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New 3-D printing method creates shape-shifting objects

Researchers have developed a new 3D printing method that allows for the creation of objects with permanent shape-shifting capabilities. The method uses shape memory polymers and can achieve significant time and material savings.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 12, 2017

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
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.

New research could help speed up the 3-D printing process

Researchers have found that conventional desktop and professional 3D printers build objects at a slow rate of 10-20 cubic centimeters per hour. The team identified a pinch-wheel mechanism as a limitation, which can be improved to increase printing speed.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalAdditive Manufacturing·DateApr 4, 2017

New twist on sofa problem that stumped mathematicians and furniture movers

Researchers at the University of California - Davis have developed a new solution to the 'moving sofa problem', a challenge that has stumped mathematicians for over 50 years. The team used 3-D printing and mathematical techniques to find the largest area that can fit around a corner, with potential applications in complex mathematics.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalExperimental Mathematics·DateMar 20, 2017

Dramatic improvement in surface finishing of 3-D printing

Researchers at Waseda University have developed a new 3D Chemical Melting Finishing (3D-CMF) method that improves surface texture and structural rigidity while reducing waste and cost, making it suitable for home 3D printing. The process uses a tool to selectively apply solvent to specific parts of the printed piece.

SourceWaseda University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 13, 2017

Cebit 2017: Post-print customization of 3-D prints

Saarland University scientists create a procedure called Hotflex to work around the limitation of static 3D objects. By integrating composite elements, they can modify shapes and add touch responsiveness to printed prototypes.

SourceSaarland University·DateMar 6, 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.

Professor Shiho Kawashima wins NSF Career Award

Professor Shiho Kawashima has received a $500,000 NSF CAREER Award to develop concrete systems for 3D printing, which could revolutionize infrastructure construction and repair. Her research aims to improve the processing and rheology of concrete and cement.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateMar 3, 2017

3-D printing with plants

Researchers at MIT have created a new system for 3D printing with cellulose acetate, a renewable and biodegradable alternative to traditional plastics. The new process allows for customization and functionalization of the printed parts, making it suitable for various applications including medical devices and sustainable products.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateMar 3, 2017

Just press print: New study shows how 3-D printing at home saves big bucks

A recent study published in Technologies found that consumers can save big bucks by investing in a low-cost 3-D printer and printing household items. After analyzing the cost of printing 26 everyday items, researchers found an average savings of 98.65%, with some items saving over $12,000 after five years.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalTechnologies·DateFeb 14, 2017

Now you can 'build your own' bio-bot

The paper provides a detailed protocol for building muscle-powered biological machines, enabling the creation of complex behaviors like self-assembly and adaptation. Researchers designed flexible 3D printed hydrogels and living cells to power 'walking' bio-bots, paving the way for applications in health, medicine, and environment.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalNature Protocols·DateFeb 13, 2017

Most stretchable elastomer for 3-D printing

Researchers have developed a highly stretchable and UV curable elastomer that can be stretched by up to 1100%, making it suitable for 3D printing techniques. The new material enables the direct creation of complex structures and devices, such as soft robotic grippers, with significantly reduced fabrication time.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 8, 2017
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.

Luminescent proteins provide color to ecological and cheap bio-displays

A team of scientists has designed a new display made from natural elements, including luminescent proteins. This technology enables the creation of energy-efficient Bio-displays with low production costs and high image quality, offering an ecological solution to traditional displays' limitations.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJan 18, 2017

3-D printing could transform future membrane technology

Researchers at the University of Bath explore the potential of 3D printing in membrane fabrication, enabling controlled complex pore structures, integrated surface patterns, and membranes based on nature. This breakthrough has significant implications for reducing energy and costs in industries worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJournal of Membrane Science·DateJan 12, 2017

Future Science Group launches Journal of 3-D Printing in Medicine

The Journal of 3D Printing in Medicine covers all aspects of bioprinting and 3D printing relevant to medicine, providing a forum for research, reviews, and commentary. The journal presents key data and opinions on emerging developments in the field.

