3D Printing

In recent years 3D printing has come to the forefront as a disruptor for manufacturing processes across all industries, from the production of pharmaceuticals to prototyping automotive parts. Luxexcel is now bringing a completely unique solution to the 3D printing landscape: transparency.

Using an innovative 3D printing technology they previously developed, nanoengineers from UC San Diego have manufactured multipurpose fish-shaped microrobots - called microfish - that swim around efficiently in liquids, are chemically powered by hydrogen peroxide and magnetically controlled. According to the researchers, these proof-of-concept synthetic microfish will inspire a new generation of 'smart' microrobots that have diverse capabilities s...

A national team of researchers has developed a first-of-its-kind, 3D-printed guide that helps regrow both the sensory and motor functions of complex nerves after injury. The groundbreaking research has the potential to help more than 200,000 people annually who experience nerve injuries or disease. Collaborators on the project are from the University of Minnesota, Virginia Tech, University of Maryland, Princeton University and Johns Hopkins Unive...

Currently the largest 3D printer in the world, the 12m tall Big Delta from WASP will be shown at the Reality of Dream festival in Massa Lombarda, Italy, 18th - 20th September. The initiative was presented during a press conference with the mayor of Massa Lombarda, Daniele Bassi, and WASP’s creator, Massimo Moretti.

A printer SoC, claimed to be the industry’s most advanced, has been released by Marvell. The Marvell 88PA6270 integrates a quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 (64-bit) processor running at 1.2GHz, Marvell’s 32-bit DDR3/4 memory controller, dual-channel configurable scan and print pipelines, advanced high-speed expansion options, and a Vivante 2D/3D GPU, setting a new standard with over 220ppm Page Description Language (PDL) rendering.

  Gianluca Pugliese, aka Owen, is an Italian artist who has been making 'CNC light paintings' using 3D printing. He takes a picture in a dark environment with long exposure times in order to capture all light movements with the camera. Essentially it is painting with light.

  Engineers from UC Berkeley, in collaboration with colleagues at Taiwan’s National Chiao Tung University, have 3D-printed a wireless 'smart cap' that can detect signs of spoilage in milk cartons using embedded sensors.

  WASP has begun its challenge to print houses with 100% natural materials, travelling 0km. Concrete is bad for our planet, it generates Co2, however WASP says that with 3D printing, it can cut down pollution by more than 50%.

An advanced model of its IdeaWerk Pro 3D printer has been launched by RS Components. The printer, which is priced at £590, is capable of handling multiple types of filaments, including Flexible, PLA, ABS, PA/NYLON, PC, HIPS and PVA. The RS IdeaWerk Pro has many features in common with the RS IdeaWerk FDM 3D printer, which is selling at a reduced price of £490.

  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first 3D printed drug. SPRITAM levetiracetam, manufactured by Aprecia Pharmaceuticals for the treatment of epileptic seizures, is printed using the company’s ZipDose Technology platform.