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Researchers at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed the first additive manufacturing slicing computer application to simultaneously speed and simplify digital conversion of accurate, large-format three-dimensional parts in a factory production setting.

The technology, known as Slicer 2, can help widen the use of 3D printing for larger objects made from metallic and composite materials. Objects the size of a house and beyond are possible, such as land and aquatic vehicles and aerospace applications that include parts for reusable space vehicles.

Slicing software converts a computer-aided design, or CAD, digital model into a series of two-dimensional layers called slices. It calculates print parameters for each slice, such as printhead path and speed, and saves the information in numerically controlled computer language. The computer file contains instructions for a 3D printer to create a precise 3D version of the image.

Researchers from MIT and the University of Texas have developed a prototype for a handheld, chip-based 3D printer using a photonic chip that emits beams of light to cure resin into solid objects. This innovative technology could revolutionize the production of customized, low-cost objects on-the-go and has potential applications in medical and engineering fields.

Portable 3D Printing Technology

Imagine a portable 3D printer you could hold in the palm of your hand. The tiny device could enable a user to rapidly create customized, low-cost objects on the go, like a fastener to repair a wobbly bicycle wheel or a component for a critical medical operation.

University of Missouri researchers have developed a way to create complex devices with multiple materials—including plastics, metals and semiconductors—all with a single machine.

The research, which was recently published in Nature Communications, outlines a novel 3D printing and laser process to manufacture multi-material, multi-layered sensors, circuit boards and even textiles with electronic components.

It’s called the Freeform Multi-material Assembly Process, and it promises to revolutionize the fabrication of new products.

Polish artist Piotr Wasniowski is a bit of a mad scientist. An expert in 3D printed clay, Wasniowski’s tool of choice is a “Gaia Multitool Polish clay 3D printer with cheap de-airing clay extruder with rotational nozzle,” for which he fabricates his own nozzles.

These variants allow him to print a variety of crazy textures.

The transition from traditional 2D to 3D microfluidic structures is a significant advancement in microfluidics, offering benefits in scientific and industrial applications. These 3D systems improve throughput through parallel operation, and soft elastomeric networks, when filled with conductive materials like liquid metal, allowing for the integration of microfluidics and electronics.

Elon revealed details about Starship Flight 4 outcome, Flight 5, and beyond during a gaming livestream in X.

Video Credit: Elon Musk.

Continue reading “Elon Musk Speaks: All Starship Tiles will be Replaced After Flight 4 Issues!” »

Virgin Galactic is using its SpaceShipTwo to launch the final commercial flight of VSS Unity. This is the 17th flight of the VSS Unity, before the company plans to upgrade the vehicle.

The commercial crew on this mission is composed of a researcher affiliated with Axiom Space, two private Americans, and a private Italian. The Virgin Galactic crew on Unity will be Commander Nicola Pecile and pilot Jameel Janjua.

Continue reading “Virgin Galactic Launches Crewed Galactic 07 Mission” »

New 3D printing method produces commercial grade microlenses with smooth surfaces, which could advance optical device design.

Researchers in Canada have developed a new 3D printing method called blurred tomography that can rapidly produce microlenses with commercial-level optical quality. The new method may make it easier and faster to design and fabricate a variety of optical devices.

“We purposely added optical blurring to the beams of light used for this 3D printing method to manufacture precision optical components,” said Daniel Webber from the National Research Council of Canada. “This enables production of optically smooth surfaces.”

Scientists are harnessing cells to make new types of materials that can grow, repair themselves and even respond to their environment. These solid “engineered living materials” are made by embedding cells in an inanimate matrix that’s formed in a desired shape. Now, researchers report in ACS Central Science that they have 3D printed a bioink containing plant cells that were then genetically modified, producing programmable materials. Applications could someday include biomanufacturing and sustainable construction.