3D printing tagged posts

Patterned membranes created by 3D printing. Credit: Hickner Group/Penn State

A new type of 3D printing by Penn State will make it possible for the first time to rapidly prototype and test polymer membranes that are patterned for improved performance. Ion exchange membranes are used in many types of energy apps eg fuel cells and certain batteries, as well as in water purification, desalination, removal of heavy metals and food processing. Most ion exchange membranes are thin, flat sheets similar to the plastic wrap in your kitchen drawer. However, recent work has shown that by creating 3D patterns on top of the 2D membrane surface, interesting hydrodynamic properties emerge that can improve ion transport or mitigate fouling, a serious problem in many membrane applications.

Currently, making...

Black Novacast. Credit: Image courtesy of Investigación y Desarrollo

NovaCast is a device that prevents infections, ulcers and even amputation of limbs, is 10X lighter than the traditional material and allows a good ventilation. The use of plaster splints for the rehabilitation of bones can cause infections, ulcers and even amputations because their shape prevents proper medical inspection, sweat accumulates and generates little ventilation. To avoid these problems, a group of young graduates from the National University of Mexico (UNAM) created Mediprint, a Mexican startup that manufactures this medical devices to measure, using 3D printing devices.

“The material that conventional splints are made of is a highly hygroscopic plaster, meaning it absorbs sweat and causes the bacteria to pro...

Has Boeing been exploring the printing of 3D printing of levitating objects? Yes, Boeing has patented technology to 3D print objects while levitating in space. PatentYogi has presented a video that explains what Boeing had in mind in their patent application, first filed in 2014.

PatentYogi has presented a video that explains what Boeing had in mind in their patent application, first filed in 2014. Multiple 3d printers are used to simultaneously print various features. The material has diamagnetic properties. PatentYogi said that when super-cooled, the printing material becomes a superconductor.

MOA: A nugget of the printing material is ejected into space; magnetic levitation holds it in place; further deposition begins...

Season after season, residents complain about the same ruts in pavements and potholes on the road, wishing they were repaired quickly. A startup engineer with a vision looks to 3D printing robots to save the day. Robert Flitsch is the inventor of the Addibot.

Season after season, residents complain about the same ruts in pavements and potholes on the road, wishing they were repaired quickly. A startup engineer with a vision looks to 3D printing robots to save the day. Robert Flitsch invented Addibot, a small, wheeled robot capable of taking 3D printing to sites to change the surface from problematic to smooth.

The company posted an “ice resurfacing Addibot” video earlier, using water to 3D-print ice...