Manufacturing Workflow Research Articles

AI Meets Distributed Manufacturing: Wie KI die Verbreitung digitaler Fertigung fördert

Abstract These often use computer-controlled machines like 3D printers and CNC machines. The accessibility of these technologies is increasing, even for non-experts. This leads to widespread use and democratisation of manufacturing technologies, which can support distributed urban production. We present recent developments of an AI-supported laser cutter based on Open Source Hardware (OSH). Our approach integrates machine learning methods, including diffusion-based image generation and Large Language Models. This enables seamless integration of CAD-CAM systems. By combining hands-on learning with OSH machines and digital tools, we ensure a better understanding of the manufacturing workflow. We demonstrate the capability, accessibility, and potential of our approach using OSH machines. This can significantly influence future developments in digital fabrication.

Effect of paint baking treatment on microstructure and properties of 6082 aluminum alloy CMT welded joints filled with AlSi10Cu2Mg0.7Zn1 wire

Aluminium alloy 6082-T6 is known for its high strength and cost effectiveness, making it a popular choice for thin sheet structures such as automotive body panels. However, the welding-induced softening of the heat affected zone (HAZ) and the insufficient strength of the filler metal are the primary factors limiting its broader application. In this study, the lower heat input cold metal transfer welding method is employed, utilizing heat-treatable reinforced AlSi10Cu2Mg0.7Zn1 wire to weld 6082-T6 plates. Additionally, the impact of the baking paint process within the automotive manufacturing workflow on the evolution of microstructural characteristics of the HAZ and Weld Zone (WZ), as well as the mechanical properties of the joints, is investigated in detail. The findings indicate that the AlSi10Cu2Mg0.7Zn1 filled WZ contains a small quantity of θ, Q, and β phases, alongside a significant amount of reticulated eutectic Si distributed among the Al dendrites. Notably, the strength of the WZ is enhanced compared to that of conventional Al–Si and Al–Mg wires. During the baking process, the WZ exhibits the precipitation of a small amount of fine β’’ and β′ precipitates, which elevates the tensile strength of the WZ to 272 MPa and the yield strength to 179 MPa. Furthermore, the baking treatment promotes the further growth of β′ in the HAZ of the joints, while fine β’’ phases are reprecipitated within the Al matrix. The combined influence of these two precipitated phases results in an increase in the tensile strength of the HAZ by 29 MPa.

Microbial metabolite-guided CAR T cell engineering enhances anti-tumor immunity via epigenetic-metabolic crosstalk.

Emerging data have highlighted a correlation between microbiome composition and cancer immunotherapy outcome. While commensal bacteria and their metabolites are known to modulate the host environment, contradictory effects and a lack of mechanistic understanding impede the translation of microbiome-based therapies into the clinic. In this study, we demonstrate that abundance of the commensal metabolite pentanoate is predictive for survival of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell patients in two independent cohorts. Its implementation in the CAR T cell manufacturing workflow overcomes solid tumor microenvironments in immunocompetent cancer models by hijacking the epigenetic-metabolic crosstalk, reducing exhaustion and promoting naive-like differentiation. While synergy of clinically relevant drugs mimicked the phenotype of pentanoate-engineered CAR T cells in vitro, in vivo challenge showed inferior tumor control. Metabolic tracing of 13C-pentanoate revealed citrate generation in the TCA cycle via the acetyl- and succinyl-CoA entry points as a unique feature of the C5 aliphatic chain. Inhibition of the ATP-citrate lyase, which links metabolic output and histone acetylation, led to accumulation of pentanoate-derived citrate from the succinyl-CoA route and decreased functionality of SCFA-engineered CAR T cells. Our data demonstrate that microbial metabolites are incorporated as epigenetic imprints and implementation into CAR T cell production might serve as embodiment of the microbiome-host axis benefits for clinical applications.