SourceFuture Science Group·JournalJournal of 3D Printing in Medicine·DateJan 11, 2017

3-D printing and nanotechnology, a mighty alliance to detect toxic liquids

Researchers at Polytechnique Montréal developed a novel material that combines 3D printing and nanotechnology to detect toxic liquids in real time. The material, made from thermoplastic and carbon nanotubes, can identify the nature of a liquid upon contact, making it an advantage for heavy industries.

SourcePolytechnique Montréal·JournalSmall·DateJan 10, 2017

Live cell imaging using a smartphone

Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a cost-effective method for live cell imaging using smartphones, enabling laboratories worldwide to study cellular responses to treatments. The innovative system utilizes 3D-printed parts and off-the-shelf electronics, providing excellent cell culture conditions and high-resolution imaging.

SourceUppsala University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 21, 2016
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.

Prof Steve WaiChing Sun wins Air Force's Young Investigator Program Award

Sun, a civil engineering and engineering mechanics professor at Columbia University, has won the award for his project on modeling high-rate responses of wetted granular materials. He aims to improve predictions of large-scale field problems using insights from small-scale observations and simulations.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateDec 8, 2016

Improving the resolution of lithography

A team of Korean researchers has developed a wobulation technique that enhances the resolution of flow-lithography produced nanostructures. By staggering UV patterns and reducing exposure time, they achieved higher-resolution frames without narrowing the field of view.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateDec 6, 2016

NTU scientists build new ultrasound device using 3-D printing technology

The new device produces clearer images through 3D printed lenses, allowing doctors and surgeons to have greater control and precision in non-invasive diagnostic procedures and medical surgeries. The technology has the potential to reduce image distortions and accurately differentiate cancerous from non-cancerous soft tissue.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateDec 5, 2016

3-D printed kidney phantoms aid nuclear medicine dosing calibration

Researchers developed low-cost 3D printed organ models of varying size and shape to aid in determining optimal dosing for individual patients. The study demonstrates the potential of 3D printing technology for clinical prototyping, particularly in quantitative SPECT/CT imaging.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateDec 5, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Physicists make it possible to 3-D print your own baby universe

Researchers have created a 3D printed map of the cosmic microwave background, providing a new way to visualize the oldest light in the universe. This innovation uses 3D printing technology to represent temperature differences as bumps and dips on a spherical surface, allowing anyone to appreciate the structure of the early universe.

SourceImperial College London·JournalEuropean Journal of Physics·DateOct 28, 2016

3-D-printed magnets

Researchers at TU Wien have developed a method to produce permanent magnets using a 3D printer, enabling precise customization of magnetic fields. The process involves depositing tiny magnetic particles into a polymer matrix, which is then exposed to a strong external magnetic field to create a permanent magnet.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 25, 2016

3-D-printed organ-on-a-chip with integrated sensors

Harvard researchers develop a 3D-printed heart-on-a-chip with integrated sensors, enabling easy data collection and customization. The device mimics the structure and function of native tissue, opening new avenues for in vitro tissue engineering and drug screening research.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 24, 2016

3-D printing customized vascular stents

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed flexible, biodegradable stents that can be customized for a patient's specific anatomy using 3D printing techniques. The stents are designed to minimize complications and improve healing processes in blood vessels.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateOct 10, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A novel hybrid polymer simplifies 3-D printing of scaffolds for tissue engineering

A new study introduces a novel hybrid polymer for producing 3D-printed scaffolds suitable for seeding living cells, enabling the creation of engineered tissues. The researchers successfully fabricated scaffolds using commercial 3D printers and demonstrated high cell survival rates.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·Journal3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing·DateAug 29, 2016

The first autonomous, entirely soft robot

Researchers at Harvard University have created the first autonomous, entirely soft robot called the octobot. The small, 3D-printed robot is powered by a chemical reaction controlled by microfluidics, eliminating the need for electronics.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature·DateAug 24, 2016

Five ways bioengineers want to use 3-D printing

Researchers are developing 3D printed tissues, including skin, bone, cartilage, and bladder models. Organs-on-a-chip systems mimic human tissue structure and function, allowing for the study of physiological differences and drug screening.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Biotechnology·DateAug 11, 2016

Lattice structure absorbs vibrations

A new three-dimensional lattice structure developed by ETH scientists can absorb a wide range of vibrations, including those in the audible range. This design allows for improved noise reduction and energy efficiency in machines, vehicles, and aircraft.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2016
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.

