Kategorie: Science

Researchers from Newcastle University, UK, 3D printed human corneas for the first time. To do this, they mixed stem cells from a healthy donor cornea with a gel and collagen to create a printable bio-ink. 

The cornea, or the outer-layer of the human eye, plays an important role in focusing vision. Every year, around 10 million people worldwide require eye-surgery to prevent corneal blindness.

Worse yet, around 5 million people lose their sight in both eyes yearly due to corneal dysfunction. But, there is currently a shortage in transplantable corneas worldwide. However, 3D printing could change this.

Working on a solution are researchers from Newcastle University in the UK. The researchers have now 3D printed human corneas for the first time.

“What we have shown is that it is feasible to print corneas using co-ordinates taken from a patient’s eye,” said Che Connon, Professor of Tissue Engineering at Newcastle University, who led the work.

3D Printed Corneas Ready to Transplant in 5 Years?

The corneas are possible using a special bio-ink, that the researchers create by mixing healthy donor cornea stem cells with a gel called alginate, which is taken from seaweed, and collagen.

“Our unique bio-gel — a combination of alginate and collagen — keeps the stem cells alive while producing a material which is stiff enough to hold its shape but soft enough to be squeezed out the nozzle of a 3D printer,” Connon said.

This bio-ink was then printed in concentric circles using a low-cost bioprinter. Connon adds that they are not alone in their research, with many teams currently engaged in creating bio-inks for creating 3D printed corneas.

However, this is the first time in which a shaped cornea was created. Previously, only flat tissue was created. The Newcastle team’s work also show that building a cornea to a patient’s specification is also possible.

Now, the 3D printed corneas are undergoing further testing. They are being produced and tested at the Newcastle University’s Institute of Genetic Medicine. The hope is that within just five years, 3D printed corneas will be available for transplants, solving the shortage problem.

The researchers have published a proof-of-concept research paper in Experimental Eye Research.

Source (paywall): Financial Times

Website: LINK

Researchers from Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) have developed a two-step polymerization process to fully recycle 3D printed thermosetting photopolymers. 

Although 3D printing technology has proven to be beneficial to the environment in a number of ways — such as by saving the bees or helping us grow food in urban areas — the current market still has a huge focus on thermosetting photopolymers.

Such materials can be used to create any number of shapes when fed through a 3D printer. However, in most cases, once a 3D printed object has taken its final form, there’s no going back. While we’re some of the biggest fans of 3D printing around, the plastic waste which can be generated from creating a new object can be hard to reconcile with.

But in an effort to make the technology more sustainable, researchers from Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) are developing a system which can help recycle or remold such 3D prints. The idea is centered around a two-step polymerization strategy can help create reprocessable thermosets (aka 3DPRTs) that would allow users can reform a 3D structure, repair a broken part or even recycle any unwanted material.

Kavin Kowsari, an assistant professor at SUTD, explains the motivation behind their work, explaining that the “explosion” of 3D printing technology along with the “unprocessable” nature of its products could have “serious” implications for the environment. But, thankfully, Kowsari also believes that this two-step polymerization strategy could reduce the waste build-up of materials from the technology.

3D Printed Objects Can be Fixed or Melted to Make New Products

Working in a laboratory project, the researchers discovered that its possible to fix or melt 3D printed objects and turn them into other products using a process called thermal self-healing.

This treatment entails placing UV cured samples inside of a universal oven at 180°C for four hours. The first object they treated was a 3D printed rabbit that was missing its ears. After four hours of baking the print, it became malleable enough to restore the design and reform the bunny ears.

The researchers add that after this process, the model gained 93 percent of its material strength and 100 percent of its stiffness back, proving that the process can “robustly bond” parts and keep the mechanical properties intact.

The findings are quite significant, but this isn’t all the researchers are using their baking oven for. In fact, the team also found that for thermally treating a print for up to four hours, depending on its size, it was possible to then grind the samples into fine powders. These powders could then be pressed between foil-coated metal plates, completing the recycling process full stop.

“We can exploit this process to combine 3D printing with traditional manufacturing methods, such as molding, pressing, and thermoforming, to increase manufacturing capabilities and decrease manufacturing time,” the research teams explain.

The team’s research, entitled “Reprocessable thermosets for sustainable three-dimensional printing“, was recently published in the journal Nature.

Source: Recycling International 

Website: LINK

EDG NYC is an architecture firm that has developed a new method of digital sculpting, which they call “Modern Ornamental”, to restore a building in New York City. The process utilizes 3D printing to produce complex molds for casting concrete structures.

EDG is a New York-based architecture and engineering firm that has been using 3D printing to create intricate concrete casting models for over five years now. The result of their longwinded efforts is a process called Modern Ornamental, or as they describe it, “a new form of digital sculpture.”

This technique entails the use of widely available CAD software, such as 3DSMax and Rhino, and algorithmic modeling programs that develop renderings of large printable structures. However, rather than then creating solid 3D printed parts, which can oftentimes be expensive and take an extremely long time to print, the team instead creates a mold of the design. At first, they began prototyping complex molds for concrete using a MakerBot Replicator Z18.

