Inexpensive 3D Research Articles

Versatile and Low-Cost Fabrication of Modular Lock-and-Key Microfluidics for Integrated Connector Mixer Using a Stereolithography 3D Printing.

We present a low-cost and simple method to fabricate a novel lock-and-key mixer microfluidics using an economic stereolithography (SLA) three-dimensional (3D) printer, which costs less than USD 400 for the investment. The proposed study is promising for a high throughput fabrication module, typically limited by conventional microfluidics fabrications, such as photolithography and polymer-casting methods. We demonstrate the novel modular lock-and-key mixer for the connector and its chamber modules with optimized parameters, such as exposure condition and printing orientation. In addition, the optimization of post-processing was performed to investigate the reliability of the fabricated hollow structures, which are fundamental to creating a fluidic channel or chamber. We found out that by using an inexpensive 3D printer, the fabricated resolution can be pushed down to 850 µm and 550 µm size for squared- and circled-shapes, respectively, by the gradual hollow structure, applying vertical printing orientation. These strategies opened up the possibility of developing straightforward microfluidics platforms that could replace conventional microfluidics mold fabrication methods, such as photolithography and milling, which are costly and time consuming. Considerably cheap commercial resin and its tiny volume employed for a single printing procedure significantly cut down the estimated fabrication cost to less than 50 cents USD/module. The simulation study unravels the prominent properties of the fabricated devices for biological fluid mixers, such as PBS, urine and plasma blood. This study is eminently prospective toward microfluidics application in clinical biosensing, where disposable, low-cost, high-throughput, and reproducible chips are highly required.

Investigation of Low-Cost FDM-Printed Polymers for Elevated-Temperature Applications.

While fused deposition modeling (FDM) and other relatively inexpensive 3D printing methods are nowadays used in many applications, the possible areas of using FDM-printed objects are still limited due to mechanical and thermal constraints. Applications for space, e.g., for microsatellites, are restricted by the usually insufficient heat resistance of the typical FDM printing materials. Printing high-temperature polymers, on the other hand, necessitates special FDM printers, which are not always available. Here, we show investigations of common polymers, processible on low-cost FDM printers, under elevated temperatures of up to 160 °C for single treatments. The polymers with the highest dimensional stability and mechanical properties after different temperature treatments were periodically heat-treated between -40 °C and +80 °C in cycles of 90 min, similar to the temperature cycles a microsatellite in the low Earth orbit (LEO) experiences. While none of the materials under investigation fully maintains its dimensions and mechanical properties, filled poly(lactic acid) (PLA) filaments were found most suitable for applications under these thermal conditions.

The use of individualized 3D-printed models on trainee and patient education, and surgical planning for robotic partial nephrectomies.

3D printing is a growing tool in surgical education to visualize and teach complex procedures. Previous studies demonstrating the usefulness of 3D models as teaching tools for partial nephrectomy used highly detailed models costing between $250 and 1000. We aimed to create thorough, inexpensive 3D models to accelerate learning for trainees and increase health literacy in patients. Patient-specific, cost-effective ($30-50) 3D models of the affected urologic structures were created using pre-operative imaging of 40 patients undergoing partial nephrectomy at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (TJUH) between July 2020 and May 2021. Patients undergoing surgery filled out a survey before and after seeing the model to assess patient understanding of their kidney, pathophysiology, surgical procedure, and risks of surgery. Three urological residents, one fellow, and six attendings filled out separate surveys to assess their surgical plan and confidence before and after seeing the model. In a third survey, they ranked how much the model helped their comprehension and confidence during surgery. Patient understanding of all four subjects significantly improved after seeing the 3D model (P < 0.001). The urology residents (P < 0.001) and fellow (P < 0.001) reported significantly increased self-confidence after interacting with the model. Attending surgeon confidence increased significantly after seeing the 3D model (P < 0.01) as well. Cost-effective 3D models are effective learning tools and assist with the evaluation of patients presenting with renal masses, and increase patient, resident, and fellow understanding in partial nephrectomies. Further research should continue to explore the utility of inexpensive models in other urologic procedures.

A 3D-Printed, Freestanding Carbon Lattice for Sodium Ion Batteries.

