3D Printing Research

Researchers from the University of Washington (UW) have introduced a new way to 3D print mycelium-based biocomposites, sidestepping the need for traditional molds.  Led by Danli Luo, alongside Junchao Yang, and Nadya Peek this approach uses a specialized 3D printable paste called Mycofluid, a custom-built 3D printing system named Fungibot, and an incubation process that allows mycelium to grow within printed structures.  Published in the 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing journal, the study highlights how this method could offer a more sustainable alternative to conventional fabrication without compromising on functionality. Mycelium biocomposites offer structural strength and hydrophobic properties, but rigid molds limit design flexibility. Attempts with flexible formworks like knitting or weaving have led to uneven material distribution and structural inconsistencies, says the team. “We’re interested in expanding this to other bio-derived materials, such as other forms of food waste,” Luo said. “We want to broadly support this kind of…    read more 

Researchers from John Hopkins University have developed a new 3D printing programming language called Time Code (T-Code). Outlined in a Nature Communications study, co-authors Sarah Propst and Jochen Mueller claim T-Code improves 3D printing speed and quality for complex multi-material parts.  Optimized for Direct Ink Writing (DIW) additive manufacturing, this new approach uses a Python script to divide traditional G-Code into two separate tracks. One controls the 3D print path, while the other manages printhead functions. Unlike G-Code, which executes tasks line-by-line, T-Code uses time to synchronize the 3D printer’s motion with key commands like material switching and flow adjustments. This eliminates common start-stop interruptions that slow production and create defects, enabling continuous, uninterrupted fabrication. As a result, 3D printing becomes faster without losing accuracy or detail, facilitating advanced capabilities like smooth gradients and in-situ material changes. According to the Baltimore-based researchers, their new methodology can handle complex designs that…    read more 

UK-based biotech company FabRx has announced a study exploring how pharmaceutical 3D printing can automate capsule filling in community pharmacies. Published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutics, the research examines the effectiveness of the M3DIMAKER 1 pharmaceutical 3D printer in producing minoxidil capsules, evaluating its cost, time efficiency, and safety compared to traditional manual methods. According to the team, pharmacists often rely on manual compounding, a process that demands time and carries the risk of human error. By using semi-solid extrusion (SSE) technology, the biotech company’s 3D printer simplifies capsule filling, ensuring precise dosing and better consistency. M3DIMAKER 1 pharmaceutical 3D printer with the capsule holder on top of the integrated balance: (A) Full view of the capsule holder- pharmaceutical 3D printer system in a community compounding pharmacy laboratory, (B) Magnified view of the capsule holder within the printer. Image via FabRx. Advanced capsule production with 3D printing One of…    read more 

ASTM International, a global standards organization, has been awarded $2.1 million by America Makes to advance sustainability in 3D printing. “We are pleased to lead this important project with America Makes,” said Mohsen Seifi, ASTM’s Vice President of Global Advanced Manufacturing. “Our focus will be on developing methodologies that eventually promote the sustainable use of materials in additive manufacturing, ensuring both environmental benefits and high-quality outcomes for end users.” The consortium includes Boeing, ADDMAN, Amaero Advanced Materials and Manufacturing, and the Additive Manufacturer Green Trade Association (AMGTA). “Advancing sustainable practices in additive manufacturing is crucial for the future of aerospace and other industries,” said Melissa Orme, Vice President of Additive Manufacturing at Boeing. “This project represents a major step toward achieving those goals by addressing full lifecycle assessment and sustainable design considerations” Reuse and recycling of Additive Manufacturing materials The project will focus on developing methodologies for reutilizing and recycling…    read more 

Researchers at Seoul National University of Science and Technology (SEOULTECH) have developed a Kombucha SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) bioink that could streamline in vivo tissue engineering. Published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules on December 1, 2024, the study outlines how nanocellulose from SCOBY can be partially hydrolyzed, reinforced with chitosan and kaolin, and printed onto irregular wounds using a hand-held device called the Biowork biopen. Kombucha SCOBY produces cellulose during tea fermentation, resulting in nanocellulose with biodegradable and cell-compatible properties. However, the default entangled structure can be difficult to extrude. The team, led by Professor Insup Noh, used acetic acid to loosen the nanocellulose fibers (partial hydrolysis), improving flow through fine nozzles but simultaneously reducing the material’s mechanical strength. To restore structural stability, they introduced chitosan (a positively charged polymer) and kaolin (a negatively charged clay). Electrostatic interactions among these three components—nanocellulose, chitosan, and kaolin—created…    read more