Application Of 3D Printing Research Articles

Creating a robust composite material from waste plastic and steel for application in 3D printing

Creating a robust composite material from waste plastic and steel for application in 3D printing

Bisbenzothieno[b]-fused BODIPYs in panchromatic photoinitiating for the free radical and cationic photopolymerization and application in 3D printing

Abstract: Polymerization reactions induced by lights occupy an increasing share in the area of polymer synthesis; however, the effective photopolymerization under visible light emitting diodes (LEDs) rather than UV still...

3D Printing for Personalized Solutions in Cervical Spondylosis.

In the context of the digital revolution, 3D printing technology brings innovation to the personalized treatment of cervical spondylosis, a clinically common degenerative disease that severely impacts the quality of life and increases the economic burden of patients. Although traditional surgeries, medications, and physical therapies are somewhat effective, they often fail` to meet individual needs, thus affecting treatment adherence and outcomes. 3D printing, with its customizability, precision, material diversity, and short production cycles, shows tremendous potential in the treatment of cervical spondylosis. This review discusses the multiple applications of 3D printing in the treatment of cervical spondylosis, including the design, manufacture, and advantages of 3D-printed cervical collars, the role of 3D models in clinical teaching and surgical simulation, and the application of 3D-printed scaffolds and implants in cervical surgery. It also discusses the current challenges and future directions.

Synthesis and application of sustainable vegetable oil-based polymers in 3D printing

Chemical modifications of vegetable oil and their 3D printing applications are discussed. Acrylate resin compatibility with 3D printing methods are presented. 3D printed products using vegetable oil-derived materials, providing insights into future opportunities are explored.

3D printing applications on textiles: Measurement of air permeability for potential use in stab-proof vests

The most important piece of safety equipment is developed as a reinforced piece of body armor to resist attacks to the upper parts of the body so as to save the lives of its wearers to offer protection against stabbing with sharp-tipped objects. The majority of commercial stab resistant armors are not comfortable for users to wear during their whole duty shift. The three-dimensional (3D) printing has given great opportunity to develop equipment for a particular and individual application with the incorporation of performance and comfort. Stab protective armor has been developed by 3D printing without compromising the protection performance for a particular energy level to improve the comfort of the armor vest so that users are willing to wear during their whole duty shift. In this study, air permeability is used to measure the comfort tendency of the protective armor as a safety gear without reducing the protection performance. In this study the effect of textile materials and structures, shapes of 3D prints as the segmentation of scales, size of scales, parts of the full vest, attachments, and air exposure sides of the panel are investigated. The result revealed that the air permeability of the 3D printed protective armor vest improved the comfort as compared to the commercially available armor vests of both from a single plate and large sized segmented scales.

Research on rice starch gel preparation and crosslink network structure-rheological property based on direct-writing 3D printing

Amylopectin and amylose components are natural polymers within rice starch granules, intertwined in specific conditions to form gel polymerized with pore crosslink network, has potential printing properties. In this study, a rice starch gel preparation scheme is proposed for stable properties, and starch granule phase transition mechanism is analyzed based on RVA test during preparation, it can be divided into four-stage, swelling, reacting, homogenizing and self-assembling stages. Gel surface tension and contact angle tested with starch concentration effect, a correlation is developed, reflecting a competition result to gel droplet macro-morphology between the intermolecular cohesion and crosslink network. SEM is used to reveal typical crosslink structures of different starch molecular component proportions, providing objective support for starch gel rheologic property change. Results indicate gel interior crosslink network formed under concentration 12 %, the gel with amylose 4.475 % presents better printing accuracy. Gel shear modulus positively correlated with amylose proportion. Japonica gel under 20 % is of higher viscosity and rapid reassembly ability after interior crosslink network is broken. Max dynamic viscosity is positively correlated with starch concentration. The study aims to provide theoretical and practical support for in-depth analysis of rice starch material application in direct-write 3D printing.

4D printing for biomedical applications.

