Print Quality Research Articles

Shape recovery and energy absorption properties of 3D printed continuous ramie fiber reinforced thin‐walled biocomposite structures

AbstractContinuous fiber reinforced composites are widely used in thin‐walled structures due to their high specific strength and stiffness. In this work, continuous natural fiber was introduced into thin‐walled biocomposite structures via 3D printing technique to enhance energy absorbing properties and promote ecological compatibility. The effects of varying configurations of printing speed, layer thickness, and path optimization on the deposition quality of continuous ramie fiber and polylactic acid matrix were explored. The results showed that reduced printing speed (100 mm/min) and optimal layer thickness (0.25 mm) effectively minimized structural forming defects. In addition, further enhancements in the printing quality could be achieved by smoothing the path with rounded corners. Based on optimal printing strategies, different configurations of thin‐walled biocomposite structures were fabricated. Lateral monotonic and cyclic load tests were performed to investigate their energy absorption and shape recovery capacities. When the loading displacement was 10 mm (strain was 20%), the circular structure presented good shape recovery capability, with measured recovery ratio remaining above 89%. The hexagonal structure showed a similar variation in shape recovery ratio as the quadrangular structure, both remaining above 75%. Moreover, the specific energy absorption of all the structures converged after two cycles, indicating their remarkable and stable repeatable load‐bearing capacity.Highlights Continuous ramie fiber reinforced thin‐walled structures were prepared. The deformation patterns of structures under lateral compression were analyzed. Energy absorption and shape recovery radio were studied under cycle loading. Printed structures exhibited great and stable repeatable load‐bearing capacity.

Modeling concrete deposition via 3D printing using reproducing kernel particle method

The quality and geometry conformity of 3D concrete printing are the two major concerns facing autonomous construction. To investigate the geometry of printed concrete and optimize the printing strategy, the reproducing kernel particle method (RKPM) was developed and implemented for the first time to describe the flow of fresh concrete and simulate the process of 3D printing. The proposed novel numerical simulation method is associated with a Bingham constitutive model, which was determined by a rotational rheometer. Physical slump tests were performed at various resting times to investigate the time-dependent behavior of concrete. An experimental parametric study of the geometry of a single-layer printed concrete was also conducted at various printing speeds and nozzle heights. Multi-layer printing cases were performed to investigate the cross-sectional deformation over the printed layers. The simulated values of slump over time compared well with the experimental measurements. As such, the proposed RKPM ability to capture time-dependent concrete behavior has been validated. The simulations based on the initially verified RKPM method can yield precise geometry predictions of a single- and multi-layer printed concrete, proving a wide range of application scenarios of the novel RKPM modeling approach.

3d printing of skull models in horse, ox and pig

In this study, it was aimed to physically create skull models of large-sized animal sample horse, cattle and pig species used in veterinary anatomy education with three-dimensional printing technology and to determine the suitability of these models anatomically. The anatomical structures on the skull models obtained for this purpose were examined comparatively and the advantages and disadvantages of the models in terms of their usability in education were revealed. For the study, 3D reconstruction and segmentation processes were performed digitally on the cross-sectional images of horse, cattle and pig skulls obtained by computed tomography scanning and printed. Anatomical structures were comparatively analyzed on the produced 3d plastic replicas and organic skulls. Anatomical accuracy of the 3d models, printing quality, printing errors, advantages and disadvantages were evaluated. Plastic models were found to be approximately 45% lighter than organic models in horses, 55% lighter in cattle and 60% lighter in pigs. The weight (g)/printing time (s) ratio was calculated as 11.8 for equine skull models, 12.7 for bovine models and 7.4 for porcine models. It was determined that the anatomical accuracy of the models was at a high level, important anatomical structures could be printed in accordance with the original skulls, and only some sutures between the skull bones and holes with a diameter of less than 2 mm could not be clearly visualized due to scanning and printing quality. As a result, it was determined that the plastic replicas obtained can be used in veterinary anatomy education in terms of anatomical accuracy, as well as important advantages such as being lighter, more resistant to effects such as falling, impact, cleaning, easy storage, low cost, reprinting when necessary and making corrections on the model.