When EDG heard about the impending demolition of a historic building in New York from the 1940’s, they realized that there was now a real-world use for their construction solution. And so, they began coming up with alternative ways to restore the 574 Fifth Avenue property.

The team explored a range of materials and mold thicknesses to come up with the perfect solution for restoration and maintenance of the building. They finally settled on what they believed to be the right balance of strength and efficiency, as well as material cost.

John Meyer, founder and managing partner of EDG, explained the inspiration behind the project.

“This project began with the simple goal of finding a way to salvage and restore many of the deteriorating architectural treasures in New York City, and around the world. The innate beauty and rich history of these gems were vanishing as the cost of their repair became progressively prohibitive,” he said.

Saving 574 Fifth Avenue with 3D Printed Concrete Molds

To create the concrete piece, the firm starts by 3D printing a form with a detailed pattern, along with stirrups that provide structural reinforcement. For the 574 Fifth Avenue restoration project, the 3D printing was done by VoxelJet using their industrial-grade VX1000 printer, which is designed specifically for the production medium-sized molds, cores and models.

Once printing is complete, the 3D printed plastic form is inlaid with a laser cut wire mesh. A bond breaker is also added before pouring the Sika concrete to ensure that it doesn’t stick to the mold. Finally, the firm implemented a plate connection system to ensure that attaching the cast to the facade was easy to do.

With the success of 574 Fifth Avenue, the firm now plans to continue refining and using this technique for more construction and restoration jobs.

“…we set about creating a cost effective method of reconstruction and repair. Having achieved that, we also quickly realized that the ease and accessibility of this method of construction held the potential for a truly seismic shift in the creation of building facades. Drawing inspiration from classic styles, we transformed those details into something modern and fresh,” Meyer explains.

The firm will now be working on two new projects utilizing the same method, but with a more “contemporary lens”. However, before they can begin on these projects, they hope to develop their own 3D printer to reduce lead times and outsourcing costs. So, for now, EDG is currently in the process of building a customized printer which will suit their preferred material of concrete and the large sizes needed for building facades.

Source: Archpaper

Website: LINK

Popular crowdfunding platform Kickstarter has just introduced its Hardware Studio Connection program. Campaigns enrolled in the initiative receive expert support to deliver their hardware targets.

If you’ve ever taken a punt on a Kickstarter campaign, there’s always a twinge of anxiety that follows the initial rush of backing. Will the campaign deliver? Is the product half as good as it was chalked up to be in the campaign video? Will there even be a product landing on my doorstep 7 months from now?

Of course, expecting a solid return is the wrong way to look at Kickstarter campaigns (we cover this in detail in our post 8 Things to Watch for when Backing a 3D Printing Kickstarter). The risk of things going awry is high, and nowhere is this more evident than the sometimes catastrophic world of 3D printing Kickstarter campaigns.

We’ve seen the a laundry list of 3D printing Kickstarters hit turbulent times, with unforeseen production issues (or even outright fraud) pushing projects back and sometimes derailing them completely.

In an effort to remedy this, both for projects to succeed and for backers to invest with confidence, Kickstarter has rolled out Connection, a new element of the company’s Hardware Studio. Hardware Studio Connection hooks enrolled projects up with experienced product experts at Avnet and Dragon, in addition to the existing free online resources of Hardware Studio that any campaign to make use of.

With the aforementioned companies’ assistance, Kickstarter campaigns gain valuable knowledge, guidance and planning tools to help them achieve on their promises.

Another aspect of the Hardware Studio Connection is the awarding of badges, visibly placed on qualifying projects’ campaign pages; a signal to backers that there is confidence from on high that a campaign is capable of delivering.

All Badged Up

There are four types of badge that can appear on Hardware Studio Connection Kickstarter campaigns.

The first, Engaged, signifies that a campaign is accepted into Kickstarter’s Hardware Studio Connection program. While no immediate indication that something will come of it, at this stage you know that the project has undergone scrutiny, and the judgement thus far is that those involved are realistic and understand the challenges ahead.

Then comes the Ready 1, 2 and 3 badges. Stepping up from Engaged, these badges correspond to the assessment and verdict of the experts working with the project, with Ready 3 being the highest level at which the Hardware Studio Connection experts deem a campaign being at.

Recipients of the Ready 1 classification have — at least — a partially user tested functioning prototype, the ability to fulfill low volume production and the assertion that with a successfully funded campaign, the money is there to fund the requisite costs to reach full campaign fulfillment.

Ready 2 campaigns are at the point of being able to manufacture the product at expected volumes, with the plans to do so already set in place, in addition to being already several iterations into a product shaped by user feedback. The proceeds of a successful campaign here contribute to extra tooling and certifications.

And finally, a Ready 3 badged Kickstarter campaign is as near as the real deal pre-crowdfunding as you’ll find. There is a working, tested product ready for manufacturing and delivery — all that’s missing is the funds to feed the manufacturing machine. Basically, a low-risk campaign to back.

