scholarly journals Approaches of combining a 3D-printed elastic structure and a hydrogel to create models for plant-inspired actuators

MRS Advances ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadia Rodriguez ◽  
Anil K. Bastola ◽  
Marc Behl ◽  
Patricia Soffiatti ◽  
Nick P. Rowe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Functional Traits ◽  
Active Component ◽  
Preliminary Investigation ◽  
Polymeric Materials ◽  
Southeastern Brazil ◽  
Passive Component ◽  
Material System ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Printing Techniques

Abstract Inspired by the interesting functional traits of a climbing cactus, Selenicereus setaceus, found in the forest formations of Southeastern Brazil, we formulated a hypothesis that we can directly learn from the plants to develop multi-functional artificial systems by means of a multi-disciplinary approach. In this context, our approach is to take advantage of 3D-printing techniques and shape-memory hydrogels synergistically to mimic the functional traits of the cactus. This work reports on the preliminary investigation of cactus-inspired artificial systems. First, we 3D-printed soft polymeric materials and characterized them, which defines the structure and is a passive component of a multi-material system. Second, different hydrogels were synthesized and characterized, which is an active component of a multi-material system. Finally, we investigated how the hydrogel can be integrated into the 3D-printed constructs to develop artificial functional systems. Graphic abstract

scholarly journals Off-Axis Diffractive Optics for Compact Terahertz Detection Setup

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (23) ◽  
pp. 8594
Author(s):  
Paweł Komorowski ◽  
Mateusz Surma ◽  
Michał Walczakowski ◽  
Przemysław Zagrajek ◽  
Agnieszka Siemion
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Small Volume ◽  
Optical Element ◽  
Structure Design ◽  
Thz Radiation ◽  
Direct Printing ◽  
Terahertz Detection ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Printing Techniques ◽  
Optical Structure

Medical and many other applications require small-volume setups enabling terahertz imaging. Therefore, we aim to develop a device for the in-reflection examination of the samples. Thus, in this article, we focus on the diffractive elements for efficient redirection and focusing of the THz radiation. A terahertz diffractive optical structure has been designed, optimized, manufactured (using extrusion-based 3D printing) and tested. Two manufacturing methods have been used—direct printing of the structures from PA12, and casting of the paraffin structures out of 3D-printed molds. Also, the limitations of the off-axis focusing have been discussed. To increase the efficiency, an iterative algorithm has been proposed that optimizes off-axis structures to focus the radiation into small focal spots located far from the optical axis, at an angle of more than 30 degrees. Moreover, the application of higher-order kinoform structure design allowed the maintaining of the smallest details of the manufactured optical element, using 3D printing techniques.

scholarly journals Beam Scanning Capabilities of a 3D-Printed Perforated Dielectric Transmitarray

Electronics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Massaccesi ◽  
Gianluca Dassano ◽  
Paola Pirinoli
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Unit Cell ◽  
Multibeam Antenna ◽  
Beam Scanning ◽  
Additional Advantage ◽  
Ka Band ◽  
Measured Radiation ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Printing Techniques

In this paper, the design of a beam scanning, 3D-printed dielectric Transmitarray (TA) working in Ka-band is discussed. Thanks to the use of an innovative three-layer dielectric unit-cell that exploits tapered sections to enhance the bandwidth, a 50 × 50 elements transmitarray with improved scanning capabilities and wideband behavior has been designed and experimentally validated. The measured radiation performances over a scanning coverage of ±27 ∘ shown a variation of the gain lower than 2.9 dB and a 1-dB bandwidth in any case higher than 23%. The promising results suggest that the proposed TA technology is a valid alternative to realize a passive multibeam antenna, with the additional advantage that it can be easily manufactured using 3D-printing techniques.

scholarly journals 3D-Printable PP/SEBS Thermoplastic Elastomeric Blends: Preparation and Properties

Polymers ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 347 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shib Banerjee ◽  
Stephen Burbine ◽  
Nischay Kodihalli Shivaprakash ◽  
Joey Mead
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Carbon Black ◽  
Computer Aided Design ◽  
Fused Deposition Modeling ◽  
Mechanical Performance ◽  
Polymeric Materials ◽  
Fused Deposition ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Injection Molded ◽  
Preferential Location

