3D Printing

Researchers have developed a new 3D printing technique capable of producing microfibers measuring just 1.5 microns in diameter. The advancement, detailed in a January 20 study published in Nature Communications, overcomes previous limitations in printing very thin, soft materials. A spiral structure produced using embedded 3D printing. (Image Credit: M. Tanver Hossain.) The team utilized a method called embedded printing, which deposits material into a gel mold rather than building layers from the ground up. This approach provides better support for delicate structures during the printing process. The researchers modified both the gel and printing ink to enable instant curing, preventing the thin filaments from breaking during production. “Achieving such high printing resolution means we now have the technological foundation to mimic the microfibers and hair-like structures found in nature, which exhibit remarkable functionalities,” said Wonsik Eom, an engineer at Dankook University who participated in the study. The printed fibers…    read more 

Czech artist Matyáš Chochola has unveiled a new installation featuring twelve large-scale 3D printed concrete sculptures at the EPO1 Contemporary Art Center in Trutnov, Czech Republic. The installation, titled “The Virtues and Vices of Our Time,” draws inspiration from Matthias Bernard Braun’s 18th-century Baroque cycle while incorporating modern manufacturing techniques. Image Credit: Vojtěch Veškrna Each sculpture stands between 3 to 4 meters tall and weighs approximately one ton. The pieces combine various architectural and artistic styles, including elements from antiquity, cubism, brutalism, and science fiction, creating distinct forms that resemble temple ruins or chess pieces. The production process utilized advanced concrete 3D printing technology with several technical innovations. To achieve complex geometries beyond standard printable angles, the team employed lightweight clay aggregates as supports. The sculptures were printed in multiple segments both horizontally and vertically before assembly, with additional elements including glass, pigments, and bronze incorporated by hand. The twelve…    read more 

The Fraunhofer Institute for Additive Production Technologies (IAPT) has announced plans to conduct a feasibility study on using additive manufacturing to produce silicone seals. The study will examine whether 3D printed silicone seals can meet industrial standards for mechanical properties and chemical resistance. The research aims to address manufacturing challenges across multiple industries, including mechanical engineering, chemistry, and automotive sectors. While seals are traditionally manufactured using conventional methods, additive manufacturing could potentially offer more flexibility and cost-effectiveness for small batch production and complex geometries. Additive manufacturing of silicone seals (Image Credit: Catharina Clemens Fraunhofer IAPT) The study’s methodology will focus on material testing and technology validation. Fraunhofer IAPT researchers plan to analyze various materials and evaluate surface quality, including roughness and functionality. The investigation will also examine design capabilities and hard-soft material connections. Companies participating in the study through a crowdfunding model can contribute their specific questions and requirements. This…    read more 

French artist Raphaël Emine has developed a series of 3D-printed ceramic structures designed to provide shelter for insects and small wildlife. The project, called Les Utopies Entomologiques, combines artistic design with ecological purpose through the use of advanced ceramic 3D printing technology from WASP. Image Credit: Raphaël Emine The ceramic structures feature intricate patterns inspired by natural formations, including honeycomb cells, spider webs, and mineral structures. These designs incorporate various architectural elements such as tunnels, galleries, and balconies that create functional spaces for small creatures to inhabit. The porous nature of the ceramic material helps the structures integrate naturally into outdoor environments. Two installations have been completed so far: Utopies Entomologiques I in 2023 and Utopies Entomologiques II in 2024. The pieces were manufactured using WASP’s 40100 LDM and Delta WASP 2040 Clay printing systems, demonstrating the practical application of ceramic 3D printing technology for outdoor installations. Image Credit: Raphaël…    read more