Evaluating the accuracy of CEREC intraoral scanners for inlay restorations: impact of adjacent tooth materials

BackgroundThe accuracy of intraoral scanning is critical for computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing workflows in dentistry. However, data regarding the scanning accuracy of various adjacent restorative materials and intraoral scanners are lacking. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the effect of adjacent restorative material type and CEREC's intraoral scanners on the accuracy of intraoral digital impressions for inlay cavities.MethodsThe artificial tooth was prepared with an occlusal cavity depth of 2 mm, a proximal box width at the gingival floor of 1.5 mm, and an equi-gingival margin extended disto-occlusally at the transition line angle on both the lingual and buccal sides for an inlay restoration. The adjacent teeth were veneered with crowns made of gold and zirconia, and an artificial tooth (resin) was utilized as the control group. The inlay cavity and adjacent teeth (Gold, Zirconia, and resin) were scanned 10 times using Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics (CEREC) Primescan (PS), Omnicam (OC), and Bluecam (BC). A reference scan was obtained using a laboratory scanner (3-shape E3). Scanning was performed according to the manufacturer's instructions, including powder application for the BC group. Standard tesselation language files were analyzed using a three-dimensional analysis software program. Experimental data were analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance and the Tukey’s post-hoc comparison test.ResultsThe restorative materials of the adjacent teeth significantly affected the accuracy of the intraoral digital impressions (p < .05). The zirconia group exhibited the highest trueness deviation, followed by the resin and gold groups, with each demonstrating a statistically significant difference (p < .05). The resin group demonstrated the highest maximum positive deviation and deviation in precision. Gold exhibited the lowest average deviation value for trueness compared with those of the other adjacent restorative materials. Intraoral scanner type significantly influenced the trueness and precision of the scan data (p < .05). The average deviation of trueness according to the intraoral scanner type increased in the following order: BC > PS > OC. The average deviation in precision increased in the following order: PS>OC>BC (p < .05).ConclusionThe restorative materials of the adjacent tooth and the type of intraoral scanner affect the accuracy of the intraoral digital impression. The trueness of the digital images of the BC group, obtained by spraying the powder, was comparable to that of the PS group. Among the adjacent restorative materials, zirconia exhibited the lowest trueness. In contrast, PS demonstrated the highest precision among the intraoral scanners, while resin displayed the lowest precision among the adjacent restorative materials.

Enrichment of T-lymphocytes from leukemic blood using inertial microfluidics toward improved chimeric antigen receptor-T cell manufacturing

Chimeric antigen receptor cell therapy is a successful immunotherapy for the treatment of blood cancers. However, hurdles in their manufacturing remain including efficient isolation and purification of the T-cell starting material. Herein, we describe a one-step separation based on inertial spiral microfluidics for efficient enrichment of T-cells in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia patient's samples. In healthy donors used to optimize the process, the lymphocyte purity was enriched from 65% (SD ± 0.2) to 91% (SD ± 0.06) and T-cell purity was enriched from 45% (SD ± 0.1) to 73% (SD ± 0.02). Leukemic samples had higher starting B-cells compared to the healthy donor samples. Efficient enrichment and recovery of lymphocytes and T-cells were achieved in ALL samples with B-cells, monocytes and leukemic blasts depleted by 80% (SD ± 0.09), 89% (SD ± 0.1) and 74% (SD ± 0.09), respectively, and a 70% (SD ± 0.1) T-cell recovery. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia samples had lower T-cell numbers, and the separation process was less efficient compared to the ALL. This study demonstrates the use of inertial microfluidics for T-cell enrichment and depletion of B-cell blasts in ALL, suggesting its potential to address a key bottleneck of the chimeric antigen receptor-T manufacturing workflow.

