Filament2, a company specializing in innovative 3D printing materials, announced the launch of the world’s first silicone filament compatible with standard FDM 3D printers at Formnext 2024. This development promises to expand the capabilities of additive manufacturing across various industries by removing the necessity for specialized equipment. Silicone is highly regarded for its flexibility, heat resistance, and durability, making it a preferred material in industries such as medical devices, automotive engineering, and consumer electronics. However, integrating silicone into 3D printing processes has traditionally been difficult due to the complexity and high costs associated with specialized machinery. Filament2’s new filament addresses these challenges by enabling the extrusion of pure silicone using any standard FDM printer. This innovation not only simplifies the manufacturing process but also makes silicone accessible to a wider range of users and applications. Demonstration of a flexible silicone component printed using the newly launched silicone filament. Photo via… read more
Alex
Renowned Hollywood makeup artist Kazu Hiro is leveraging 3D scanning to refine lifecasting methodologies, seeking efficiency and precision in character transformation. Traditionally, lifecasting involves the meticulous creation of three-dimensional molds using silicone-based materials. While effective, this method poses challenges such as extended sitting times for actors and potential discomfort due to the use of molding materials. To streamline this process, Hiro has integrated Artec 3D scanners into his workflow. Contributing to his Oscar-nominated films, Hiro collaborated with actors like Robert Downey Jr. and Bradley Cooper on the acclaimed 2023 film “Maestro.” Before this, Hiro’s portfolio boasted a range of blockbuster hits, including “Bombshell,” “Darkest Hour,” “Salt,” “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” “Men in Black II,” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” among other notable films. Hiro said, “The Artec Leo and Space Spider have altered my work profoundly. This technology gives me an exceptional level of detail, without the… read more
Researchers at Duke University have developed a solvent-free polymer for digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing, aimed at enhancing mechanical properties and environmental compatibility, particularly for medical applications. Published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition, this development marks one of the first solvent-free resins suitable for Digital Light Processing (DLP) 3D printing, eliminating the need for solvent-based dilution in the printing process, according to the researchers. DLP technology uses light to solidify liquid resin into layered structures, commonly used in industrial and dental fields. However, many polymers suited for DLP printing require a low-viscosity resin, similar to water, to achieve high resolution. To reduce viscosity, traditional methods often use solvents, which can introduce challenges such as up to 30% shrinkage in printed parts and residual stress from solvent evaporation, negatively impacting dimensional accuracy and mechanical strength. “I wanted to create an inherently thin, low-viscosity material for DLP to use for degradable… read more
Hong Kong Eastern Hospital has developed new 3D printed models of newborn babies’ lungs to help doctors practice treating pneumothorax, a potentially dangerous condition where air builds up in the pleural cavity. The condition can cause lung collapse and affect breathing and heart function, requiring prompt medical intervention. The hospital’s research team combined artificial intelligence with real patient data, including CT scans, to create the models. To achieve realistic tissue properties, the team incorporated biological data from pig and chicken tissues in their development process. Researchers like Dr Victor Chan, right, are looking at creating more models to help surgeons practise different procedures. (Image Credit: RTHK) The models address a specific challenge in medical training: the relative rarity of pneumothorax cases in newborns makes it difficult for doctors to gain hands-on experience. These 3D printed simulations provide a practical solution for medical staff to practice the delicate procedure before performing… read more
With the funding from the European Union, the University of Cyprus (UCY) is spearheading the establishment of the Additive Manufacturing and Advanced Materials Competence Centre (AM2C3). Although the funding amount is undisclosed, this initiative brings together expertise from Cyprus, Norway, Switzerland, and Spain. Partners in the project include Norway’s Foundation of Industrial and Technical Research (SINTEF), the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA), and Spain’s IMDEA Materials Institute with Dr. María Teresa Pérez-Prado, head of the Sustainable Metallurgy Research Group, will work closely with UCY researchers leading IMDEA’s contributions. Together, these organizations will develop advanced methodologies and characterisation techniques for Al-MMCs, which are known for their strength-to-weight ratios and suitability for high-value aerospace applications. IMDEA Materials team. Photo via IMDEA Materials. A hub for advanced materials By creating a hub for innovation, this project aims to address growing aerospace industry demands for low-volume, high-performance material solutions. In… read more
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