3D printing: a useful tool for the fabrication of artificial electromagnetic (EM) medium

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 251-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoyong Tian ◽  
Ming Yin ◽  
Dichen Li
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Manufacturing Strategy ◽  
Low Loss ◽  
Printing Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Design And Manufacturing ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Loss Characteristic

Purpose Artificial electromagnetic (EM) medium and devices are designed with integrated micro- and macro-structures depending on the EM transmittance performance, which is difficult to fabricate by the conventional processes. Three-dimensional (3D) printing provides a new solution for the delicate artificial EM medium. This paper aims to first review the applications of 3D printing in the fabrication of EM medium briefly, mainly focusing on photonic crystals, metamaterials and gradient index (GRIN) devices. Then, a new design and fabrication strategy is proposed for the EM medium based on the 3D printing process, which was verified by the implementation of a 3D 90o Eaton lens based on GRIN metamaterials. Design/methodology/approach A new design and manufacturing strategy driven by the physical (EM transmittance) performance is proposed to illustrate the realization procedures of EM medium based device with controllable micro- and macro-structures. Stereolithography-based 3D printing process is used to obtain the designed EM device, an GRIN Eaton lens. The EM transmittance of the Eaton lens was validated experimentally and by simulation. Findings A 3D 90o Eaton lens was realized based on GRIN metamaterials structure according to the proposed design and manufacturing strategy, which had the broadband (12-18 GHz) and low loss characteristic. The feasibility of 3D printing for the artificial EM medium and GRIN devices has been verified for the further real applications in the industries. Originality/value The applications of 3D printing in artificial EM medium and devices were systematically reviewed. A new design strategy driven by physical performance for the EM device was proposed and validated by the firstly 3D printed 3D Eaton lens.

A review on the role of 3D printing in the fight against COVID-19: safety and challenges

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sapam Ningthemba Singh ◽  
Vavilada Satya Swamy Venkatesh ◽  
Ashish Bhalchandra Deoghare
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
3D Printing ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Medical Supplies ◽  
Future Challenges ◽  
Safety And Reliability ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Comprehensive Study

Purpose During the COVID-19 pandemic, the three-dimensional (3D) printing community is actively participating to address the supply chain gap of essential medical supplies such as face masks, face shields, door adapters, test swabs and ventilator valves. This paper aims to present a comprehensive study on the role of 3D printing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, its safety and its challenges. Design/methodology/approach This review paper focuses on the applications of 3D printing in the fight against COVID-19 along with the safety and challenges associated with 3D printing to fight COVID-19. The literature presented in this paper is collected from the journal indexing engines including Scopus, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, PubMed, Web of Science, etc. The main keywords used for searches were 3D printing COVID-19, Safety of 3D printed parts, Sustainability of 3D printing, etc. Further possible iterations of the keywords were used to collect the literature. Findings The applications of 3D printing in the fight against COVID-19 are 3D printed face masks, shields, ventilator valves, test swabs, drug deliveries and hands-free door adapters. As most of these measures are implemented hastily, the safety and reliability of these parts often lacked approval. The safety concerns include the safety of the printed parts, operators and secondary personnel such as the workers in material preparation and transportation. The future challenges include sustainability of the process, long term supply chain, intellectual property and royalty-free models, etc. Originality/value This paper presents a comprehensive study on the applications of 3D printing in the fight against COVID-19 with emphasis on the safety and challenges in it.

