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Novel 3-D printing method embeds sensing capabilities within robotic actuators

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a platform for creating soft robots with embedded sensors that can sense movement, pressure, touch, and even temperature. This innovation enables complex sensing motifs to be easily integrated into soft robotic systems, opening new avenues to device design and fabrication.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 28, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Suiker's equations prevent 3-D-printed walls from collapsing or falling over

Professor Akke Suiker developed a model to determine the stability of 3D-printed walls, considering factors such as material curing characteristics and wall dimensions. His equations enable engineers to calculate the optimal printing speeds and minimize material usage, leading to more stable structures.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Mechanical Sciences·DateFeb 14, 2018

New process allows 3-D printing of nanoscale metal structures

Researchers at Caltech developed a new technique to create complex nanoscale metal structures using 3D printing. The process involves synthesizing organic scaffolds that contain metal ions, allowing for the creation of metallic structures smaller than previously possible.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 9, 2018

MIT engineers explore microfluidics with LEGO bricks

MIT researchers have developed a new approach to microfluidics using LEGO bricks, enabling the creation of modular devices that can perform various biological operations. The team has designed fluidic bricks with specific patterns of channels to perform tasks such as mixing and sorting fluids.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalLab on a Chip·DateJan 31, 2018

Changing the color of 3-D printed objects

Researchers from MIT's CSAIL present ColorFab, a method for repeatedly changing the colors of 3-D printed objects after fabrication using custom ink and UV light. The system can recolor a multi-colored object in under 20 minutes, with the goal of reducing waste and increasing customization.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, CSAIL·DateJan 29, 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.

Inverse-design approach leads to metadevices

The Northwestern University team developed highly efficient metadevices at millimeter-wave frequencies using inverse design principles and 3D printing. This approach starts with a function and asks what structure is needed to achieve the desired result, producing unexpected outcomes like broad bandwidth functionality.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 22, 2018

Novel 3-D printing technique yields high-performance composites

Researchers at Harvard developed a novel 3D printing method that enables control of short fibers in polymer matrices, resulting in enhanced strength, stiffness, and damage tolerance. This breakthrough has broad applications in materials engineering.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 15, 2018

3-D printing creates super soft structures that replicate brain and lungs

Scientists at Imperial College London develop a new 3D printing technique that can replicate biological structures, paving the way for tissue regeneration and replica organs. The method uses cryogenics to create super soft scaffolds that mimic the mechanical properties of organs like the brain and lungs.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 10, 2018
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.

Researchers 3-D print lifelike artificial organ models

A team of researchers from the University of Minnesota has created lifelike artificial organ models through 3D printing, featuring integrated soft sensors. These patient-specific models can enhance pre-operative practice, allowing surgeons to better plan and execute surgeries, potentially reducing medical errors and saving lives.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateDec 6, 2017

In first, 3-D printed objects connect to WiFi without electronics

Researchers at the University of Washington have created a system that allows 3D-printed plastic objects to wirelessly communicate with other WiFi-connected devices using backscatter techniques. These objects can sense useful data and send information to other smart devices, enabling applications such as automated laundry ordering and ...

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateDec 5, 2017
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.

Engineers 3-D print a 'living tattoo'

MIT engineers have devised a 3D printing technique that uses live bacteria cells to create interactive structures. The team printed a 'living tattoo' with branches that light up in response to different chemical stimuli, demonstrating the potential for wearable sensors and interactive displays.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 5, 2017

3-D-printed prosthetic implants could improve treatment for hearing loss

Researchers created customized prosthetic replacements for damaged middle ear parts using CT scans and 3-D printing. The technique has the potential to reduce high failure rates of surgical procedures. Custom-designed implants can improve hearing outcomes by providing a more exact fit, decreasing surgical time.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateDec 1, 2017

New 3-D printer is 10 times faster than commercial counterparts

The new printer can print objects up to 10 times faster than existing commercial counterparts due to its compact printhead design. The team used a screw mechanism and laser to speed up the printing process, enabling it to fabricate detailed objects in several minutes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdditive Manufacturing·DateNov 28, 2017

New method developed to 3-D print fully functional electronic circuits

A new method enables rapid 3D printing of fully functional electronic circuits using a single inkjet printing process. The technique combines 2D printed electronics with additive manufacturing, allowing for the creation of complex structures with multiple materials, including metals and plastics.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateNov 9, 2017

Researchers achieve 4-D printing of programmable shape-changing structures

A new study describes the 3D printing of Shape Memory Polymers to produce active meta-materials that can change shape and recover their original state when heated. The researchers demonstrate that these 4D structures can achieve large area changes of up to 200% within a programming and recovery cycle.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·Journal3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing·DateNov 2, 2017
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.