Design and evaluation of non-planar material extrusion on a 3-axis printer

AbstractThe use of material extrusion (MEX) has increased rapidly due to the affordability of 3D printers. This has led to a growing demand for improved print quality, high fidelity, strength, or fast print times. In this study, a non-planar approach for better surface quality is investigated. The hardware of a 3-axis MEX printer was developed together with testing new software for non-planar slicing. The aim was to identify the most influential parameter combinations using design of experiments. A novel method for measuring surface quality was presented together with future research work.

Selection strategy of curing depth for vat photopolymerization 3D printing of Al2O3 ceramics

Vat photopolymerization (VPP) 3D printing technology allows the fabrication of complex ceramic structure components through the layer-by-layer stacking strategy. The curing depth is a crucial parameter for the stacking process, as it directly impacts the printing quality. Furthermore, this parameter exerts a profound effect on the final quality of the printed part. However, there is currently a lack of comprehensive research on how the curing depth affects VPP ceramic 3D printing. This study aims to thoroughly evaluate the impact of curing depth parameters on critical aspects of the 3D printing process, including the forming accuracy, surface quality, monomer conversion, resin pyrolysis, interlayer defects, and mechanical properties. The results of our investigation clearly demonstrate the significant influence of curing depth on the precision and performance of VPP 3D printed ceramic parts. Ceramic samples produced with higher curing depth exhibited superior surface quality (Ra<1.6 μm) but lower forming accuracy. Increasing the curing depth improved interlayer adhesion but excessive depth led to a decreased monomer conversion content from 5.2 % to 2.0 % and an internal stress in the green body. Moreover, increasing the curing depth intensified the pyrolysis process and increased the propensity for cracks forming, as confirmed by simultaneous thermal analysis and microstructure observations. The flexural strength of the sintered samples reached its maximum value of 630 MPa at three times the printing layer thickness. This study provides valuable insights for selecting appropriate curing depth parameters in VPP ceramic 3D printing.

Effect of natural thickener on printing performance over cotton woven fabric

Execution of natural thickener (wild taro corm) over pretreated cotton woven fabric with reactive dye has been explored in this research work. Taro root was collected from Sherpur in Bangladesh and made into a fine powder using a grinder. Thickener pastes were prepared by using different concentrations of taro powder, then their viscosity was measured to find out the difference with sodium alginate thickener, which is traditionally used for reactive printing. A suitable thickener stock paste concentration was selected from a number of trials and depending on the result of visual sharpness of the printed samples. A suitable reactive printing method was selected between all in (1 step) and 2 step methods of reactive printing and finally the amount of thickener on the printing recipe was optimized. The color fastness to wash, color fastness to rubbing, bending length, K/S value, levelness, penetration%, print paste adds on and visual sharpness were measured to assess the printing quality. The findings indicate that when Taro corm powder is combined with boiled water, it produces a solution with higher viscosity. Additionally, a mixture of 15 % taro and boiled water yields the most distinct print outline. Comparatively, the 2-step reactive printing method offers a superior outline compared to the 1-step (all in one) method. Moreover, using 50 to 60 gm of taro corm thickening paste for every 100 g of print paste results in a higher K/S value. The results revealed that the wild taro corm could be used successfully as thickener for reactive printing. Finally, the cost was also calculated, and it was found economical as well compared to sodium alginate.

Fast and Massive Pixel-Level Morphology Detection by Imaging Processing for Inkjet Printing.

With the rapid development of the emerging intelligent, flexible, transparent, and wearable electronic devices, such as quantum-dot-based micro light-emitting diodes (micro-LEDs), thin-film transistors (TFTs), and flexible sensors, numerous pixel-level printing technologies have emerged. Among them, inkjet printing has proven to be a useful and effective tool for consistently printing micron-level ink droplets, for instance, smaller than 50 µm, onto wearable electronic devices. However, quickly and accurately determining the printing quality, which is significant for the electronic device performance, is challenging due to the large quantity and micron size of ink droplets. Therefore, leveraging existing image processing algorithms, we have developed an effective method and software for quickly detecting the morphology of printed inks served in inkjet printing. This method is based on the edge detection technology. We believe this method can greatly meet the increasing demands for quick evaluation of print quality in inkjet printing.