While three-dimensional (3D) printing excels at fabricating static constructs, it fails to emulate the dynamic behavior of native tissues or the temporal programmability desired for medical devices. Four-dimensional (4D) printing is an advanced additive manufacturing technology capable of fabricating constructs that can undergo pre-programmed changes in shape, property, or functionality when exposed to specific stimuli. In this Perspective, we summarize the advances in materials chemistry, 3D printing strategies, and post-printing methodologies that collectively facilitate the realization of temporal dynamics within 4D-printed soft materials (hydrogels, shape-memory polymers, liquid crystalline elastomers), ceramics, and metals. We also discuss and present insights about the diverse biomedical applications of 4D printing, including tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, drug delivery, in vitro models, and medical devices. Finally, we discuss the current challenges and emphasize the importance of an application-driven design approach to enable the clinical translation and widespread adoption of 4D printing.

3D-printing in the automotive industry

Additive manufacturing is of great importance in the design and manufacture of automobiles. The number of applications for 3D printing in manufacturing continues to expand on an annual basis. In the recent past, 3D printing was primarily utilized for the fabrication of prototypes. However, there has been a notable shift in the automotive manufacturing sector, with an increasing number of manufacturers adopting the technology for the production of significant automotive components. Additive manufacturing is employed to create design iterations, improve quality through cost-effective prototyping, and produce custom tooling parts. However, there are other areas of 3D-printing in the automotive industry that are more radically transforming products and supply chains. Additive technologies and the new materials used enable the creation of various combinations, both for producing parts with increased strength characteristics and for using soft materials in the interior of the cabin. Additive manufacturing aims to improve manufacturing processes and produce high-quality products in a short time. This article describes the main trends in the integration of 3D-printing technologies into the design and manufacturing processes of cars across various classes and companies. The main purpose of this article is to highlight the key aspects of additive manufacturing in the automotive industry. The use of these trends opens up new opportunities in the automotive industry of Kazakhstan.

Brachytherapy and 3D printing for skin cancer: A review paper.

Brachytherapy is a type of radiation therapy, in which a radiation source is placed directly or close to a tumor. It is commonly used to treat skin cancer, and enables precise irradiation treatment of affected area (planning target volume - PTV) while minimizing exposure dose to surrounding healthy tissue (organs at risk - OARs). Recently, the use of 3D printing has begun revolutionizing brachytherapy, as it allows manufacturing of custom-designed applicators for unique shape of skin topography, tumor, and surrounding tissues. Outcome of the combination of 3D printing and brachytherapy has several advantages over traditional treatment planning methods. Some of the advantages are intuitive, whereas others can be concluded from a literature overview as follows: 1) Possibility of developing patient-specific applicators that precisely match the shape of tumor area; 2) Reduction of the time required for applicator production, especially when custom-made devices are needed; 3) Reduction of manufacturing costs; 4) Treatment procedures improvement; 5) Improvement of safety measures accelerated by the development of smart materials (e.g., polymer filaments with admixture of heavy elements); 6) Possibility of nearly instant adjustment into tumor treatment (applicators can be changed as the tumor is changing its shape); and 7) Applicators designed to securely fit to treatment area to hold radioactive source always in the same place for each fraction. Consequently, tumor-provided dose is accurate and leads to effective treatment. In this review paper, we investigated the current state-of-the-art of the application of 3D printing in brachytherapy. A number of existing reports were chosen and reviewed in terms of printing technology, materials used, treatment effectiveness, and fabrication protocols. Furthermore, the development of future directions that should be considered by collaborative teams bridging different fields of science, such as medicine, physics, chemistry, and material science were summarized. With the indicated topics, we hope to stimulate the innovative progress of 3D printing technology in brachytherapy.