Development of a 3D printing method for the textile hybrid structure

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jihye Deborah Kang ◽  
Sungmin Kim
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Hybrid Structure ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Support Structures ◽  
Content Type ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Curved Panels ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Printing Method

PurposeThe development of a 3D printing method for the textile hybrid structure that can both be a solution to the conventional drawbacks of 3D printing method and a step forward to a garment making industry.Design/methodology/approachA novel 3D printing method using the textile hybrid structure was developed to generate 3D object without support structures.Findings3D printing of curved panels without support structure was possible by using fabric tension and residual stress.Practical implicationsGarment panels can be 3D printed without support structures by utilizing the idea of textile hybrid structure. Garment panels are expected to be modelled and printed easily using the Garment Panel Printer (GPP) software developed in this study.Social implications3D printing method developed in the study is expected to reduce the time and material previously needed for support structures.Originality/valueComprehensive preparatory experiments were made to determine the design parameters. Various experiments were designed to test the feasibility and validity of proposed method.

Soft-tissue-mimicking using silicones for the manufacturing of soft phantoms by fresh 3D printing

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aitor Tejo-Otero ◽  
Arthur Colly ◽  
Edwin-Joffrey Courtial ◽  
Felip Fenollosa-Artés ◽  
Irene Buj-Corral ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
3D Printing ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Mechanical Analysis ◽  
Living Tissue ◽  
Scanning Calorimetry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Microscopy Analysis ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Liver Phantom

Purpose The purpose of this study is to use the Freeform Reversible Embedding of Suspended Hydrogels (FRESH) additive manufacturing (AM) technique for manufacturing a liver phantom which can mimic the corresponding soft living tissue. One of the possible applications is surgical planning. Design/methodology/approach A thermo-reversible Pluronic® F-127-based support bath is used for the FRESH technique. To verify how three-dimensional (3D)-printed new materials can mimic liver tissue, dynamic mechanical analysis and oscillation shear rheometry tests are carried out to identify mechanical characteristics of different 3D printed silicone samples. Additionally, the differential scanning calorimetry was done on the silicone samples. Then, a validation of a 3D printed silicone liver phantom is performed with a 3D scanner. Finally, the surface topography of the 3D printed liver phantom was fulfiled and microscopy analysis of its surface. Findings Silicone samples were able to mimic the liver, therefore obtaining the first soft phantom of the liver using the FRESH technique. Practical implications Because of the use of soft silicones, surgeons could practice over these improved phantoms which have an unprecedented degree of living tissue mimicking, enhancing their rehearsal experience before surgery. Social implications An improvement in surgeons surgery skills would lead to a bettering in the patient outcome. Originality/value The first research study was carried out to mimic soft tissue and apply it to the 3D printing of organ phantoms using AM FRESH technique.

Fast production of customized three-dimensional-printed hand splints

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 134-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana Popescu ◽  
Aurelian Zapciu ◽  
Cristian Tarba ◽  
Dan Laptoiu
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Online Application ◽  
Content Type ◽  
3D Cad ◽  
Aesthetic Appearance ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Manufacturing Time ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to propose a new solution for producing customized three-dimensional (3D)-printed flat-shaped splints, which are then thermoformed to fit the patient’s hand. The splint design process is automated and is available to clinicians through an online application. Design/methodology/approach Patient anthropometric data measured by clinicians are associated with variables of parametric 3D splint models. Once these variables are input by clinicians in the online app, customized stereo lithography (STL) files for both splint and half mold, in the case of the bi-material splint, are automatically generated and become available for download. Bi-materials splints are produced by a hybrid manufacturing process involving 3D printing and overmolding. Findings This approach eliminates the need for 3D CAD-proficient clinicians, allows fast generation of customized splints, generates two-dimensional (2D) drawings of splints for verifying shape and dimensions before 3D printing and generates the STL files. Automation reduces splint design time and cost, while manufacturing time is diminished by 3D printing the splint in a flat position. Practical implications The app could be used in clinical practice. It meets the demands of mass customization using 3D printing in a field where individualization is mandatory. The solution is scalable – it can be extended to other splint designs or to other limbs. 3D-printed tailored splints can offer improved wearing comfort and aesthetic appearance, while maintaining hand immobilization, allowing visually controlled follow-up for edema and rapidly observing the need for revision if necessary. Originality/value An online application was developed for uploading patient measurements and downloading 2D drawings and STL files of customized splints. Different models of splints can be designed and included in the database as alternative variants. A method for producing bi-materials flat splints combining soft and rigid polymers represents another novelty of the research.