Numerical simulation of a highly efficient perovskite solar cell based on FeSi2 photoactive layer

AbstractThe primary aim of this work is to investigate the use iron di‐silicide (FeSi2) as a photoactive layer in order to achieve superior performance in the solar cell architecture—ITO/TiO2/FeSi2/CuSCN/Ni. The optimum thickness of the absorber layer was found to be 1000 nm, which gave optimal properties of the proposed cell—a short‐circuit current density (Jsc) of 51.41 mAm−2, an open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.93 V, a fill factor (FF) of 77.99%, and power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 37.17%. The introduction of an ultrathin interfacial layer between the electron transport layer (ETL), the perovskite interface, and the hole transport layer (HTL) enhanced the electrical output of the proposed solar cell. The Jsc increased to 51.86 mAcm−2, Voc rose to 0.97 V, while FF and PCE increased to 82.86% and 41.84%, respectively. Accordingly, the proposed cell architecture is promising and can be introduced into the manufacturing workflow for commercial applications. Moreover, because of its exceptional photon absorption capabilities, FeSi2 is a potentially excellent photoactive material for solar cell fabrication. The detailed findings of this study have therefore indicated that high‐performance FeSi2‐based solar can be achieved in future.

Implementation of Additive Manufacturing Workflows into the Prosthetic &amp; Orthotic Industry: Case Study

The prosthetic and orthotic industry is evolving to include innovative technologies as solutions to material and labour usage, promoting more sustainable and cleanly practises for both staff and patients. 3D printing, scanning and software have revolutionised the workflows of clinicians, technicians and administrative staff. To determine the reliability and repeatability of additive manufacturing (AM) workflows in a P&amp;O company, observation and interview analyses were undertaken within an established prosthetic and orthotic company. The collection of data from these opportunities offered valuable insight into workflow sessions, employee feedback and predetermined themes regarding both traditional and AM processes for the production of Transtibial prosthetic sockets. Findings revealed the reduction in workflow sessions, technician resource and storage requirements when working through AM processes, although there is a lack of opportunity and resource for clinicians and technicians to learn how to use these digitalised processes. Although both traditional and 3D printed sockets receive similar feedback from patients regarding comfort and fit, discrepancies in socket weight were noted. A further understanding on the culture and adoption barriers of AM processes should be investigated for clinicians, technicians and administrative staff across a larger sample size.

Toward subtalar joint axis-driven computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing foot orthoses: Reliability of a noninvasive clinical scanning protocol.

The subtalar joint axis (STJA) occupies a key role in the dynamics of the lower limb kinetic chain, and its location has a wide interindividual variability. It has been suggested that considering the STJA location when designing foot orthoses may help to apply the required mechanical dose. However, the evidence is more anecdotal than empirical. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of the STJA digitization, a procedure combining the clinical determination of the functional STJA location and its subsequent 3-dimensional (3D) scanning. Two examiners identified the posterior and anterior exit points of the functional STJA on the skin of 15 healthy participants using a clinical method in a repeated-measure design. A handheld 3D scanner was used to scan the feet and the skin markers. The 3D coordinates of the skin markers were subsequently quantified and (1) STJA digitization intratester within-session, (2) STJA digitization intratester between-session, and (3) STJA digitization intertester between-session reliabilities were evaluated. When pooling all skin marker 3D coordinates, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for the STJA intratester within-session reliability ranged from 0.74 to 0.98. ICCs for the STJA digitization intratester between-session reliability ranged from 0.58 to 0.94. ICCs for the STJA digitization intertester reliability ranged from 0.56 to 0.81. Standard error of measurement for the mediolateral position of the talus marker (anterior exit point of the STJA) was substantially higher than that for the other coordinates. Overall, the STJA digitization demonstrated a good intratester between-session reliability and may be used in a computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing workflow to create foot orthoses. However, further efforts should be considered to improve the scanning process and intertester reliability.