Currently, material extrusion 3D printing (ME3DP) based on fused deposition modeling (FDM) is considered a highly adaptable and efficient additive manufacturing technique to develop components with complex geometries using computer-aided design. While the 3D printing process for a number of thermoplastic materials using FDM technology has been well demonstrated, there still exists a significant challenge to develop new polymeric materials compatible with ME3DP. The present work reports the development of ME3DP compatible thermoplastic elastomeric (TPE) materials from polypropylene (PP) and styrene-(ethylene-butylene)-styrene (SEBS) block copolymers using a straightforward blending approach, which enables the creation of tailorable materials. Properties of the 3D printed TPEs were compared with traditional injection molded samples. The tensile strength and Young’s modulus of the 3D printed sample were lower than the injection molded samples. However, no significant differences could be found in the melt rheological properties at higher frequency ranges or in the dynamic mechanical behavior. The phase morphologies of the 3D printed and injection molded TPEs were correlated with their respective properties. Reinforcing carbon black was used to increase the mechanical performance of the 3D printed TPE, and the balancing of thermoplastic elastomeric and mechanical properties were achieved at a lower carbon black loading. The preferential location of carbon black in the blend phases was theoretically predicted from wetting parameters. This study was made in order to get an insight to the relationship between morphology and properties of the ME3DP compatible PP/SEBS blends.

scholarly journals Stress, strain and deformation of poly-lactic acid filament deposited onto polyethylene terephthalate woven fabric through 3D printing process

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Prisca Aude Eutionnat-Diffo ◽  
Yan Chen ◽  
Jinping Guan ◽  
Aurelie Cayla ◽  
Christine Campagne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lactic Acid ◽  
3D Printing ◽  
Tensile Properties ◽  
Polyethylene Terephthalate ◽  
Polymeric Materials ◽  
Deposition Process ◽  
Woven Fabric ◽  
Poly Lactic Acid ◽  
Printing Process ◽  
3D Printed

Abstract Although direct deposition of polymeric materials onto textiles through 3D printing is a great technique used more and more to develop smart textiles, one of the main challenges is to demonstrate equal or better mechanical resistance, durability and comfort than those of the textile substrates before deposition process. This article focuses on studying the impact of the textile properties and printing platform temperature on the tensile and deformations of non-conductive and conductive poly lactic acid (PLA) filaments deposited onto polyethylene terephthalate (PET) textiles through 3D printing process and optimizing them using theoretical and statistical models. The results demonstrate that the deposition process affects the tensile properties of the printed textile in comparison with the ones of the textiles. The stress and strain at rupture of the first 3D printed PLA layer deposited onto PET textile material reveal to be a combination of those of the printed layer and the PET fabric due to the lower flexibility and diffusion of the polymeric printed track through the textile fabric leading to a weak adhesion at the polymer/textile interface. Besides, printing platform temperature and textile properties influence the tensile and deformation properties of the 3D printed PLA on PET textile significantly. Both, the washing process and the incorporation of conductive fillers into the PLA do not affect the tensile properties of the extruded polymeric materials. The elastic, total and permanent deformations of the 3D-printed PLA on PET fabrics are lower than the ones of the fabric before polymer deposition which demonstrates a better dimensional stability, higher stiffness and lower flexibility of these materials.

scholarly journals The Application of 3D-Printing Techniques in the Manufacturing of Cement-Based Construction Products and Experiences Based on the Assessment of Such Products

Buildings ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 144
Author(s):  
Guillermo Sotorrío Ortega ◽  
Javier Alonso Madrid ◽  
Nils O. E. Olsson ◽  
José Antonio Tenorio Ríos
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Material Consumption ◽  
Construction Products ◽  
International Projects ◽  
Substantial Progress ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Materials Used ◽  
Printing Techniques

The construction industry has embraced digitisation and industrialisation in response to the need to increase its productivity, optimise material consumption and improve workmanship. Additive manufacturing (AM), more widely known as 3D printing, has driven substantial progress in these respects in other industries, and a number of national and international projects have helped to introduce the technique to the construction industry. As with other innovative processes not covered by uniform standards, appropriate assessments and testing methodologies to control the quality of the 3D-printed end products, while not obligatory, are advisable. This article shows that regulation is not an obstacle to the use of an innovative product, such as 3D printing, by proposing quality-control tests and an assessment methodology, in the understanding that standardisation ensures the viability of a technology. The information, including the methods and results, is based on the authors’ experiences in the development of three research projects pertaining to 3D printing. This paper also discusses whether the performance of the materials used in 3D printing could be superior to traditional ones.

scholarly journals A review of 3D printing processes and materials for soft robotics

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (8) ◽  
pp. 1345-1361 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yee Ling Yap ◽  
Swee Leong Sing ◽  
Wai Yee Yeong
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Soft Robotics ◽  
Soft Robots ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
The Future ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Multiple Materials ◽  
Printing Processes ◽  
Printing Techniques