Using Own Algorithms to Increase the Quality and Fatigue Resistance of FDM Printing for Use in Drones and Small Aircraft

Abstract The present article discusses the three-dimensional (3D) printing process in the fused deposition modeling (FDM) or the fused filament fabrication (FFF) technique using the author’s own philosophy of shaping the printing head path. The main requirements are the possibility of eliminating supports and reducing or even eliminating the need for the mechanical processing of 3D prints before their final assembly. The presented methodology was implemented in a computer program written by the author and was used to print typical parts used in aviation. Individual methods of shaping parts typical for the construction of small flying models, such as wings and fuselages, and methods of strengthening and connecting them have been discussed. The proposed solutions are illustrated with photos of readymade prints. This article also discusses the issues that printing high-quality parts may encounter and how to avoid them. Some attention has also been paid to the materials used for printing and their suitability in the construction of aircraft and their fatigue strength.

DESIGN AND PRINTING OF HELICAL GEAR WITH RESIN 3D PRINTING MACHINE

Stereolithography 3D printing (SLA) has evolved into a leading additive manufacturing technology, revolutionizing various industries with its precision and versatility. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the advances and challenges in SLA 3D printing technology. This overview begins with an overview of the principles of SLA printing, including the photopolymerization process and the role of digital slicing software in creating printable 3D models. Next, recent advances in materials such as photopolymer resins have improved mechanical, biocompatibility, and functional properties, expanding the applications of his SLA printing in areas such as aerospace, healthcare, and consumer products. This section explains. Additionally, this review addresses improvements to hardware components such as light sources, build platforms, and optical systems, resulting in increased print speed, resolution, and reliability. Additionally, the impact of advances in post-processing techniques such as UV curing, rinsing, and surface finishing on the final print quality will be investigated. Key Words: Stereolithography, photopolymerization, 3D printing, hardware, UV curing, rinsing.

Spatter-flow interaction behavior under protective gas flow parameters and scanning directions

Spattering is a common issue in selective laser melting (PBF-LB), causing contamination of the powder bed and negatively affecting product quality. One solution to this problem is introducing an inert gas flow that can remove spatter particles. The gas flow's characteristics and interaction with spatter particles depend on process parameters and involve a multi-physical field coupling process. However, current research mainly focuses on spattering behavior under single process conditions and lacks systematic exploration of gas flow characteristics and their interaction with spattering. This paper investigates the gas flow-spatter interaction process in PBF-LB, constructing a coupled model of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Discrete Element Method (DEM). The model investigates the effects of inlet height, inlet flow velocity and laser scanning direction on the deposition and removal of spattered particles. The study reveals that flow velocity and inlet height affect the dynamic behavior of spattering by altering the flow distribution, while the laser scanning direction influences spatter dynamics by changing the direction of spatter ejects. The rate of spatter removal increases as the angle between the scanning direction and flow direction, and the flow velocity, increase. Conversely, it decreases as the inlet height increases. This work provides theoretical understanding of the interaction between gas flow characteristics and spattering, which is significant for optimizing printing process parameters and improving printing quality.

A novel pellet-based 3D printing of high stretchable elastomer

Elastomers, known for their high stretchability and flexibility, are widely used in high-tech applications. However, traditional manufacturing methods for elastomeric part production have limitations. 3D printing, particularly fused deposition modeling (FDM), offers a promising alternative by allowing the fabrication of customized elastomers with desired shapes and properties. Conventional filament-based FDM techniques struggle to print elastomers. This article presents a novel approach for 3D printing polyolefin elastomer (POE) using a direct pellet printing technique. A customized pellet printer with a pneumatic pressure feeding system was used that eliminates filament buckling issues commonly associated with conventional filament-based 3D printing methods. The mechanical properties and microstructure of the printed parts were analyzed to evaluate the suitability of the technique for producing high-quality elastomeric components. SEM images indicated a high-quality and accurate printing method; however, there are micro-holes between the raster due to the high shrinkage rate of POE and increasing the nozzle temperature improves the print quality. The mechanical properties of the printed samples exhibited remarkable formability, with elongation reaching up to 1965%. It is also found that as the nozzle temperature increased, the strength, elongation, and bonding between layers improved significantly. This innovative 3D printing technique has the potential for various applications such as soft robotics and wearable electronics.