Post-Production Finishing Processes Utilized in 3D Printing Technologies

Additive manufacturing (AM) has revolutionized production across industries, yet challenges persist in achieving optimal part quality. This paper studies the enhancement of post-processing techniques to elevate the overall quality of AM-produced components. This study focuses on optimizing various post-processing methodologies to address prevalent issues such as surface roughness, dimensional accuracy, and material properties. Through an extensive review, this article identifies and evaluates a spectrum of post-processing methods, encompassing thermal, chemical, and mechanical treatments. Special attention is given to their effects on different types of additive manufacturing technologies, including selective laser sintering (SLS), fused deposition modeling (FDM), and stereolithography (SLA) and their dedicated raw materials. The findings highlight the significance of tailored post-processing approaches in mitigating inherent defects, optimizing surface finish, and enhancing mechanical properties. Additionally, this study proposes novel post-processing procedures to achieve superior quality while minimizing fabrication time and infrastructure and material costs. The integration of post-processing techniques such as cleaning, surface finishing, heat treatment, support structure removal, surface coating, electropolishing, ultrasonic finishing, and hot isostatic pressing (HIP), as steps directly within the additive manufacturing workflow can immensely contribute toward this direction. The outcomes displayed in this article not only make a valuable contribution to the progression of knowledge regarding post-processing methods but also offer practical implications for manufacturers and researchers who are interested in improving the quality standards of additive manufacturing processes.

Successful expansion and cryopreservation of human natural killer cell line NK-92 for clinical manufacturing.

Natural killer (NK) cells have recently shown renewed promise as therapeutic cells for use in treating hematologic cancer indications. Despite this promise, NK cell manufacturing workflows remain largely manual, open, and disconnected, and depend on feeders, as well as outdated unit operations or processes, often utilizing research-grade reagents. Successful scale-up of NK cells critically depends on the availability and performance of nutrient-rich expansion media and cryopreservation conditions that are conducive to high cell viability and recovery post-thaw. In this paper we used Cytiva hardware and media to expand the NK92 cell line in a model process that is suitable for GMP and clinical manufacturing of NK cells. We tested a range of cryopreservation factors including cooling rate, a range of DMSO-containing and DMSO-free cryoprotectants, ice nucleation, and cell density. Higher post-thaw recovery was seen in cryobags over cryovials cooled in identical conditions, and cooling rates of 1°C/min or 2°C/min optimal for cryopreservation in DMSO-containing and DMSO-free cryoprotectants respectively. Higher cell densities of 5x107 cells/ml gave higher post-thaw viability than those cryopreserved at either 1x106 or 5x106 cells/ml. This enabled us to automate, close and connect unit operations within the workflow while demonstrating superior expansion and cryopreservation of NK92 cells. Cellular outputs and performance were conducive to clinical dosing regimens, serving as a proof-of-concept for future clinical and commercial manufacturing.

Label-Free and High-Throughput Removal of Residual Undifferentiated Cells From iPSC-Derived Spinal Cord Progenitor Cells.

The transplantation of spinal cord progenitor cells (SCPCs) derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has beneficial effects in treating spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the presence of residual undifferentiated iPSCs among their differentiated progeny poses a high risk as these cells can develop teratomas or other types of tumors post-transplantation. Despite the need to remove these residual undifferentiated iPSCs, no specific surface markers can identify them for subsequent removal. By profiling the size of SCPCs after a 10-day differentiation process, we found that the large-sized group contains significantly more cells expressing pluripotent markers. In this study, we used a sized-based, label-free separation using an inertial microfluidic-based device to remove tumor-risk cells. The device can reduce the number of undifferentiated cells from an SCPC population with high throughput (ie, >3 million cells/minute) without affecting cell viability and functions. The sorted cells were verified with immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry analysis, and colony culture assay. We demonstrated the capabilities of our technology to reduce the percentage of OCT4-positive cells. Our technology has great potential for the "downstream processing" of cell manufacturing workflow, ensuring better quality and safety of transplanted cells.

6D Pose Estimation on Point Cloud Data through Prior Knowledge Integration: A Case Study in Autonomous Disassembly