Increasing mass loadings of battery electrodes critically enhances the energy density of an overall battery by eliminating much of the inactive components, while compacting the battery size and lowering the costs of the ingredients. A hard carbon microlattice, digitally designed and fabricated by stereolithography 3D-printing and pyrolysis, offers enormous potential for high-mass-loading electrodes. In this work, sodium-ion batteries using hard carbon microlattices produced by an inexpensive 3D printer are demonstrated. Controlled periodic carbon microlattices are created with enhanced ion transport through microchannels. Carbon microlattices with a beam width of 32.8µm reach a record-high areal capacity of 21.3 mAh cm-2 at a loading of 98mg cm-2 without degrading performance, which is much higher than the conventional monolithic electrodes (≈5.2 mAh cm-2 at 92mg cm-2 ). Furthermore, binder-free, pure-carbon elements of microlattices enable the tracking of structural changes in hard carbon that support the hypothesized intercalation of ions at plateau regions by temporal ex situ X-ray diffraction measurements. These results will advance the development of high-performance and low-cost anodes for sodium-ion batteries as well as help with understanding the mechanisms of ion intercalations in hard carbon, expanding the utilities of 3D-printed carbon architectures in both applications and fundamental studies.

Inexpensive 3D Printed Trainer for Combined Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery and Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

Inexpensive 3D Printed Trainer for Combined Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery and Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

An Inexpensive 3D Printed Periscope-Type Smartphone-Based Spectrophotometer for Emission, Absorption, and Fluorescence Spectrometry

An Inexpensive 3D Printed Periscope-Type Smartphone-Based Spectrophotometer for Emission, Absorption, and Fluorescence Spectrometry

Test-Retest Reliability of a New Device Versus a Long-Arm Goniometer to Evaluate Knee Proprioception.

Many methods used to evaluate knee proprioception have shortcomings that limit their use in clinical settings. Based on an inexpensive 3D camera, a new portable device was recently used to evaluate the joint position sense (JPS) of the knee joint. However, the test-retest reliability of the new method remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the test-retest reliability of the new device and a long-arm goniometer for assessing knee JPS, and to compare the variability of the 2 methods. Prospective observational study of the test-retest reliability of knee JPS measurements. Twenty-one healthy adults were tested in 2 sessions with a 1-week interval. Three target knee flexion angles (30°, 45°, and 60°) were reproduced in each session. Target and reproduced angles were measured with both methods. Intraclass correlation coefficients, standard error of the measurement, and Bland-Altman plots were used to quantify test-retest reliability. Paired t tests were used to compare knee JPS (absolute error of the target-reproduced angle) between the methods. The new device (good to excellent intraclass correlation coefficients .74-.80; standard error of the measurement 0.52°-0.61°) demonstrated better test-retest reliability than the goniometer (poor to fair intraclass correlation coefficients .23-.43; standard error of the measurement 0.89°-2.07°) and better test-retest agreement (respective mean differences for the 30°, 45°, and 60° knee angles: 0.11°, 0.13°, and 0.41° for the new system; 0.84°, 1.52°, and 1.18° for the goniometer). The measurements (absolute errors of the target-reproduced angles) with the goniometer were significantly greater than those with the new device (P < .05); the SDs of repeated measurements with the goniometer (1.50°-2.41°) were greater than with the new device (1.08°-1.38°). Given that the new device has good reliability and sufficient precision, it is the better alternative for evaluating knee JPS. Goniometers should be used with caution to assess knee JPS.

New Metropolis

An old, retired professor is urged by a younger ex-colleague to visit a new consolidated metropolitan school district to learn about new school policies and new technologies. He discovers extensive regional-area use of high-speed trains and autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, and 3D printing. The new transport technologies allow all students within a 50 mile radius to get to any school or learning center in the district, optimizing integration by race and class. The AI devices include emotion detecting headbands and new mind-reading headbands in Beta mode, which facilitate rapid advances in learning as well as issues with security and privacy. Extensive use of Internet resources enables the personalization of curricula. Rapid and inexpensive 3D printing supports the rapid and inexpensive building of new tailor-designed facilities. The old professor is both impressed and troubled by what he sees and is surprised to find that his reservations are not shared by the progressive administrators, teachers, parents, or young learners.

