue engineering, device manufacturing

Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a 3D printer that creates delicate networks of hardened isomalt sugar structures, which can be used to grow cells and tissue, or create microfluidic devices. The structures' ability to precisely control mechanical properties makes them ideal for biomedical applications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAdditive Manufacturing·DateMay 23, 2018
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.

Improving 3-D printing of plastic parts

Researchers developed structured core-shell polymer filaments to improve the strength of 3-D printed plastics. The new filaments have a polycarbonate core and an olefin ionomer shell, which self-reinforce the printed parts and make them more resistant to impacts.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 2, 2018

Researchers 3-D print electronics and cells directly on skin

A new 3D printing technique allows for the direct printing of electronics on human skin, with potential applications in military technology and medical treatments for skin disorders. The printer uses computer vision to adjust to small movements of the body during printing and can be used to print temporary sensors or solar cells.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 25, 2018

3-D printed food could change how we eat

Researchers have developed a platform for 3-D printing food with customized texture and body absorption characteristics, enabling personalized nutrition. The technology has the potential to reduce food waste and meet the increasing demands of a growing world population.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 24, 2018

Cheap 3-D printer can produce self-folding materials

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University used an inexpensive 3D printer to produce self-folding plastic objects that can be heated to assume predetermined shapes. The process utilizes a common printing defect, warpage, which is typically considered a problem with these printers.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateApr 24, 2018
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.

Smart ink adds new dimensions to 3-D printing

Researchers at Dartmouth College developed a smart ink that allows for the creation of shape-changing and color-shifting objects through 3D printing. The innovation uses intelligent molecular systems to transform the structure and function of the printed material.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateApr 4, 2018

Physicists at FAU demonstrate demixing behavior of rotating particles

Physicists at FAU have demonstrated that macroscopic particles rotating in opposite directions form homogeneous groups. The researchers used miniature robots manufactured using 3D printing methods for their experiment. After only one minute, single domains were clearly visible, and after 15 minutes, the robots had almost entirely demixed.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 3, 2018

Software automatically generates knitting instructions for 3-D shapes

A team of Carnegie Mellon University researchers has created a system that translates 3-D shapes into stitch-by-stitch instructions for computer-controlled knitting machines. The technology enables the production of customized, on-demand knitted garments with unique patterns and ornamentation.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateMar 29, 2018
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

3-DIY: Printing your own bioprinter

A low-cost, open-source 3D bioprinter has been developed by Carnegie Mellon University researchers, allowing users to print large-scale artificial human tissue with high resolution. The bioprinter, which costs under $500, is a significant cost reduction compared to existing commercial machines.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalHardwareX·DateMar 27, 2018

New method speeds up 3-D printing of millimeter-sized imaging lenses

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new method to create high-quality imaging lenses quickly using a 3D printer. The customized optical component can be printed in about four hours and has smooth surface quality, paving the way for applications in optics, vision correction, and disease diagnosis.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 26, 2018

Earwigs and the art of origami

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a self-folding material inspired by the earwig's wing, which can operate without muscular actuation. This innovation has potential applications in space travel, foldable electronics, and everyday objects.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateMar 22, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

New 4-D printer could reshape the world we live in

Researchers have developed a powerful new 4-D printer that can create self-assembling structures with unprecedented flexibility and speed. The printer uses multiple printing techniques to integrate materials, conductive wiring, and grayscale lighting for advanced shape changes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 21, 2018

Live 3-D printing of osteogenic scaffolds into bone defects

A team of researchers has successfully developed a novel method for live 3D printing osteogenic scaffolds into bone defects. The method uses nanobiosilica-based scaffolds with adequate 3D printing properties to improve implantability and rapid bone healing capability, resulting in nearly 55% bone defect healing after four weeks.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateMar 21, 2018

Three-dimensional printing and bioprinting for tissue engineering

The symposium reviewed current developments and challenges in 3D printing and bioprinting for regenerating complex dental, craniofacial, and oral tissues. Researchers showcased their work on guided self-assembly, 3D-printed constructs, and geometric controls of periodontal tissue regeneration.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·DateMar 21, 2018
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

What plants can teach us about oil spill clean-up, microfluidics

A new USC study uses nature-inspired 3D printing to create a material that can separate oil and water, potentially leading to safer and more efficient oil spill clean-up methods. The material also enables "microdroplet manipulation," which has applications in various fields such as cell cultures, chemical synthesis, and DNA sequencing.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 20, 2018

Research team develops clinically validated 3-D printed stethoscope

A team of researchers has developed an open-source, clinically validated template for a 3D printed stethoscope that can be created using recycled plastic and costs less than $3 to produce. The device has been shown to have the same acoustic quality as premium brand stethoscopes.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 14, 2018

Researchers bring the bling to improve implants

Australian researchers at RMIT University have successfully coated 3D printed titanium implants with diamond, improving biocompatibility and reducing bacterial attachment. The breakthrough could lead to radical improvements in biomedical implants and orthopedic procedures.

SourceRMIT University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMar 13, 2018