Box-Behnken modeling to optimize the engineering response and the energy expenditure in material extrusion additive manufacturing of short carbon fiber reinforced polyamide 6

The field of production engineering is constantly attempting to be distinguished for promoting sustainability, energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and prudent material consumption. In this study, three control parameters (3D printing settings), namely nozzle temperature, travel speed, and layer height (LH) are being investigated on polyamide 6/carbon fiber (15 wt%) tensile specimens. The aim is the optimum combination of energy efficiency and mechanical performance of the specimens. For the analysis of the results, the Box-Behnken design-of-experiment was applied along with the analysis of variance. The statistical analysis conducted based on the experimental results, indicated the importance of the LH control setting, as to affecting the mechanical strength. In particular, the best tensile strength value (σB = 83.52 MPa) came from the 0.1 mm LH. The same LH, whereas caused the highest energy consumption in 3D printing (EPC = 0.252 MJ) and printing time (PT = 2272 s). The lowest energy consumption (EPC = 0.036 MJ) and printing time (PT = 330 s) were found at 0.3 mm LH. Scanning electron microscopy was employed as a part of the manufactured specimens’ 3D printing quality evaluation, while Thermogravimetric analysis was also conducted. The modeling approach led to the formation of equations for the prediction of critical metrics related to energy consumption and the mechanical performance of composite parts built with the MEX 3D printing method. These equations proved their reliability through a confirmation run, which showed that they can safely be applied, within specific boundaries, in real-life applications.Graphical abstract

Optimization of process parameters of 3D printed thermoplastic elastomeric materials using statistical modeling with particular reference to mechanical properties and print quality

Additive manufacturing of thermoplastic elastomeric material (TPE) using direct ink writing (DIW) based printing technique opens new horizons for various applications. However, the most crucial process in DIW 3D printing is the optimization of printing parameters to obtain high-quality products both in terms of aesthetics and strength. In this work, statistical models were developed considering layer height, print speed, and, ink concentration to obtain the optimized print quality product from the blend of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)/ epichlorohydrin − ethylene oxide − allyl glycidyl ether elastomer (GECO) based TPE materials. Experiments were designed according to the central composite design (CCD) scheme and the influence of input printing parameters on shrinkage and tensile strength was analyzed. The significance of each parameter was systematically studied using the response surface method. For both responses, shrinkage, and tensile strength, printing speed was found to be the most significant parameter. Ink concentration significantly affected tensile strength with a contribution of ∼ 34%. On the other hand, the layer height, with a contribution of ∼ 22% significantly affected the shrinkage behaviour of the 3D printed sample. Finally, multi-objective optimization was performed using a genetic algorithm to identify the optimal 3D printing parameters of the developed TPE materials.

Precisely Printable Silk Fibroin/Carboxymethyl Cellulose/Alginate Bioink for 3D Printing.

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting opens up many possibilities for tissue engineering, thanks to its ability to create a three-dimensional environment for cells like an extracellular matrix. However, the use of natural polymers such as silk fibroin in 3D bioprinting faces obstacles such as having a limited printability due to the low viscosity of such solutions. This study addresses these gaps by developing highly viscous, stable, and biocompatible silk fibroin-based inks. The addition of 2% carboxymethyl cellulose sodium and 1% sodium alginate to an aqueous solution containing 2.5 to 5% silk fibroin significantly improves the printability, stability, and mechanical properties of the printed scaffolds. It has been demonstrated that the more silk fibroin there is in bioinks, the higher their printability. To stabilize silk fibroin scaffolds in an aqueous environment, the printed structures must be treated with methanol or ethanol, ensuring the transition from the silk fibroin's amorphous phase to beta sheets. The developed bioinks that are based on silk fibroin, alginate, and carboxymethyl cellulose demonstrate an ease of printing and a high printing quality, and have a sufficiently good biocompatibility with respect to mesenchymal stromal cells. The printed scaffolds have satisfactory mechanical characteristics. The resulting 3D-printing bioink composition can be used to create tissue-like structures.

Development and Outlook for the FDM Printed Nozzle Structure

Abstract:: The nozzle is one of the parts of a 3D printer that cannot be missed because of its widespread popularity in recent years. The nozzle's structure determines the quality of the printed product; therefore, selecting a suitable nozzle structure is crucial. With the advancement of 3D printing technology in recent years, 3D printers have progressively come under investigation. Examining the design of the nozzle, feeding mechanism, and printing platform can help to increase the quality of the prints. The design and enhancement of the nozzle structure are beneficial to the advancement of 3D printing technology since it is one of the key elements influencing print quality. Using the research methods, research content, and invention structure of the most recent representative patents on this nozzle structure, the features and operating principle of the 3D printed nozzle structure are illustrated. To classify and examine the nozzle temperature and nozzle clogging that impact the nozzles, a patent analysis of various types of 3D printing nozzle structures is carried out. Future trends in 3D printing nozzle structures are also covered. The issues caused by nozzle work can be resolved to increase product quality and precision by comparing various 3D printing nozzle structures. This will also lead to the invention of more relevant patents in the future, including those about printing numerous nozzles and high-strength metals.