The Utilization of 3D Printers by Elementary-Aged Learners: A Scoping Review

Aim/Purpose: This review’s main objective was to examine the existing literature on the use of 3D printers in primary education, covering students aged six to twelve across general, special, and inclusive educational environments. Background: A review of the literature indicated a significant oversight – prior reviews insufficiently distinguish the application of 3D printing in primary education from its utilization at higher educational tiers or focused on particular subject areas and learning domains. Considering the distinct nature and critical role of primary education in developing young students’ cognitive abilities and skills, it is essential to concentrate on this specific educational stage. Methodology: The scoping review was selected as the preferred research method. The methodological robustness was augmented through the utilization of the backward snowballing technique. Consequently, a total of 50 papers were identified and subjected to thorough analysis. Contribution: This review has methodically compiled and analyzed the literature on 3D printing use among elementary students, offering a substantial addition to academic conversations. It consolidated and organized research on 3D printers’ educational uses, applying robust and credible criteria. Findings: Many studies featured small sample sizes and limited research on inclusive and special education. The analysis revealed 82 distinct research goals and 13 educational fields, with STEM being the predominant focus. Scholars showed considerable interest in how 3D printers influence skills like creativity and problem-solving, as well as emotions such as engagement and motivation. The majority of studies indicated positive outcomes, enhancing academic achievement, engagement, collaboration, creativity, interest, and motivation. Nonetheless, challenges were noted, highlighting the necessity for teacher training, the expense of equipment, technical difficulties, and the complexities of blending new methods with traditional curricula. Recommendations for Practitioners: To capitalize on the benefits that 3D printers bring, curriculum planners are urged to weave them into their programs, ensuring alignment with educational standards and skill development. The critical role educators play in the effective implementation of this technology necessitates targeted professional development programs to equip them with the expertise for successful integration. Moreover, 3D printing presents a unique opportunity to advance inclusive education for students with disabilities, offering tailored learning experiences and aiding in creating assistive technologies. In recognizing the disparities in access to 3D printing, educational leaders must address the financial and logistical barriers highlighted in the literature. Strategic initiatives are essential to democratize 3D printing access, ensuring all students benefit from this educational tool. Recommendation for Researchers: Comparative studies are critical to elucidate the specific advantages and limitations of 3D printing technology due to the scarcity of research contrasting it with other tools. The variability in reporting durations of interventions and research environments underscores the necessity for uniform methodologies and benchmarks. Because research has predominantly focused on STEM/STEAM education, expanding into different educational areas could provide a comprehensive understanding of 3D printing’s capabilities. The existence of neutral and negative findings signals an opportunity for further investigation. Exploring the factors that impede the successful integration of 3D printing will inform the creation of superior pedagogical approaches and technological refinements. Future Research: As the review confirmed the significant promise of 3D printing technology in enriching education, especially in the context of primary education, the imperative for continued research to refine its application in primary education settings is highlighted.

Application of 3D printing for fabrication of superhydrophobic surfaces with reversible wettability.

Control of surface wettability is needed in many applications. The potential use of 3D printing technology to gain control over wettability remains largely unexplored. In this paper, Fused Deposition Molding (FDM) 3D printing technology was utilized to print polylactic acid (PLA) microplate array structures to generate superhydrophobic surfaces with reversable wetting properties. This was achieved by spraying polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and silica (SiO2) solutions, over microplate surfaces. Anisotropic wetting properties were also achieved based on the surface structure design. Due to the shape memory properties of PLA, the morphology of the microplate arrays could be switched between the original upright shape and deformed shape. Through alternating pressing and heating treatments, the microplate arrays showed anisotropic wettability switching. The difference between the contact angle (CA) and sliding angle (SA) of water droplets on the original surface parallel to and perpendicular to the microplate array direction were ΔCA = 7° and ΔSA = 3° respectively, and those on the surface of the deformed microplate array were ΔCA = 7° and ΔSA = 21°, respectively. This process enabled reversible alteration in the wetting behavior of water droplets on the original and deformed surfaces between sliding and sticking states. PLA-based shape memory anisotropic superhydrophobic surfaces with tunable adhesion were successfully applied to rewritable platforms, micro droplet reaction platforms, and gas sensing.

The effect of high-intensity gamma radiation on PETG and ASA polymer-based fused deposition modelled 3D printed parts

There is growing interest in the application of 3D printing for demanding environments subject to gamma radiation in areas such as the nuclear industry and space exploration. In this work, the effect of gamma radiation on fused deposition modelled 3D printed parts composed of polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) and acrylic styrene acrylonitrile (ASA) polymers was studied. Dose levels of up to 2.25 MGy were applied to the printed components, doses equivalent to over 1 year operating near spent nuclear fuel cells. Infrared spectroscopy showed the evidence of cross-linking by the formation of peaks corresponding to –OH and C–H bonds. Tensile and hardness testing was used to assess changes in mechanical properties and showed a reduction in ultimate tensile stress and maximum strain in parts made from both polymers, but with PETG retaining greater strength and ductility than ASA, especially at intermediate gamma exposure. Young’s modulus and hardness showed either modest increases or a fairly flat response with exposure. Mechanical properties were heavily dependent on the build structure, with horizontal build samples pulled parallel to the filament direction being several times stronger than vertical build samples pulled normal to the layers. Non-irradiated samples pulled parallel to the filament direction were indicative of ductile failure, with rough surfaces, distinct infill and wall regions and evidence of thinning occurring after fracture, but irradiated fracture surfaces were flatter, smoother and without local thinning, suggesting gamma radiation-induced embrittlement in the material. For samples pulled perpendicular to the filament direction, all fractures occurred between layers, creating flat fracture surfaces with no evidence of necking and indicative of brittle failure regardless of whether the samples were irradiated.