What future for humans in assembly?

2014 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 305-309 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Bogue
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Manufacturing Technology ◽  
Industrial Robots ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Timely Review ◽  
Advanced Robotics ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the predicted expansion of robotic and three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies and its impact on the global assembly and manufacturing workforce. Design/methodology/approach – Following an introduction, this paper first considers the anticipated proliferation of industrial robots and then discusses 3D printing. It concludes with a discussion of the impact of these technologies on employment. Findings – This paper shows that a major expansion in the use of robotics is imminent and that 3D printing is emerging as a major manufacturing technology. These trends will considerably reduce the size of the assembly and manufacturing workforce. Originality/value – This paper provides a timely review of the impact of advanced robotics and 3D printing on employment in assembly and manufacture.

Fabrication of 3D microfluidic structure with direct selective laser baking of PDMS

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 775-780 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammadreza Riahi ◽  
Fatemeh Karimi ◽  
Atefeh Ghaffari
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
3D Model ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Laser Irradiance ◽  
Curing Time ◽  
Content Type ◽  
3D Print ◽  
Dimethyl Siloxane ◽  
Baking Process

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present three-dimensional (3D) printing of structures with a new method called selective laser baking (SLB) of Poly Dimethyl Siloxane (PDMS). Design/methodology/approach A 3D model is designed on the computer. PDMS Base is mixed with its hardener and poured into a container. Before it is hardened which normally occures after several hours, a CO2 laser selectively exposes different areas on the surface of the PDMS mixture according to the pattern of a slice of a 3D model designed on the computer. Because of the thermal effect of the CO2 laser, once exposed, PDMS heats up and hardens, producing a cured layer of PDMS which is attached to a base. The base with the cured layer is lowered in the container for a short distance and a layer of new uncured PDMS is spread over the previous layer. The laser exposes new areas again and hardens them. This process is repeated until the whole structure is fabricated. Findings The parameters involved in the baking process are investigated and the relation between temperature, mixing portion and laser irradiance on the curing time and layer thickness are investigated. Originality/value This fabrication technique is a unique fabrication method that helps to 3D print with two base polymers which their polymerization can be boosted by heat. This 3D printing method has not been presented earlier.

Novel exploration of 3D printed wrist arthroplasty to solve the severe and complicated bone defect of wrist

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 465-473 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qing Han ◽  
Yanguo Qin ◽  
Yun Zou ◽  
Chenyu Wang ◽  
Haotian Bai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Surgical Techniques ◽  
Bone Defects ◽  
Printing Technology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
3D Printing Technology ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
And Function ◽  
Wrist Arthroplasty

Purpose Although proximal row carpectomy, wrist arthrodesis and even total wrist arthroplasty were developed to treat wrist disease using bone and cartilage of the wrist, severe and complicated bone defects caused by ferocious trauma and bone tumors remain a stubborn problem for surgeons. Development and application of the three-dimensional (3D) printing technology may provide possible solutions. Design/methodology/approach Computed tomography (CT) data of three cases with severe bone defects caused by either trauma or bone tumor were collected and converted into three-dimensional models. Prostheses were designed individually according to the residual anatomical structure of the wrist based on the models. Both the models and prostheses were produced using 3D printing technology. A preoperative design was prepared according to the models and prostheses. Then arthroplasty was performed after preoperative simulation with printed models and prostheses. Findings The diameter of the stem and radial medullary cavity, the direction and location of the prosthesis, and other components were checked during the preoperative design and simulation process phases. The three cases with 3D printed wrist all regained reconstruction of normal anatomy and part of the function after surgery. The average increasing Cooney score rate of Cases 2 and 3 was 133.34 ± 23.57 per cent, and that of Case 1 reached 85 per cent. The average declining rate of the Gartland and Werley Score in Cases 2 and 3 was 65.21 ± 18.89 per cent, and that of Case 1 dropped to 5 per cent in the last follow-up. The scores indicated that patients experienced pain relief and function regain. In addition, the degree of patient satisfaction improved. Originality/value 3D printed wrist arthroplasty may provide an effective method for severe and complicated cases without sacrificing other bones. Personal customization can offer better anatomy and function than arthrodesis or other traditional surgical techniques.

