Spanish consortium 3DCONS develops 3D printing systems for construction research

3DCONS, a Spanish construction consortium, has completed a collaborative 3D printing research and development project aimed at developing innovative 3D printing systems and materials for construction. The consortium, led by Spanish construction company VIAS Y CONSTRUCCIONES, has been working on the project for over three years, and presented the results of the project at the […]

3D printing industry responds to proposed extension of BIS U.S. export controls

In 2018, the U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) announced that it was seeking to extend its export controls across a class of deemed “emerging technologies.” Encompassing 3D printing, additive manufacturing, and other technology including AI, robotics and machine learning, the extended control will not only have ramifications for U.S. relationships with other nations, particularly […]

UCL School of Pharmacy: 3D Prints Affordable Continuous Flow Systems

Researchers for the UCL School of Pharmacy are delving further into the use of 3D printing and continuous flow systems with a recent published paper, ‘Modular 3D Printed Compressed Air Driven Continuous-Flow Systems for Chemical Synthesis.’ Authors Matthew R. Penny, Zenobia X. Rao, Bruno Felicio Peniche, and Stephen T. Hilton explain how 3D printing allows chemists to streamline processes as needed in chemistry, especially with modular units.

The authors point out that both 3D printing and continuous-flow chemistry have been on parallel paths as emerging technologies, intersecting as scientists realize the benefits of being able to create parts as needed, or replace them as needed in the lab. They also state that the average 3D printer used in a chemistry lab is affordable at around $3,000 and allows them to experiment with numerous materials and fabricate what they need.

Previously, this group of researchers has been involved in 3D printing reactors with polypropylene that can be easily connected to existing systems. One of the challenges though has been the prohibitive cost of flow reactor systems, at $20,000 or more, making it difficult for many chemists to attain them. Such technology can be invaluable, however, and the chemists began investigating a way to 3D print entire continuous flow systems.

A) Stirrer hotplate with DrySyn Muti-E base; B) Planned System attached to stirrer hotplate
incorporating three circular disk reactors.

“In addition, we wanted a system with a small size footprint that could be integrated with existing laboratory equipment and removed and stored when not needed, stopping the typical blocking of fume cupboards encountered with most continuous flow systems,” said the research team.

They used the DrySyn Multi-E base for adjusting the flow path of the reactor and were able to 3D print circular disk reactors (CDRs) to be put into the base, with more reactors added as needed. Tinkercad was used as the modeling software for the reactors, with screw-thread adaptors also created for PEEK fittings. An Ultimaker 3D printer was then used, with PP filament, operating at 100 percent infill with an internal volume of 4.2 ml. In line with the need for affordability, they avoided the use of costly pumps and instead used compressed air for their systems; in dry conditions, air could easily be replaced with nitrogen gas.

A) Graphical CAD representation of DrySyn Multi-E base; B) Graphical CAD design of DrySyn
Multi-E base and three CDRs; C) Part printed CDR showing the flow path; D) Fully PP printed CDR; E)
Installed CDRs and linking for a longer flow path.

 “The system was composed of a base unit housing the compressed air manifold, a flow control unit containing a needle valve for fine control of the pressure for reactor flow and an injection unit where reagents could be readily added into the flow path via low-pressure 6-position loop injectors,” said the research team. “All blocks were designed to be the same size to fit above the stirrer hotplate and the larger solvent holder was placed directly above these and the blocks held down by the metal hotplate rods.”

A) Selected capillaries showing the lengths required to provide flow rates ranging from
8mL/min to 0.1 mL/min.

The researchers noted that with the initial setup, they were not able to gain the exact control desired over the system. Deriving inspiration from capillary resistors being used today in microfluidics, they gained greater control by altering the pressure according to Hagen-Poiseuille law, and using five capillaries that would cover a flow rate range of 0.1-8 mL/min.

“Pleasingly, when these capillary resistors were tested with our system, we observed excellent control of the flow rate which matched the predicted controls,” stated the researchers.

After establishing control of the reactors, the team began looking for a way to show off the system’s functionality and utility through reactions, optimized with the 3D printed FlowSyn reactor system, embellished with capillary tubes for a variety of flow rates and temperatures. They were pleased with the reactions and flow rates. Following that, the researchers also screened a range of alcohols that helped form a variety of derivatives and compounds also.

“This approach will enable synthetic chemists to carry to flow chemistry at low-cost and using existing laboratory and fume hood equipment without having to invest in expensive and large continuous flow equipment. Further studies on additional reactors and reaction chemistries are currently under way in our laboratory and will be reported in due course,” conclude the researchers.

Since its inception, 3D printing has been connected to the world of chemistry. The progressive technology fits naturally into the science, along with the entire STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) realm. While even the creation of wearables and microfluidic devices are dependent on the pairing of 3D printing and chemistry, other advancements are being made in continuous flow too as parts can be created to fit whatever needs scientists may need for a particular project—and with 3D printing, innovation allows for parts, components, processes, and mechanisms that simply were not possible before with more conventional methods of manufacturing, from the smallest to the largest projects.