Impressão 3D na relação médico-paciente, relato de experiência da integração entre ensino, inovação e assistência

ABSTRACT Introduction: In the literature, several articles demonstrate patient satisfaction and better understanding of the information transmitted by the medical team, with the aid of three-dimensional pieces. Education and health are inseparable and interdependent practices, they have always been articulated, and considered crucial elements in the action process of health professionals. Thus, teachers and students of the medicine course at Universidade Federal de Pernambuco created a university extension project that aimed at the use of anatomical models printed in 3D, for the education of patients in the orthopedics and traumatology outpatient clinic. Experience Report: Over the six months of the project, 77 patients were assisted and the project employed the work of 3 teachers and 18 undergraduate students, totaling 98 people involved in the project. The actions were divided into 2 blocks: the first consisted of training the students and, in the second, the students visited the outpatient clinic, accompanied by a specialist physician in charge and used pieces printed by the students themselves, to guide the patients regarding their respective condition and provided guidance on therapy using these printed pieces. Discussion: the possibility of using this tool as an aid in medical communication opens up a vast horizon of application of 3D printing in health education. This, in turn, favors the improvement of health promotion in less developed regions, since this interaction between the health team and the community allows the promotion, protection and recovery of health, based on a horizontal dialogue, valuing and respecting the users of the health system, aiming to make them an agent and protagonist of the health and disease process. Conclusion: It can be concluded, therefore, that extension projects such as this one have enormous potential to generate impacts on medicine, the academic community and the assisted population, especially the less educated ones.

Compatibilization of PLA/PBAT blends with epoxidized canola oil for 3D printing applications

This article outlines an environmentally friendly strategy for producing toughened and compatibilized PLA/PBAT blends, using epoxidized canola oil. Additionally, it explores the potential of these blends for use in 3D printing.

Finite Element Analysis of 3D Printed Block Prepared of Sustainable Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

ABS and chain-branched amylopectin exhibit poor processing capabilities, making them unsuitable for 3D printing utilizations. While ABS exhibits excellent mechanical properties with high processing costs, it lacks the practical requirements of PLA, an environment-friendly polymer with poor mechanical performances. Studying the toxicity of 3-D printer emissions and the causes of toxicity both in vivo and in vitro is necessary in light of the rapidly expanding applications of 3-D printing technological advances, the documented emissions, and the possible adverse reactions from exposed to those emissions. Despite these limitations, ABS and PLA continue to be developed for 3D printing applications. Several mechanical behaviors, including tensile strength, creep, and fatigue, are examined in the study to determine the structural integrity and durability of a 3D-printed ABS square block. The results of the safety factor analysis show a minimum value of 0.1823, indicating the presence of potential failure points and the need for design optimization. The material can last long under dynamic loads, as shown by the fatigue study. This study not only improves ABS parts in real-life uses but also helps grasp their strength better. It gives clues for their future design and making. Using experimental and simulation data, the study optimizes 3D printing parameters and improves ABS materials’ structural efficiency by integrating finite element methods with practical manufacturing outcomes.