The accurate estimation of 6D pose remains a challenging task within the computer vision domain, even when utilizing 3D point cloud data. Conversely, in the manufacturing domain, instances arise where leveraging prior knowledge can yield advancements in this endeavor. This study focuses on the disassembly of starter motors to augment the engineering of product life cycles. A pivotal objective in this context involves the identification and 6D pose estimation of bolts affixed to the motors, facilitating automated disassembly within the manufacturing workflow. Complicating matters, the presence of occlusions and the limitations of single-view data acquisition, notably when motors are placed in a clamping system, obscure certain portions and render some bolts imperceptible. Consequently, the development of a comprehensive pipeline capable of acquiring complete bolt information is imperative to avoid oversight in bolt detection. In this paper, employing the task of bolt detection within the scope of our project as a pertinent use case, we introduce a meticulously devised pipeline. This multi-stage pipeline effectively captures the 6D information with regard to all bolts on the motor, thereby showcasing the effective utilization of prior knowledge in handling this challenging task. The proposed methodology not only contributes to the field of 6D pose estimation but also underscores the viability of integrating domain-specific insights to tackle complex problems in manufacturing and automation.

Dynamic context-aware workflow management architecture for efficient manufacturing: A ROS-based case study

The manufacturing industry of the future requires innovative approaches to optimize operational efficiency and adaptability. Integrating context-awareness into workflow management systems has emerged as a promising avenue to enhance efficiency in modern manufacturing processes. This research presents an innovative context-aware workflow management architecture designed to address industry-related challenges and overcome current limitations in the state-of-the-art. The architecture leverages Industry 4.0 standards for asset representation and workflow notation while incorporating a Context Analyzer component for real-time context interpretation. The effectiveness of the proposed solution is demonstrated in a real-world manufacturing setting, specifically in the scenario of collecting work order materials using the Robot Operating System (ROS) technology for robot navigation. The evaluation showcases improvements in task completion rate, resource utilization, and task completion time. These outcomes exemplify the potential benefits of incorporating context-awareness into manufacturing workflows, providing insights for further improvements. Contributions include advancing the understanding of context-aware workflow management, a review of the challenges that cap its adoption in the manufacturing domain, a qualitative comparison of similar approaches, practical implementation of the proposed architecture, evaluation of the context-aware component, and provision of the source code and datasets to the community for future advancement and reproducibility.

Materialising structural optimisation of reinforced concrete beams through digital fabrication

This study tackles the design, fabrication and testing of truss-like reinforced concrete beams. The paper introduces the strut optimisation method, a Eurocode 2-compliant design procedure which allows to optimise the shear strength of beams. The procedure is embedded in a numerical workflow that automates the design and fabrication of beams. Through a parametric study, potential concrete savings of 24% to 64% are estimated. A digital manufacturing workflow is presented. It is based on the 3D printing of recyclable clay moulds allowing to cast the hollowed-out parts truss-like elements. The fabrication of a 3 m-long prototype illustrates the implementation of the process. Four-point bending tests made on SOM-optimised specimens validate the compliance between the empirical behaviour and the theoretical model, paving the way for wider adoption of materially-efficient reinforced concrete beams.

Facile method for 3D printing conformally onto uneven surfaces and its application to face masks

Conventional additive manufacturing processes, where parts are built through layer-wise deposition of material on a horizontal plane, can be limiting when a part must be printed or fit onto uneven surfaces. Such situations will arise with increasing frequency as additive manufacturing application areas such as construction and medical devices continue to grow. In this work, we develop a simple and practical approach to generate toolpaths to print 3D structures onto uneven surfaces conformally. The algorithm uses only conventional planar toolpaths of both the structure to be printed and the substrate to be printed on and converts these to non-planar toolpaths, allowing easy integration with existing additive manufacturing workflows. The technique is demonstrated by printing flexible seals onto bespoke rigid face mask frames conformally via a conventional single-material 3D printer using the generated conformal toolpath. A notable improvement in air seal performance was observed for customized face masks with conformal soft seals compared to conventionally 3D-printed fully rigid face masks. This also shows the potential of the developed toolpath generation method to aid in the prototyping and fabrication of conformal medical and other devices.