What do you think of this news? Join the discussion of this and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com.

A) Disassembled CAD drawing outlines of the separate continuous flow system components
covering the solvent block, injection block, CDRs, mixing chip, flow controller and base block; B) 3Dprinted and realised hotplate continuous flow-system combined with circular disk reactors.

[Source / Images: Modular 3D Printed Compressed Air Driven Continuous-Flow Systems for Chemical Synthesis]

Researchers Create Patient-Specific 3D Printed Meniscus Prototype

If you can sprint off for a pleasant morning run without wincing or heading for the pain reliever afterward, consider yourself lucky—and the envy of many who suffer from current or healing meniscus strain and injuries. Researchers at the Istituto Ortopedico in Rizzoli, Bologna, recently published findings in ‘Patient-specific meniscus prototype based on 3D bioprinting of human cell-laden scaffold,’ attempting to improve on current methods for making tissue repairs and replacement.

Authors G. Filardo, M. Petretta, C. Cavallo, L. Roseti, S. Durante, U. Albisinni, and B. Grigolo used real MRI scans from one patient and converted to the data into an .stl file, then proceeding to create a model from which to make the meniscus prototype and resulting scaffolds.

In operating on patients suffering from classic meniscus tears, the surgeon’s goal is usually to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible, while some may require total meniscectomies. Transplants today, however, are rife with all the typical challenges such as problems with rejection of the tissue, mismatch, and other issues such as impaired cellular infiltration. In this project, the researchers examined other challenges with scaffolds that have been previously created too, stating that only two types of artificial meniscus have made it to the clinical arena—one of which is a collagen implant, and the other constructed out of polyurethane and polycaprolactone. While they were both evaluated to be safe, and offered good results, the researchers point out that the ‘mismatch’ between implants and ‘patient-specific lesion areas’ is still a central problem.

“… it has been demonstrated that even small changes in implant positioning may affect contact pressure and joint stress,” stated the research. “To address the limits of meniscus implantation, and to optimize the restoration of meniscal function and joint integrity over time, implants could be developed with an enhanced biological potential and patient-specific sizing to meet individuals’ joint requirements.”

The researchers harvested bone marrow from a patient already scheduled for autologous cell transplantation, and watched cells expand and continue to thrive even after a week. The researchers used the 3D printed model of the knee to assist in reconstruction of the meniscus. They used a series of 2D cross sections to create tool paths, using LifeInk 200 bio-ink as the material for printing cells.

.stl model of a human meniscus.

“The selected bio-ink presented good printability and shape fidelity, allowing the fabricated tissue, obtained by means of a microvalve-based inkjet dispensing technique, to mimic the anatomical model morphology,” stated the researchers. “This ‘cell-friendly’ technology allowed MSCs included in the bio-ink to be homogeneously distributed within the construct.”

Photograph of a custom-made, human, cell-laden, high-density collagen type I meniscus prototype after mesenchymal stem cells were embedded. The printing process was performed at room temperature in a Petri dish filled with culture medium and kept at 37°C.

After five days, only half of the cells were still alive, creating concerns about cell viability. Surprisingly though, almost the entire second half of the cells still alive were viable after 28 days.

“… these cells were able to grow and to colonize the biomaterial, demonstrating that the bioprinted collagen-based hydrogel scaffold provides a good microenvironment for the viability and proliferation of MSCs,” stated the researcher.

Overall, the research showed that this type of bioprinting shows the potential for tissue engineering with ‘anatomical precision.’ They do note, however, that several issues must be scrutinized in the future: density, cell encapsulation inside collagen gels, and collagen gel pore size.

“The prototype described in this study showed the biological potential of 3D bioprinting technology in providing an anatomically shaped, patient-specific construct with viable cells on a biocompatible material,” concluded the authors. “This study could act as the starting point for future developments of this custom-made, collagen-based, tissue-engineered structure, which could aid the optimization of implants designed to replace damaged menisci.”

Cartilage is a hot commodity for humans, and especially as the wear and tear of age begins to show, with this happening earlier for some of us. 3D printing shows huge potential to help with repairs, however, with new and promising methods for repairing defects, curing arthritis, bioprinting with knee stem cells to make new cartilage, and more. Find out more about advances in meniscus repairs here. What do you think of this news? Let us know your thoughts; join the discussion of this and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com.

[Source / Images: Patient-specific meniscus prototype based on 3D bioprinting of human cell-laden scaffold]

LIVE/DEAD images of cell-laden collagen type I gel scaffolds. Viable cells are in green and dead cells in red. The top row shows slides from total meniscus structure, while the bottom row shows slides from cubical constructs. Images are representative.

Australian “Repairbot” Repairs Cars with 3D printing

In a collaboration between automation company Tradiebot Industries, automotive aftercare firm AMA Group, and the Swinburne University of Technology, a lug was 3D printed directly onto an automotive headlamp. The “Repairbot” project is backed by the not-for-profit Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (IMCRC) that seeks to lift Australian companies into the global spotlight. The goal […]

The post Australian “Repairbot” Repairs Cars with 3D printing appeared first on 3D Printing.