3D printed concrete using Portland pozzolana cement - fly ash based

This project investigates the feasibility and properties of 3D printed concrete using Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC). The increasing demand for construction materials, particularly ordinary Portland cement (OPC), has led to a surge in its usage. Consequently, Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) has gained popularity as an alternative due to its advantageous properties. PPC, characterized by its enhanced durability and sustainability, has become a preferred choice in the construction industry, offering versatility and reliability in various construction applications. The main focus of the project is economical printing of concrete structures through 3D printing technology. With sustainability and cost-effectiveness as paramount considerations, the study delves into refining the mix proportions ideal for 3D printing applications. By harnessing the potential of Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) with a 35% fly ash content, the aim is to strike a balance between structural integrity, workability, and affordability. It examines various key properties essential for successful 3D printing, such as extrudability, printability, flowability, buildability, setting time and thixotropic open time. Furthermore, the project examines the strength of 3D printed concrete mixes. Through testing and studying these properties, the research aims to contribute to the advancement of eco-friendly and efficient construction practices by using 3D printing and innovative cementitious materials. The findings from this study provide valuable insights to enhance the efficiency of 3D printing and the strength of printed concrete structures, including beams, walls, and other structural elements. By implementing these ideas, potential advancements in construction methodologies could be realized, facilitating more robust and cost-effective building practices. This research aims to contribute to the ongoing evolution of 3D printing technology in construction, ultimately fostering innovation and sustainability in the built environment.

Advancements in 3D Printing Materials for Diverse Industries: A Review and Future Prospects

3D printing has brought significant changes in many industries. It helps to create products with impressive strength and versatility. This paper aims to investigate and evaluate the different types of materials used in 3D printing, evaluating the advantages, disadvantages, and applications of different materials. It majorly focuses on thermoplastic, metal-based materials, and hybrid and composite materials. This paper also provides the current and future scenarios of 3D printing. This review covers all valuable insights into a large spectrum of different types of materials used in 3D printing and provides a small glance at these transforming industries. As the study expands the development of innovative materials and printing techniques will surely come to the surface and will expand the possibilities of 3D printing applications in the future.

Modifying the manufacturing process of high-graphite content polylactic acid filament for advanced energy and sensing applications in 3D printing

This research paper introduces an innovative method for tailoring polylactic acid/graphite (PLA/GPT) filament, specifically designed for 3D printing applications. The main achievement is the seamless incorporation of 30 % graphite without the need for a reflux system, elevated temperatures, or additional additives. The filament is thoroughly characterized through Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy. The electrochemical performance of 3D-printed electrodes is assessed using cyclic voltammetry and a dual-stage activation process, while surface properties are analyzed via roughness examination. The results highlight the successful fabrication of a PLA/GPT filament with uniformly dispersed graphite within the PLA matrix. Additionally, the study confirms the presence of graphite on the surface of the printed electrode, underscoring the vital role and effectiveness of the activation process in enhancing electrochemical responses. These findings have the potential to significantly impact materials in the fields of 3D printing and electrochemistry, offering new possibilities for advanced technological applications.

Physical Aging and Glass Transition Dynamics of Semicrystalline Poly(lactic acid) for 3D-Printing Applications Investigated by Fast Scanning Calorimetry

Physical Aging and Glass Transition Dynamics of Semicrystalline Poly(lactic acid) for 3D-Printing Applications Investigated by Fast Scanning Calorimetry

Hydrogel Microparticles for Bone Regeneration.

Hydrogel microparticles (HMPs) stand out as promising entities in the realm of bone tissue regeneration, primarily due to their versatile capabilities in delivering cells and bioactive molecules/drugs. Their significance is underscored by distinct attributes such as injectability, biodegradability, high porosity, and mechanical tunability. These characteristics play a pivotal role in fostering vasculature formation, facilitating mineral deposition, and contributing to the overall regeneration of bone tissue. Fabricated through diverse techniques (batch emulsion, microfluidics, lithography, and electrohydrodynamic spraying), HMPs exhibit multifunctionality, serving as vehicles for drug and cell delivery, providing structural scaffolding, and functioning as bioinks for advanced 3D-printing applications. Distinguishing themselves from other scaffolds like bulk hydrogels, cryogels, foams, meshes, and fibers, HMPs provide a higher surface-area-to-volume ratio, promoting improved interactions with the surrounding tissues and facilitating the efficient delivery of cells and bioactive molecules. Notably, their minimally invasive injectability and modular properties, offering various designs and configurations, contribute to their attractiveness for biomedical applications. This comprehensive review aims to delve into the progressive advancements in HMPs, specifically for bone regeneration. The exploration encompasses synthesis and functionalization techniques, providing an understanding of their diverse applications, as documented in the existing literature. The overarching goal is to shed light on the advantages and potential of HMPs within the field of engineering bone tissue.