Investigating inexpensive polymeric 3D printed materials under extreme thermal conditions

Abstract 3D printing is nowadays used for many applications far beyond pure rapid prototyping. As tools to prepare custom-made objects which may be highly complex, different 3D printing techniques have emerged into areas of application where the mechanical, thermal, optical and other properties have to meet high requirements. Amongst them, applications for space, e.g. for microsatellites, make extreme demands regarding the stability under high temperatures. Nevertheless, polymeric 3D printed materials have several advantages for space application in comparison with metal objects. Here we thus investigate the impact of temperatures up to 85 °C and 185 °C, respectively, on typical 3D printing materials for fused deposition modeling or stereolithography (SLA) with inexpensive 3D printers. The materials are found to differ strongly in terms of mechanical properties and dimensional stability after the treatment at a higher temperature, with SLA resins and co-polyester showing the best dimensional stability, while acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene and SLA resin after long UV post-treatment has the best mechanical properties.

Estimating body segment parameters from three-dimensional human body scans.

Body segment parameters are inputs for a range of applications. Participant-specific estimates of body segment parameters are desirable as this requires fewer prior assumptions and can reduce outcome measurement errors. Commonly used methods for estimating participant-specific body segment parameters are either expensive and out of reach (medical imaging), have many underlying assumptions (geometrical modelling) or are based on a specific subset of a population (regression models). Our objective was to develop a participant-specific 3D scanning and body segmentation method that estimates body segment parameters without any assumptions about the geometry of the body, ethnic background, and gender, is low-cost, fast, and can be readily available. Using a Microsoft Kinect Version 2 camera, we developed a 3D surface scanning protocol that enabled the estimation of participant-specific body segment parameters. To evaluate our system, we performed repeated 3D scans of 21 healthy participants (10 male, 11 female). We used open source tools to segment each body scan into 16 segments (head, torso, abdomen, pelvis, left and right hand, forearm, upper arm, foot, shank and thigh) and wrote custom software to estimate each segment's mass, mass moment of inertia in the three principal orthogonal axes relevant to the center of the segment, longitudinal length, and center of mass. We compared our body segment parameter estimates to those obtained using two comparison methods and found that our system was consistent in estimating total body volume between repeated scans (male p = 0.1194, female p = 0.2240), estimated total body mass without significant differences when compared to our comparison method and a medical scale (male p = 0.8529, female p = 0.6339), and generated consistent and comparable estimates across a range of the body segment parameters of interest. Our work here outlines and provides the code for an inexpensive 3D surface scanning method for estimating a range of participant-specific body segment parameters.

Development of e-stick for blind persons using IoT

Blind and disabled people suffer a loT to reach their destination, and there are many dangerous risks that disabled people must face. To avoid the inconvenience while walking, a smart electronic walking stick was proposed. This paper proposes a low-cost walking stick based on the latest technology, and a new implementation is intended to effectively interface with the blind. Basically, an ultrasonic sensor is implemented in a walking stick to detect obstacles in front of the blind or handicapped. If there is any obstacle, it will warn the blind person to avoid that obstacle and alert them in the form of a voice announcement. Every day in different ways to ensure people's flexible and safe movement. In this technology-driven world where people strive to live independently, this paper provides an inexpensive 3D ultrasonic stick for the blind to gain personal independence so the disabled can move from one place to another easily and safely. A portable stick is being designed and developed that detects the obstacles in the path of the blind using ultrasonic sensors. The voice alert is activated when any obstacle is detected. In addition, the flash drive is equipped with a system of Short Message Service (SMS) messages. The SMS system is used by the blind to send SMS messages to the numbers stored in the microcontroller in case of an emergency. This system has been successfully programmed with a voice announcement. Computer simulations are performed to evaluate system performance using Proteus software.

Optimization of Temperature Regimes of the Hotend for Devices of Additive Manufacturing

In this work, the authors tried to solve a typical problem of inexpensive 3D printers using FDM technology: material clogging of the hotend. To cope with the problem, it is necessary to solve the problem of optimization the temperature regimes of the hotend. For this, the temperature fields of the heating device were simulated taking into account the physical properties of the printing materials. Modeling was carried out using the ANSYS software package, the verification of theoretical calculations was carried out in a full-scale experiment. The data obtained was used to upgrade the 3D printer hotend.