Columbia Engineering researchers use acoustic voxels to embed sound with data

Researchers have developed a method to control sound waves using acoustic voxels, small hollow cube-shaped chambers that can modify acoustic filtering properties. This enables the creation of unique acoustic signatures for objects, potentially replacing QR codes and RFID tags.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateJul 18, 2016

Exploring superconducting properties of 3-D printed parts

Australian researchers use 3-D printing to create a resonant microwave cavity via an aluminum-silicon alloy that boasts superconductivity when cooled below the critical temperature of aluminum. The study explores the superconducting properties of 3-D printed parts and demonstrates the potential for rapid prototyping in various fields.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 18, 2016

NYU researchers report cybersecurity risks in 3-D printing

The study highlights the potential for attacks on 3D-printed products, including those with internal defects that can cause devastating impact. The researchers recommend new cybersecurity methods and tools to protect critical parts from such compromise.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalJOM·DateJul 13, 2016
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 open hairy new chapter in 3-D printing

The researchers designed arrays of hair-like structures with resolutions as low as 50 microns, printing coarse bristles to fine fur onto flat and curved surfaces. They demonstrated the technology's capabilities by creating Velcro-like bristle pads, sensing systems, and actuation devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJun 17, 2016

3-D-printed weather stations fill gaps in developing world

The first wave of low-cost weather stations have been installed in Zambia, providing critically needed information for farmers and residents. The stations, built with 3D-printed parts, transmit temperature, rainfall, wind, and other weather parameters.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateJun 2, 2016

Mantis shrimp inspires next generation of ultra-strong materials

Researchers develop novel herringbone structure in dactyl club, enabling incredible damage to prey while resisting fracture. The unique structure is composed of crystalline calcium phosphate and chitin fibers, offering a new pathway to create ultra-strong composite materials.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 31, 2016
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.

NTU Singapore launches S$42 million 3-D printing research center

The new research centre will focus on the construction, maritime and aerospace sectors, with goals of creating more efficient production processes and stronger walls. The centre is led by NTU Professor Chua Chee Kai and has attracted significant funding from industry partners.

SourceNanyang Technological University·DateMay 17, 2016

MIT course challenges students to reinvent 3-D printing

A recent MIT course has successfully challenged students to redesign the fundamentals of 3-D printing, leading to innovative projects such as printing custom jewelry, cable organizers, and even molten glass. The course's outcomes have also led to patents and entrepreneurial efforts, accelerating innovation in design and manufacturing.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdditive Manufacturing·DateMay 11, 2016
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Handheld surgical 'pen' prints human stem cells

A new handheld 3D printing device has been developed to create bespoke scaffolds for cartilage repair, with cell survival rates in excess of 97%. The BioPen allows surgeons to sculpt customised implants during surgery, addressing the challenge of precise geometry.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science·JournalBiofabrication·DateMar 31, 2016
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.

New ways to construct contactless magnetic gears

Researchers at OIST have developed a new theory for smooth magnetic couplings, allowing for the creation of contactless gears that can produce even motion without counterforce. This technology has several advantages over mechanical gears, including reduced maintenance and increased reliability.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateFeb 16, 2016
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.

It's a 3-D printer, but not as we know it

Researchers developed a novel method to print composite materials using ultrasonic waves, enabling the creation of complex fibrous architectures. The technology can be easily integrated into existing 3D printers, offering tailored material properties and potential applications in smart materials.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalSmart Materials and Structures·DateJan 18, 2016

Study shows some 3-D printed objects are toxic

Researchers found that parts from both types of 3D printers were toxic to zebrafish embryos, with liquid-based printer parts being the most toxic. A post-printing treatment using ultraviolet light reduced toxicity levels.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateNov 4, 2015
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.