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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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