One-step 3-D printing of catalysts developed at Ames Laboratory

A US Department of Energy laboratory has developed a one-step 3D printing method for creating catalysts, which could lead to more efficient chemical reactions and improved industrial processes. The new technique uses inexpensive commercial printers to create structures with built-in catalytic properties.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalACS Catalysis·DateNov 1, 2017

3-D-printed device builds better nanofibers

A new 3D-printed device produces nanofiber meshes with reduced variation in diameters, making it suitable for various applications such as tissue engineering, water filtration, and body armor. The device's design flexibility and fast iteration capabilities make it a promising technology for commercialization.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNanotechnology·DateOct 30, 2017

From Cellulose to 3-D Objects

Researchers have developed a sustainable 3D printing process using polyethylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate (PEF), a polymer made from cellulose. The new biobased polymer allows for high-quality objects with good solvent resistance and thermal stability.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateOct 27, 2017

NASA Goddard announces Innovator of the Year

Mahmooda Sultana, a NASA research engineer, has been named IRAD Innovator of the Year for her groundbreaking work on nanomaterials and detectors. She is expanding her research to develop quantum-dot technology and 3-D printed sensor platforms.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 24, 2017
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.

Is 3-D printing living up to the hype?

Industry is utilizing 3-D printing technology to reduce production time and costs, with companies like Volkswagen saving hundreds of thousands of dollars. However, material flaws and limitations continue to hinder the widespread adoption of 3-D printed products for consumers.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateOct 18, 2017

Making 3-D printing safer

Researchers eliminate almost all nanoparticle emissions from some 3-D printers using a new approach that involves enclosing the device with a HEPA filter and printing at low temperatures.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 30, 2017

Designing custom robots in a matter of minutes

Researchers at MIT CSAIL developed an interactive design system called Interactive Robogami that allows users to design and 3D-print custom robots in minutes. The system uses simulations, algorithms, and interactive feedback to ensure feasible designs and guarantee stability and speed.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, CSAIL·JournalThe International Journal of Robotics Research·DateAug 22, 2017
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.

UBC researcher looks to the future of bone replacements

A UBC Okanagan researcher has developed a new artificial bone design that can be customized and printed with a 3D printer. The designs strike a balance between porosity and strength, offering potential for more effective bone replacements.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalMaterials & Design·DateAug 17, 2017

Defeating cyberattacks on 3-D printers

Experts at Rutgers University-New Brunswick and Georgia Tech have created three methods to defend against sneaky attacks on 3D printers, including detecting malicious fill patterns and printing defects using sensors and high-tech scanning.

SourceRutgers University·DateAug 16, 2017

Print no evil: Three-layer technique helps secure additive manufacturing

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology and Rutgers University have developed a three-layer system to verify that components produced using additive manufacturing have not been compromised. The system uses acoustic and physical techniques to detect malicious activity and quality problems, reducing materials waste.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateAug 16, 2017
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.

A new method for the 3-D printing of living tissues

Scientists at the University of Oxford have developed a new method to 3D-print laboratory-grown cells into high-resolution tissue constructs. The approach improves cell survival rates and enables the fabrication of patterned cellular constructs that mimic natural tissues.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 15, 2017

Researchers 3-D print first truly microfluidic 'lab on a chip' devices

Researchers at Brigham Young University have successfully 3D printed microfluidic devices with flow channel cross sections as small as 18 micrometers by 20 micrometers. This breakthrough enables mass-producing medical diagnostic devices cheaply, using a custom printer and low-cost resin.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalLab on a Chip·DateAug 14, 2017

Software lets designers exploit the extremely high resolution of 3-D printers

Researchers at MIT developed a new design system that catalogs physical properties of tiny cube clusters, enabling computationally efficient evaluation of macroscopic designs. The system explores the entire space of properties to determine printable clusters, which can be used to optimize object materials and properties.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateAug 4, 2017

Smart sensors could save lives

A team from KAUST developed a cheap, reliable system to signal danger using disposable sensor nodes linked wirelessly to fixed nodes. The system uses 3D printing and inkjet printing to create small sensors that can detect heat, low humidity, and hydrogen sulphide.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateJul 23, 2017
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.