Characterization of HIPEs stabilized by soy protein isolate with excellent rheological properties for 3D printing: Bridging the correlation among structure, function and application

Currently, the correlation between how protein structural changes affected the function of high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) and the regulation of 3D printing performance was still unclear. Herein, this study was aimed to research the relationship between interface properties and stability of soy protein isolate (SPI) at different degrees of oxidation and prepare HIPEs with desirable rheological properties and a solid-like structure to use for 3D printing. The findings of this study suggested that moderate oxidation led to the disruption of the protein's main chain skeleton, resulting in enhancing protein flexibility and surface hydrophobicity. The HIPEs stabilized by this condition owned higher apparent viscosity, over 70% of thixotropic recovery rate, sufficient yield stress (160.8 Pa) and higher G′ and G″. This HIPEs with excellent properties could be the food-grade 3D printing inks to produce samples with high resolution. In addition, this HIPEs exhibited a slow-release effect on free fatty acids (FFA) in the gastrointestinal digestion. Finally, the findings of the correlation analysis indicated that the flexibility and surface hydrophobicity of SPI was a key factor to affect the quality of HIPEs and 3D printing. In conclusion, moderate oxidation could change the structure and interfacial characteristics of SPI, thus endowing HIPEs stabilized by modified SPI with better properties and expanding the field of SPI in the food industry. These findings not only were of great significance for guiding protein production and providing new protein-based 3D printable materials, but also this provided new possibilities for preparing fat substitutes with good appearance.

3D printing of a photo-curable hydrogel to engineer mechanically robust porous structure for ion capture or sustained potassium ferrate(VI) release for water treatment

Contaminated water and scarcity of clean water are becoming progressively serious environmental concerns. Removal of hazardous pollutants from wastewater is vital and urgently needed attention for the protection of pure water resources. To tackle the aforementioned challenges, macroporous structures have great potential to be used in the treatment of heavy metal ions to improve the adsorption efficiency and sustainability of wastewater treatment methodologies. In this context, additive manufacturing technologies have gained considerable attention because of their ability to construct intricate macroporous shapes with multifunctionalities using diverse materials. Here, we used a photocrosslinking graft copolymerization of polyvinyl alcohol/acrylic acid-based ink using UV irradiation in the presence of Norrish type II photosensitizer through a hot-melt extrusion-type 3D printer to improve the printing quality of crosslinked ink. The photocured inks offered strong shear-thinning behavior that allowed layer-by-layer deposition to generate well-defined 3D structures, while having sufficiently high viscoelasticity to retain the shape after printing process. With an adequate viscosity at the higher extrusion shearing forces, the 3D printed structures could create multifaceted self-supporting scaffolds with an internal lattice structure that possesses high level of porosity. The hierarchically porous structure of 3D objects showed a recoverable structure yet robust matrix, offering more specific surface area, capable of effectively removing heavy metal ions from water with fast-responsiveness and a high capacity. The ferrate(VI)-contained 3D capsule-like object was also detected to be efficient regarding chemical oxygen demand reduction and decolorization of real wastewater. Such 3D-printed hierarchical macroporous objects can offer great prospects in the treatment of water and wastewater purification applications.

Renewable Methacrylate Resins for 3D Printing Containing Dynamic Hydroxyester Linkages for Reprocessability

AbstractTo facilitate the ongoing transition toward a circular economy, renewable 3D print materials that are both sustainable and competitive must be accessible. However, the growing demand for bio‐based thermosetting resins, which are used as ink for vat photopolymerization, gives rise to environmental concerns in terms of plastic waste management. Therefore, photocurable materials that are renewable and recyclable at the same time are needed. In this work, a mechanically robust and reprocessable 3D printed photopolymer is developed from renewable feedstock. Reaction of malic acid with glycidyl methacrylate introduces both methacrylate moieties that can undergo photopolymerization in the 3D printer, and β‐hydroxyester linkages that can act as dynamic crosslinks via bond exchange reactions. By combining modified malic acid with reactive diluents, a photoinitiator, and phosphate catalyst, three distinct resins are formulated, resulting in bio‐based contents ranging from 43% to 49%. The formulations demonstrate good layer fusion and accurate print quality, while the 3D printed specimens are robust and thermally stable. Notably, the printed object with shortest relaxation time displayed Arrhenius flow behavior with an activation energy of 36.0 kJ mol−1, and its mechanical performance is maintained after being recycled three times. This contributes to the end‐of‐life perspective of photocurable resins in additive manufacturing.