Purpose Soft robotics is currently a rapidly growing new field of robotics whereby the robots are fundamentally soft and elastically deformable. Fabrication of soft robots is currently challenging and highly time- and labor-intensive. Recent advancements in three-dimensional (3D) printing of soft materials and multi-materials have become the key to enable direct manufacturing of soft robots with sophisticated designs and functions. Hence, this paper aims to review the current 3D printing processes and materials for soft robotics applications, as well as the potentials of 3D printing technologies on 3D printed soft robotics. Design/methodology/approach The paper reviews the polymer 3D printing techniques and materials that have been used for the development of soft robotics. Current challenges to adopting 3D printing for soft robotics are also discussed. Next, the potentials of 3D printing technologies and the future outlooks of 3D printed soft robotics are presented. Findings This paper reviews five different 3D printing techniques and commonly used materials. The advantages and disadvantages of each technique for the soft robotic application are evaluated. The typical designs and geometries used by each technique are also summarized. There is an increasing trend of printing shape memory polymers, as well as multiple materials simultaneously using direct ink writing and material jetting techniques to produce robotics with varying stiffness values that range from intrinsically soft and highly compliant to rigid polymers. Although the recent work is done is still limited to experimentation and prototyping of 3D printed soft robotics, additive manufacturing could ultimately be used for the end-use and production of soft robotics. Originality/value The paper provides the current trend of how 3D printing techniques and materials are used particularly in the soft robotics application. The potentials of 3D printing technology on the soft robotic applications and the future outlooks of 3D printed soft robotics are also presented.

scholarly journals A Study Based on Controlled Drug Release by 3D Printed Aloe-Vera Bi-Layer Tablet

2021 ◽  
pp. 522-531
Author(s):  
Anurag Verma ◽  
Piyush Mittal ◽  
Milind S. Pande ◽  
Neelanchal Trivedi
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Drug Release ◽  
Integral Functional ◽  
Aloe Vera ◽  
Controlled Drug Release ◽  
Immediate Release ◽  
Aloe Barbadensis ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Medicinal Properties ◽  
Printing Techniques

Aloe-Vera or Aloe barbadensis (botanical name) is a plant with many medicinal properties and have great importance in Ayurveda. Its leaves are succulent, erect, forming a thick rosette. The internal translucent pulp of Aloe-Vera is bound to a waxy crust or cuticle, and its vascular tissues transport minerals as well as water from the soil. Aloe Vera is being used as a major skin rejuvenating product, although it has varied medicinal properties also. In the present study, an attempt to make a method to create bi-layer tablets of Aloe-Vera, utilizing 3D printing techniques is presented. The method created doesnt affect the integral functional characteristics of the tablet. The method here contains creating an immediate release and sustained release tablet for making the Aloe-Vera to be used directly by the person for its numerous health effects. The tablet is designed so to be consumed by vegans as well since it is completely herbal.

scholarly journals Optical elements from 3D printed polymers

e-Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 549-565
Author(s):  
Tomasz Blachowicz ◽  
Guido Ehrmann ◽  
Andrea Ehrmann
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Layered Structure ◽  
Emerging Technologies ◽  
Optical Elements ◽  
Rapid Production ◽  
Freeform Optics ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Printing Processes ◽  
Printing Techniques ◽  
Individual Objects

Abstract 3D printing belongs to the emerging technologies of our time. Describing diverse specific techniques, 3D printing enables rapid production of individual objects and creating shapes that would not be produced with other techniques. One of the drawbacks of typical 3D printing processes, however, is the layered structure of the created parts. This is especially problematic in the production of optical elements, which in most cases necessitate highly even surfaces. To meet this challenge, advanced 3D printing techniques as well as other sophisticated solutions can be applied. Here, we give an overview of 3D printed optical elements, such as lenses, mirrors, and waveguides, with a focus on freeform optics and other elements for which 3D printing is especially well suited.

A review on 3D printing in tissue engineering applications

2022 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohan Prasath Mani ◽  
Madeeha Sadia ◽  
Saravana Kumar Jaganathan ◽  
Ahmad Zahran Khudzari ◽  
Eko Supriyanto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tissue Engineering ◽  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
3D Printing ◽  
Cell Adherence ◽  
Engineering Applications ◽  
Proliferation And Differentiation ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Printing Techniques

Abstract In tissue engineering, 3D printing is an important tool that uses biocompatible materials, cells, and supporting components to fabricate complex 3D printed constructs. This review focuses on the cytocompatibility characteristics of 3D printed constructs, made from different synthetic and natural materials. From the overview of this article, inkjet and extrusion-based 3D printing are widely used methods for fabricating 3D printed scaffolds for tissue engineering. This review highlights that scaffold prepared by both inkjet and extrusion-based 3D printing techniques showed significant impact on cell adherence, proliferation, and differentiation as evidenced by in vitro and in vivo studies. 3D printed constructs with growth factors (FGF-2, TGF-β1, or FGF-2/TGF-β1) enhance extracellular matrix (ECM), collagen I content, and high glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content for cell growth and bone formation. Similarly, the utilization of 3D printing in other tissue engineering applications cannot be belittled. In conclusion, it would be interesting to combine different 3D printing techniques to fabricate future 3D printed constructs for several tissue engineering applications.

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