Virtual Archaeology of Death and Burial: A Procedure for Integrating 3D Visualization and Analysis in Archaeothanatology

Abstract The reconstruction of past mortuary rituals and practices increasingly incorporates analysis of the taphonomic history of the grave and buried body, using the framework provided by archaeothanatology. Archaeothanatological analysis relies on interpretation of the three-dimensional (3D) relationship of bones within the grave and traditionally depends on elaborate written descriptions and two-dimensional (2D) images of the remains during excavation to capture this spatial information. With the rapid development of inexpensive 3D tools, digital replicas (3D models) are now commonly available to preserve 3D information on human burials during excavation. A procedure developed using a test case to enhance archaeothanatological analysis and improve post-excavation analysis of human burials is described. Beyond preservation of static spatial information, 3D visualization techniques can be used in archaeothanatology to reconstruct the spatial displacement of bones over time, from deposition of the body to excavation of the skeletonized remains. The purpose of the procedure is to produce 3D simulations to visualize and test archaeothanatological hypotheses, thereby augmenting traditional archaeothanatological analysis. We illustrate our approach with the reconstruction of mortuary practices and burial taphonomy of a Bell Beaker burial from the site of Oostwoud-Tuithoorn, West-Frisia, the Netherlands. This case study was selected as the test case because of its relatively complete context information. The test case shows the potential for application of the procedure to older 2D field documentation, even when the amount and detail of documentation is less than ideal.

Explaining an unusual electromigration behavior—A comprehensive experimental and theoretical analysis using finite element method

In metallic interconnects, it is generally assumed that electromigration (EM) failure location is independent of the applied electrical current and always occurs at the highest-current-density area. Our experiments show otherwise. We designed an Al interconnect that alters its failure location by only varying the applied current density. The failure occurs near the high for a current above 2 × 107 A/cm2, but at a location with 59% of the maximum for lower current densities. Thermoreflectance thermal imaging is employed to gather time-dependent high-resolution spatial temperature distributions of the Al interconnect during EM. More importantly, we propose a computationally inexpensive 2D finite element method that tracks EM evolution in time and matches well with the observations from different experimental conditions. A detailed analysis covering the major driving forces of EM is carried out to understand the complex physics behind EM. The atomic depletion rate contributed by each force is quantitatively studied. By examining the results from every tested experimental condition, the model reveals that the temperature gradient is the key reason causing atomic depletion near the failure location. Graphical illustrations and qualitative analysis are provided to intuitively show the key findings of our work.

Three-dimensional FeP nanotube arrays fabricated through electrostatic-repulsion-limited-nucleation strategy for high-efficiency hydrogen evolution

It is highly desirable but still challenging to construct three-dimensional (3D) open porous structure assembled with small-sized and hollow active components for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Here, we propose a novel protocol based on electrostatic-repulsion-limited-nucleation strategy and the nanoscale Kirkendall effect to grow FeP nanotube arrays on P-doped graphene. Due to its unique structural features, the resulting electrocatalyst exhibits superior HER activity with an overpotential of 69 mV at the current density of 10 mA cm−2 in 0.5 M H2SO4, comparable to the benchmark Pt/C catalyst. Furthermore, the 3D porous structure shows robust stability toward HER with a negligible current loss after continuous catalysis over 40 h at 10 mA cm−2. The experimental results and density functional theory calculations indicate that the excellent HER activity of the 3D porous structure originates from its increased active sites, reduced transfer resistance and the ideal hydrogen adsorption energy (ΔGH*), as well as better hydrophily upon integration of FeP nanotubes with P-doped graphene. Our protocol provides a new approach to rationally design and fabricate inexpensive 3D open porous structure with high catalytic activity and robust stability for HER.

Pengaruh Kecepatan, Temperatur dan Infill Terhadap Kualitas dan Kekasaran Kotak Relay Lampu Sign Sepedamotor Hasil dari 3D Printing

3D printing technology has great potential in today's manufacturing world where one of its uses is in the prototype of a product. One of the most famous and inexpensive 3D printing technologies is the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) method. Many studies have been carried out using this FDM method.&#x0D; In this study, the printing of motorbike light relay boxes was carried out using the FDM method with two variations of speed, temperature and infill of each mass. 3D Printing uses a nozzle diameter of 0.4 mm and a work table temperature of 60oC and a height of 0.2 mm for each layer with support every where. From the research results, all the products produced have a rough surface with a level of geometric accuracy ranging from 0.91% for the length dimension and 7.73% for the width dimension of the product.