DERIVATION OF EXPRESSION FOR PHOTOCURRENT DENSITY FOR NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING OF 3D PRINTING FILAMENT BY MEANS OF TERAHERTZ SPECTROSCOPY

This report presents a revised expression for the photocurrent density in terahertz spectroscopy, which is a non-destructive testing technique of particular interest to the authors in the context of 3D printed parts. 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, involves creating three-dimensional objects based on computer-aided design (CAD) models. The process entails depositing, joining, or solidifying material under computer control, layer by layer.&#x0D; &#x0D; Defects in 3D printing, such as weak infill, gaps in thin walls, inconsistent extrusion, layer separation, and bed drop, can lead to low printing quality and render some printed parts unfit and unsafe for use. Moreover, the ability to tamper with internal layers without altering the exterior could result in the production of maliciously defective parts without detection. Therefore, it is crucial to test 3D printed details and filaments at each stage of processing using non-destructive methods.&#x0D; &#x0D; A comprehensive review of the relevant literature indicates the potential for enhancing measurement accuracy through various improvements in terahertz spectrometer models. The mathematical model for the photocurrent involves a convolution integral of the current density and the laser radiation pulse that irradiates the surface of the material under study. The expression within the integral incorporates parameters such as the duration of the optical pulse, carrier lifetime, and momentum relaxation time. By evaluating the integral, the result can be obtained as two terms, each being a product of an exponent and a complementary error function with the same parameters mentioned earlier.&#x0D; &#x0D; The calculation involves several steps, including a change of variables during integration. Verification using Maple software demonstrates agreement with analytical calculations and suggests a pathway for further refinement of the expression for the photocurrent density. The Maple program influenced the results by means of repeating same calculation with aid of computer and allowing to compare if analytical results are same and true, also it could be use for simulation and example calculation, for results graphical representation. &#x0D; &#x0D; The connection between the obtained mathematical expression and its relation to 3D printing (additive manufacturing) exists. The explanation is in that the 3D printer uses filament, filament has defects, defectoscopy of filament in the terahertz domain have models and methods. The research of defectoscopy models and methods is helpful to increase accuracy of measurement of filament defect parameters and account on it and improve the quality of 3D printed details.

Preparation and Characterization of 3D Printed Objects Based on Different Kefir Gels

In this study, kefir-containing healthy snacks were produced by using 3D food printing technique. Although kefir has many important health benefits, its consumption is quite low. It was thought that kefir-containing snacks in attractive shapes produced with a 3D food printer could increase the kefir consumption. For this purpose, disintegrated kefir gels prepared with starch, gelatin and alginate were used as inks. First, the minimum gelation concentration (C*) of each gelator was determined. Then, disintegrated gels with concentrations of C*, C*+1%, and C*+2% were prepared with each gelator and the effect of gelator concentration on printing quality was investigated for each gelator. Printing quality was associated with storage modulus, loss factor and flow behavior, and the minimum gelator concentration required for a suitable formulation for 3D printing (highest printability and dimensional stability) was determined as 5%, 6% and 3% for starch, gelatin and alginate, respectively. Lactobacillus spp. and Lactococcus spp. contents of the starch-based sample were found to be significantly lower than those of fresh kefir and gelatin and alginate-based samples. Sensory properties and consumer appreciation were lower for the gelatin-based sample. Due to the high printing quality (98% printability and 99% dimensional stability), high probiotic content (7.81 and 8.13 log cfu/ml Lactobacillus spp. and Lactococcus spp. content, respectively) and high consumer appreciation (4.71 out of 5 for general acceptance), alginate-based sample (containing 3% alginate) was chosen as the best sample. In conclusion, new, chewable, alive, alternative kefir products were successfully developed for consumers seeking new ways of kefir consumption.