Development and Clinical Validation of an Ultra-Fast CAR-T Manufacturing Platform Enabling Production of CAR-T Cells in Less Than 1 Day

Recently, the use of CAR-T cells has made a major impact on the therapy for a subset of hematologic malignancies including non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and multiple myeloma. In relapsed/refractory NHL where historically most patients did not respond to chemotherapy, CAR-T cell therapy can lead to initial remission rates &amp;gt;50%. Despite promising outcomes, there are major unmet needs to develop rapid, cost-effective, and scalable CAR-T manufacturing platforms that lead to efficacious and affordable autologous CAR-T cell products. Major barriers to widespread access to CAR-T cell therapy include weeks to months long delays from time of prescription to infusion that leads to disease progression in a significant subset of patients, very elevated costs that preclude access for a majority of patients world-wide, and high relapse rates (~estimated 30-60% within one year) in patients who initially achieve remission. To help address these barriers, we developed an ultra-fast CAR-T manufacturing platform (UF-CAR) that allows production of highly cost-effective CAR-T product in less than 24 hours. The manufacturing workflow was specifically designed to be simple, low cost and rapid to enable its formulation in healthcare facilities without sophisticated equipment or personnel expertise. In addition, we hypothesized that this manufacturing workflow would generate a product that demonstrates dramatically improved efficacy and CAR-T expansion in vivo. Using a BCMA CAR we manufactured CAR-T cell product using both our ultra-fast manufacturing workflow and a traditional 9-day CAR-T cell manufacture workflow. Both workflows led to nearly identical levels of CAR surface expression on the T cells (67% and 66% CAR expression on the UF-BCMA product and 9-day product respectively). To compare the activity of the products, we injected immunodeficient mice intravenously with luciferase labelled MM1.s cells followed by a single intravenous injection of CAR-T cells on day 0. As seen in figure 1A, both products demonstrated efficacy, but the UF-BCMA product induced durable disease control while disease progression started to occur with the 9-day product on day 29 after CAR-T injection. Consistent with the improved efficacy, circulating levels of the UF-BCMA CAR-T cells in the mouse blood were found to be up to 100x higher than the levels of the 9-day BCMA CAR-T product (Figure 1B). Similar increased potency and marked increases in circulating CAR-T cells were observed in a mouse model of human lymphoma when comparing a CD19 CAR manufactured using the UF-CAR workflow as compared to a standard CAR-T manufacturing process. To assess the safety and clinical potential of CAR-T products manufactured with the UF-CAR platform, a phase 1 trial was recently initiated using a CD19 CAR-T product (UF-Kure19). This trial that is open to patients with relapsed/refractory NHL completed treatment of its first patient who had relapsed mantle cell lymphoma. UF-Kure19 product was manufactured successfully in less than 1 day and demonstrated CAR expression of 41%. The product passed all release criteria for infusion and was administered to the patient after lymphodepletion with fludarabine 30mg/m2 and cyclophosphamide 500mg/m2 daily for 3 days. UF-Kure19 cells expanded robustly in the patient and peaked around day 10 (23% of circulating CD3) with a strong skewing of CD4/CD8 cells (93% CD8+ T cells on day 10). The patient was found to be in complete metabolic remission by day 28 and ongoing remission was confirmed on day 60. We have developed an ultra-fast CAR-T cell manufacturing platform that enables low-cost production in less than one day. In vitro and animal data suggest this fast-manufacturing platform leads to potent CAR-T cells. Early human testing indicates CAR-T cells generated using this novel system have clinical activity against hematologic malignancies.

Indoor replication of outdoor climbing routes: fidelity analysis of digital manufacturing workflow

This study aims to evaluate the advantages and criticalities of applying additive manufacturing to produce climbing holds replicating real rocky surfaces. A sample of a rocky surface has been reproduced with a budget-friendly 3D scanner exploiting structured light and made in additive manufacturing. The methodology is designed to build a high-fidelity replica of the rocky surface using only minor geometry modifications to convert a 2D triangulated surface into a 3D watertight model optimised for additive manufacturing. In addition, the research uses a novel design and uncertainty estimation approach. The proposed methodology proved capable of replicating a rocky sample with sub-millimetre accuracy, which is more realistic than conventional screw-on plastic holds currently used in climbing gyms. The advantages can be addressed in terms of customisation, manufacturing cost and time reduction that could lead to real outdoor climbing experiences in indoor environments by coupling additive manufacturing techniques and reverse engineering (RE). However, operating the scanner in a rocky environment and the considerable size of the climbing routes suggest that further research is needed to extend the proposed methodology to real case studies. Further analysis should focus on selecting the best material and additive manufacturing technology to produce structural components for climbing environments.