Kärcher leverages Stratasys’ J750 to prototype EASY!Force

It has been announced that German-based global cleaning systems manufacturer, Kärcher, is using Stratasys’ J750 3D printer to produce realistic prototypes, and reduce lead times. Achim Sanzenbacher, Kärcher’s Manager, Prototyping, said, “Traditionally we would use milling or order individual standard parts to assemble prototypes for products.” Achim added, “This not only took a long time, but it also […]

Sinterit upgrades SLS software for improved 3D prints

Sinterit, the Polish manufacturer of the Lisa and Lisa Pro SLS 3D printers, has upgraded its software platform for more precise 3D printing. The latest version of Sinterit Studio 2019 now includes printing profiles for new powders, WiFi live streaming capabilities for the SLS process, as well as a newly designed interface. Improved printing profiles  […]

Protolabs releases MicroFine Green SLA resin for high definition 3D printing

Award winning on demand manufacturing provider Protolabs has launched a new, proprietary material for SLA 3D printing. Named MicroFine Green, this resin is specifically formulated for the fabrication of small parts in high definition. Its vibrant color picks out detail, and it possesses mechanical properties akin to ABS. According to the company, “MicroFine Green, perfectly suited to […]

#3DPrinted Anansi Inspired Robot Companion Asi with #Trinket

NewImage

Loving this robot from Jorvon Moss on Hackster.io:

This project was originally going to be an Xpider, from Thingiverse. Then I say Archimedes by Alex Glow. It blew my mind. I wanted one so bad. So, I got to work on own robotic companion. I figured I am not a owl type, and I wanted my familiar to be special. Then I remembered the African story of Anansi the spider, trickster and god of stories. I decided to design the bot with the idea of a story, and thus Asi was born (it’s actually Asi_v4, v1-3 were prototypes).

Read more

Caterpillar & Argonne National Laboratory Using Additive Manufacturing to Improve Fuel Efficiency of Diesel Engines

Additive manufacturing will play a significant role in a major project gearing up between Caterpillar and US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory to explore better efficiency and reduced emissions in heavy-duty diesel engines. This is another extensive project meant to bring together the vast resources of large manufacturers in the US with scientists working for Department of Energy labs, making up one of seven ‘private partnerships’ created through the DOE High Performance Computing for Manufacturing (HPC4Mfg) program.

Caterpillar and Argonne will be testing industrial diesel engines to improve efficiency, using the following tools and processes:

  • High performance computing (HPC)
  • Additive manufacturing
  • Improved fidelity design
  • Simulation models

In taking advantage of these features, they will also be able to delve into the major benefits of additive manufacturing and 3D printing, to include exponentially faster turnaround in production, affordability in manufacturing, and the ability to create in the lab (or anywhere) on-demand. In working with Caterpillar, Argonne researchers also have access to comprehensive testing facilities already designated for 3D printing and AM processes, along with conventional methods that have been in use for decades.

Currently, Caterpillar is using testing and simulation resources from HPC, operating on the large scale, with Argonne’s Mira supercomputer at the Argonne Leadership Computing Facility (ALCF), a DOE Office of Science User Facility, and computing resources at Argonne’s Laboratory Computing Resource Center.

Researchers created this predictive cross-sectional view of an engine geometry showing in-cylinder and metal piston temperatures using a coupled conjugate heat transfer and computational fluid dynamics model. (Image by Convergent Science and Argonne National Laboratory.)

The two organizations will continue collaborating throughout a range of different project stages via HPC4Mfg, moving back and forth from simulation facilities at Argonne and AM testing at the Caterpillar facility. This is not the first time Caterpillar and Argonne have worked together. Previous projects have included studies regarding fuel spray, combustion modeling, and other DOE-funded work.

Currently, other programs and partnerships in progress through HPC4Mfg include work with companies like PPG Industries, Inc. and LBNL, VitroFlat Glass and LLNL to develop real-time glass furnace control, Eaton and ORNL to develop waste heat recovery (WHR) technology, General Motors LLC partnering with LLNL to reduce cycle time in composite manufacturing, Arconic working with both LLNL and ORNL to examine varying metallic phases during AM, and Vader Systems partnering with SNL to explore required physics for transition magnetoJet 3D printing. Find out more about those projects, along with Caterpillar and Argonne here.

While Caterpillar is historically responsible for producing large equipment for construction and mining, along with other machinery related to energy and transportation and resource industries, the scientists and research teams at Argonne National Laboratory are often responsible for studies that tackle the big questions regarding how technology can further the US, such as how to expand on metal 3D printing in the field for military use, or examining what actually happens during the internal processes of technology involving directed energy deposition by X-ray, leading into further discussion of research centered around piezoelectric materials.

What do you think of this news? Let us know your thoughts! Join the discussion of this and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com.

[Source: Green Car Congress]