3D printing of geopolymer-based concrete for building applications

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (10) ◽  
pp. 1783-1788
Author(s):  
Asif Ur Rehman ◽  
Vincenzo M. Sglavo
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Modulus Of Rupture ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Structural Applications ◽  
Jet Printing ◽  
Printing System ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Alkali Activated

Purpose Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology allows geometric complexity and customization with a significant reduction in the structural environmental impact. Nevertheless, it poses a serious threat to the environment when organic binders are used. Binder jet printing of alkali-activated geopolymer precursor can represent a successful and environmental-friendly alternative. Design/methodology/approach The present work reports about the successful 3D printing of metakaolin-based alkali-activated concrete, with dimensional integrity and valuable mechanical behavior. Findings The geometric behavior was studied as a function of alkali activator flow rate, and the minimum geometric deviation with complete saturation was recorded at 103 mg/s. The printed specimen is characterized by a modulus of rupture as high as 4.4 MPa at 135 mg/s. Practical implications The 3D printed geopolymer-based concrete can be potentially used in a wide range of structural applications from construction to thermal insulation elements. Originality/value The analysis of the 3D geopolymer-based concrete printing system and material conducted in this paper is original.

scholarly journals Dense ceramics with complex shape fabricated by 3D printing: A review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhe Chen ◽  
Xiaohong Sun ◽  
Yunpeng Shang ◽  
Kunzhou Xiong ◽  
Zhongkai Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Complex Shape ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Critical Parameters ◽  
Printing Process ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
3D Printing Technology ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Ceramic Density

AbstractThree-dimensional (3D) printing technology is becoming a promising method for fabricating highly complex ceramics owing to the arbitrary design and the infinite combination of materials. Insufficient density is one of the main problems with 3D printed ceramics, but concentrated descriptions of making dense ceramics are scarce. This review specifically introduces the principles of the four 3D printing technologies and focuses on the parameters of each technology that affect the densification of 3D printed ceramics, such as the performance of raw materials and the interaction between energy and materials. The technical challenges and suggestions about how to achieve higher ceramic density are presented subsequently. The goal of the presented work is to comprehend the roles of critical parameters in the subsequent 3D printing process to prepare dense ceramics that can meet the practical applications.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Tensile Properties and Damage of Continuous Fibre Reinforced 3D-Printed Parts

2018 ◽  
Vol 774 ◽  
pp. 161-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Octavio Andrés González-Estrada ◽  
Alberto Pertuz ◽  
Jabid E. Quiroga Mendez
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Tensile Properties ◽  
Mechanical Performance ◽  
Volume Fraction ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Tensile Tests ◽  
Fused Deposition Modelling ◽  
Printing Process ◽  
Fused Deposition ◽  
3D Printed

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has been traditionally used for the production of prototypes. Recently, developments in 3D printing using Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) and reinforcement with continuous fibres (fiberglass and carbon fibre), have allowed the manufacture of functional prototypes, considerably improving the mechanical performance of the composite parts. In this work, we characterise the elastic tensile properties of fibre reinforced specimens, considering the variation of several parameters available during the printing process: fibre orientation, volume fraction, fill pattern, reinforcement distribution. Tensile tests were performed according to ASTM D638 to obtain Young’s modulus and ultimate strength for different material configurations available during the printing process. We also perform a fractographic analysis using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to give an insight of the failure mechanisms present in the specimens.

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