Tungsten Filled 3-Dimensional Printed Lung Blocks for Total Body Irradiation

Lung blocks for total-body irradiation are commonly used to reduce lung dose and prevent radiation pneumonitis. Currently, molten Cerrobend containing toxic materials, specifically lead and cadmium, is poured into molds to construct blocks. We propose a streamlined method to create 3-dimensional (3D)-printed lung block shells and fill them with tungsten ball bearings to remove lead and improve overall accuracy in the block manufacturing workflow. 3D-printed lung block shells were automatically generated using an inhouse software, printed, and filled with 2 to 3 mm diameter tungsten ball bearings. Clinical Cerrobend blocks were compared with the physician drawn blocks as well as our proposed tungsten filled 3D-printed blocks. Physical and dosimetric comparisons were performed on a linac. Dose transmission through the Cerrobend and 3D-printed blocks were measured using point dosimetry (ion-chamber) and the on-board Electronic-Portal-Imaging-Device (EPID). Dose profiles from the EPID images were used to compute the full-width-half-maximum and to compare with the treatment-planning-system. Additionally, the coefficient-of-variation in the central 80% of full-width-half-maximum was computed and compared between Cerrobend and 3D-printed blocks. The geometric difference between treatment-planning-system and 3D-printed blocks was significantly lower than Cerrobend blocks (3D: -0.88 ± 2.21 mm, Cerrobend: -2.28 ± 2.40 mm, P = .0002). Dosimetrically, transmission measurements through the 3D-printed and Cerrobend blocks for both ion-chamber and EPID dosimetry were between 42% to 48%, compared with the open field. Additionally, coefficient-of-variation was significantly higher in 3D-printed blocks versus Cerrobend blocks (3D: 4.2% ± 0.6%, Cerrobend: 2.6% ± 0.7%, P < .0001). We designed and implemented a tungsten filled 3D-printed workflow for constructing total-body-irradiation lung blocks, which serves as an alternative to the traditional Cerrobend based workflow currently used in clinics. This workflow has the capacity of producing clinically useful lung blocks with minimal effort to facilitate the removal of toxic materials from the clinic.

Current applications of 3D printing in dental implantology: Ascoping review mapping the evidence.

This scoping review aimed to identify the available evidence in the use of 3D printing technology in dental implantology. Due to the broad scope of the subject and its application in implantology, three main areas of focus were identified: (1) customized dental implants, (2) manufacturing workflow for surgical implant guides, and (3) related implant-supported prostheses factors, which include the metallic primary frameworks, secondary ceramic or polymer superstructures, and 3D implant analog models. Online databases (Medline, Cochrane, Embase, and CINAHL) were used to identify the studies published up to February 2023 in English. Two experienced reviewers performed independently the screening and selection among the 1737 studies identified. The articles evaluated the additive manufacturing (AM) technology, materials, printing, and post-processing parameters regarding dental implantology. The 132 full-text studies that met the inclusion criteria were examined. Thirteen studies of customized dental implants, 22 studies about the workflow for surgical implant guides, and 30 studies of related implant-supported prostheses factors were included. (1) The clinical evidence about AM titanium and zirconia implants is scarce. Early data on survival rates, osseointegration, and mechanical properties are being reported. (2) 3D printing is a proven manufacturing technology to produce surgical implant guides. Adherence to the manufacturer's instructions is crucial and the best accuracy was achieved using MultiJet printer. (3) The quality of 3D printed prosthetic structures and superstructures is improving remarkably, especially on metallic alloys. However, better marginal fit and mechanical properties can be achieved with milling technology for metals and ceramics.

Synthetic DNA and RNA Can Open New Manufacturing Workflows

Synthetic DNA and RNA Can Open New Manufacturing Workflows