The inductive effect of montmorillonite/polyether sulfone membrane during the ion diffusion process

In this paper, montmorillonite (Mt), as an inexpensive 2D material, was employed to prepare an assembled montmorillonite/Poly ether sulfone (Mt/PES) membrane using a vacuum filtration method. The Mt./PES membrane was then subjected to diffusion tests using KCl solution. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) results confirm the Mt./PES membrane exhibits obvious ion selectivity that more cations can enter into the interlayer space of Mt. sheets than anions. The membranes immersed in electrolytes for different time were probed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). An interesting consequence, that a clear inductive signal at low frequencies, was detected. Moreover, thicker Mt. layer, lower electrolyte concentration (< 0.1 mol/L), or shorter diffusing time (< 10 min) would dramatically enhance the inductance of Mt./PES membrane during the diffusion process. The inductive signal could be contributed to the uneven distribution of ions in Mt./PES membrane. In other words, the inductance probed by EIS was influenced by the Mt. sheets characteristics, electrolyte concentration and diffusing time. The tunable conductance of Mt./PES membrane might be potentially applied as a component for nanoelectronic device.

Syringe pump extruder and curing system for 3D printing of photopolymers

Development of new additive manufacturing materials often requires the production of several batches of relatively large volumes in order to print and test objects. This can be difficult for many materials that are expensive or difficult to produce in large volumes on the laboratory scale. Bioprinter systems are advantageous in this regard, however, commercial systems are expensive or do not have the ability to use photopolymers. Herein, we outline a Syringe Pump Extruder and Curing System (SPECS) modification for inexpensive filament-based 3D printers which enables the use of standard bioplotter materials and photopolymers. The system is capable of using multiple syringe volumes and needle sizes that can be quickly and easily exchanged. The SPECS modification is demonstrated using a Prusa i3 mk3 fused filament fabrication printer to print several 3D objects and films using stereolithography (SLA) photopolymer resin. Geometric accuracy in the X, Y, and Z directions was ±0.1 mm using a 5 ml syringe, 22-gauge needle, and commercial SLA resin. The SPECS system could be of great benefit for laboratories pursing material development in the area of additive manufacturing.

Accessing 3D Printed Vascular Phantoms for Procedural Simulation.

Introduction: 3D printed patient-specific vascular phantoms provide superior anatomical insights for simulating complex endovascular procedures. Currently, lack of exposure to the technology poses a barrier for adoption. We offer an accessible, low-cost guide to producing vascular anatomical models using routine CT angiography, open source software packages and a variety of 3D printing technologies.Methods: Although applicable to all vascular territories, we illustrate our methodology using Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAAs) due to the strong interest in this area. CT aortograms acquired as part of routine care were converted to representative patient-specific 3D models, and then printed using a variety of 3D printing technologies to assess their material suitability as aortic phantoms. Depending on the technology, phantoms cost $20–$1,000 and were produced in 12–48 h. This technique was used to generate hollow 3D printed thoracoabdominal aortas visible under fluoroscopy.Results: 3D printed AAA phantoms were a valuable addition to standard CT angiogram reconstructions in the simulation of complex cases, such as short or very angulated necks, or for positioning fenestrations in juxtarenal aneurysms. Hollow flexible models were particularly useful for device selection and in planning of fenestrated EVAR. In addition, these models have demonstrated utility other settings, such as patient education and engagement, and trainee and anatomical education. Further study is required to establish a material with optimal cost, haptic and fluoroscopic fidelity.Conclusion: We share our experiences and methodology for developing inexpensive 3D printed vascular phantoms which despite material limitations, successfully mimic the procedural challenges encountered during live endovascular surgery. As the technology continues to improve, 3D printed vascular phantoms have the potential to disrupt how endovascular procedures are planned and taught.

Preparation and Characterization of ZnCo2O4 as a Binary Transitional Metal Oxide Towards Pseudocapacitor Electrode Materials

Binary transitional metal oxides have specific properties for use in energy applications. In this paper, an inexpensive 3D hierarchical ZnCo2O4 with flower-like morphology on nickel foam has been synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectroscopy confirm the successful synthesis of ZnCo2O4. Also, the porosity is evaluated with Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and morphology studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results of the electrochemical tests indicate the good capability of this electrode to be used in asymmetric supercapacitors. It is tempting to using this electrode by the specific capacitance of about 572 F/g at the scan rate of 10 mV/s and very good stability (94% after 5000 cycles). Also, the discharge time of this electrode at a current density of 0.5 A/g was about 380 s, which is a relatively acceptable time. This electrode with special architectures recommends for using high-performance asymmetric supercapacitors.