3-D printing sweeps toy manufacturing off the shelves

A study by Michigan Technological University finds that 3-D printing can save consumers up to 90% on toy purchases, with the potential to offset $60 million in annual savings. DIY manufacturing also enables the creation of novel toys and games that are not commercially available.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalTechnologies·DateJul 20, 2017

Strengthening 3-D printed parts for real-world use

A Texas A&M University doctoral student has pioneered a method to strengthen 3-D printed parts, making them suitable for real-world applications. The technology uses microwave energy to weld layers together, creating more durable parts.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 20, 2017

UBC researchers test 3-D-printed water quality sensor

Researchers at UBC's Okanagan campus have designed a tiny device that can monitor drinking water quality in real-time, helping protect against waterborne illness. The miniaturized sensors are cheap to make, operate continuously, and can be deployed anywhere in the water distribution system.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalSensors·DateJul 19, 2017
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

3-D-printed implants can improve integration of amputee prosthetic devices with bone

Researchers developed two types of titanium implants with fine and coarse textures using electron beam melting and direct metal laser sintering. The study found substantial differences in mechanical testing results, including improved osseointegration and torsional properties for the fine-textured implants.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·Journal3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing·DateJun 29, 2017

3-D-printed jars in ball-milling experiments

Researchers used 3D printing to create optimized milling jars for X-ray powder diffraction experiments. The new design improves background and angular resolution, reducing scattering from jar walls and milling balls.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·JournalJournal of Applied Crystallography·DateJun 27, 2017

Ahead of the curve

Researchers at IST Austria have developed a new method to create self-actuating, smooth, and free-form objects called CurveUps. These objects are made up of tiny tiles sandwiched between pre-stretched latex layers that transform into a continuous shell during the process.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·DateJun 27, 2017
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.

3-D-printed patch helps guide growing blood vessels

Researchers have developed a method using 3D-printed patches infused with cells that offer a promising new approach to growing healthy blood vessels. The patches with pre-organized structure demonstrated improved results in reducing ischemia, while those without organization resulted in a disorganized network.

SourceBoston University College of Engineering·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJun 13, 2017

3-D-printed polymer stents grow with pediatric patients and biodegrade over time

Researchers developed a novel approach to create self-expandable polymer stents that can grow with pediatric patients, are biodegradable, and require minimally-invasive procedures. The stents were created using computational design, simulation tools, and 3D printing technology.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·Journal3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing·DateMay 18, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

3-D-printed, soft, four legged robot can walk on sand and stone

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a soft, four-legged robot that can walk on rough surfaces like sand and pebbles. The breakthrough was made possible by combining soft and rigid materials using 3D printing, enabling complex shapes for the robot's legs.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateMay 16, 2017

A bath for precision printing of 3-D silicone structures

Researchers have developed a versatile, oil-based microgel material that can mimic aqueous microgels and eliminate instabilities between printed materials and their support. This innovation enables the precise 3-D printing of silicon materials in various shapes, including biocompatible materials like silicone.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 10, 2017

3-D-printed 'bionic skin' could give robots the sense of touch

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a revolutionary process for 3D printing stretchable electronic sensory devices that can give robots the ability to feel their environment. The discovery also has potential applications for printing electronics on real human skin, enabling new forms of wearable technology.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 10, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Fabrication technology in the fourth dimension

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a construction principle for controlling the deformation of 4D printed objects, which can support weight and change shape in response to external stimuli. The technology has potential applications in aerospace, medical devices, and more.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 8, 2017

3-D printers open new design space for wireless devices

Duke researchers have created 3D-printed electromagnetic metamaterials with potential to revolutionize the design and prototyping of radio frequency applications. The use of a highly conductive material, Electrifi, enables rapid construction of complex devices and accelerates the design process.

SourceDuke University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 4, 2017

Erasable ink for 3-D printing

Scientists at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology create a method to erase the ink used for 3D printing, allowing for the creation of structures that can be modified repeatedly. The technology has numerous applications in biology and materials sciences.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMay 2, 2017
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.

Control of molecular motion by metal-plated 3-D printed plastic pieces

Researchers developed a novel fabrication method combining 3D printing and electroplating to produce complex metallic structures for molecular beam-splitting. This approach enables the creation of high-voltage electrodes with impeccable surface properties and precision alignment, overcoming previous fabrication problems.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateApr 27, 2017

3-D printing helps treat woman with spinal condition

Researchers used 3D printing to create a model of a patient's lower spine, allowing for successful insertion of a catheter for spinal cord stimulation. The technique may provide additional information to improve access in cases where standard approaches prove difficult.

SourceWiley·JournalNeuromodulation Technology at the Neural Interface·DateApr 20, 2017

3-D-printable implants may ease damaged knees

A team of researchers at Duke University created a cartilage-mimicking material that can be 3D-printed to match the strength and elasticity of human cartilage, potentially easing damaged knees. The new material is custom-shaped to each patient's anatomy, providing improved shock absorption and reducing pain.

SourceDuke University·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·DateApr 19, 2017
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.

4-D printing gets simpler and faster

A research team introduced a new approach to simplify and increase the potential of 4D printing, which allows high-resolution components to be designed, printed, and transformed into new permanent configurations using heat. This method saves time and materials by up to 90% and completely eliminates the mechanical programming process.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 12, 2017