It’s an intriguing system, and something that we suspect has been a long time coming. After the initial excitement of crowdfunding gradually subsided to tales of backers’ woes, with the successes slipping quietly into the mainstream, it seems that a crowd’s backing isn’t enough — with a guiding hand of business rigueur a necessary step to improve the platform for all involved.

There are currently only four projects in the Hardware Studio Connection program — sadly none relating to 3D printing. Though here’s hoping we see some badges under the next 3D printing crowdfunding innovation sensation.

Source: SolidSmack

Website: LINK

Color on Demand is a new service coming soon from colorFabb which will enable you to have the color you want matched and produced. With more choice than ever, you can either order from the dozens of RAL colors or create your own. 

colorFabb will soon be offering a service which works in a similar way to when you visit a hardware store and customize your paint color. However, instead of off-white paint, you’ll be able to customize your filament color.

This service from the Dutch filament manufacturer, called Color on Demand, will be launching next month. The idea is that 3D printer fanatics and makers will be able to come up with a filament color of their own choosing.

To begin, the company is starting with classic RAL color references in PLA. There are currently 60 colors and more being added regularly.

However, it’ll be possible to order unique colors at a low Multiple Order Quantity (MOQ). It’ll be possible to order from 2kg in any color your need.

colorFabb explain in a teasing blog post: “Due to a new innovative production method we are able to meet the immediate color needs of our users. This allows us to offer more colors than ever, whenever they are needed.”

Color on Demand Coming Very Soon

The company is still working on the proof on concept for the Color on Demand service, creating “dozens of RAL colors” and introducing more on a weekly basis.

If you have a new color which hasn’t been matched yet, simply place an order on the colorFabb website and they’ll start the process for you. To ensure you like what you’ve chosen, you can also order a color plaque to approve the shade before purchasing a 2kg spool.

For existing colors, lead times will be between five and eight business days. However, new color matches will take between two and three weeks. The price of a 2kg spool will be €75 (excluding VAT or shipping) with tier pricing for the more you order.

Already available from day one will be a huge range of colors including, sky blue, pastel green, raspberry red, bright red orange, oyster white, traffic white, window grey, iron grey, telemagenta, signal red and many more, all in PLA.

ColorFabb adds: “Note that all filaments will be specifically produced for you. Color on Demand will be available as from June this year. A full announcement will be made when we launch. Stay tuned…“. Check the Color on Demand webpages for more info.

Website: LINK

At its Innovation Summit in Barcelona this week, HP showcased its growth and the adoption of its technologies amidst a wider push for 3D printing as an  industry. Highlights include multiple companies, including Protolabs, IAM 3D Hub, Materialise and ZiggZagg, upgrading to the company’s Multi Jet Fusion technology. 

At the HP Innovation Summit in Barcelona, Spain, the company showcased its growth in high-volume 3D printing deployments. Ramon Pastor, general manager of Multi Jet Fusion, HP Inc, explains: “The digital transformation of the $12 trillion manufacturing industry is changing the game for the world’s designers, product developers, manufacturing and supply chain professionals, creating massive opportunity for the 3D printing ecosystem.”

Multiple companies are making use of HP’s Jet Fusion technology. Firstly, Protolabs, the world’s fastest manufacturer of custom prototypes and on-demand production parts, is upgrading seven HP systems to the Jet Fusion 4210 3D printing platform.

This will be happening in Protolabs’ US and German manufacturing facilities. HP explains that this change will enable Protolabs to meet an increasing demand for global 3D production services.

Secondly, IAM 3D Hub based in Spain, a company which brings private companies, public entities, and R&D organizations together, has installed eight HP Jet Fusion 4200 3D printing systems. The Hub was installed to help integrate and coordinate 3D printing activities around the world.

IAM 3D will also be expanding into educational and training opportunities, with plans to provide business mentioning and grow the industry ecosystem. It has added that to do this, they’ll be “tapping” HP’s industry leadership and technology expertise.

ZiggZagg, a Belgium company and a leading 3D printing provider, installed six HP Jet Fusion 4210 3D printing systems. The reason for this is also a growing demand for production-grade 3D printed parts.

HP Attempts to Drive the Fourth Industrial Revolution

As well as multiple companies adopting HP’s Multi Jet Fusion platform, other news includes companies which are already using the technology in a myriad of ways. For example, Materialise will be creating custom insoles using HP’s end-to-end 3D solutions.

The Pontifical Swiss Guard, the security force of the Vatican, uses HP Multi Jet Fusion to create lightweight helmets for security professionals. As previously covered by All3DP.

Last year, Syncro Innovation, an industrial design firm located in Quebec, Canada, also created headgear using the technology. But, rather than for guards, their helmets are more accessible for everyone and very useful when riding a bike. Check it out, here.

As well as this, UK-based Ankle Foot Orthosis by Crispin Orthotics is using Multi Jet Fusion to reinvent the orthotics industry. They’re creating precise, more cosmetic and individualized choices for patients.

You can find out more about HP’s technology and its many uses on All3DP, or check out their extensive press release to see more of the companies showcased this week.

Website: LINK