Printing Tools Research Articles

3D printing and artificial intelligence tools for droplet microfluidics: Advances in the generation and analysis of emulsions

Droplet microfluidics has emerged as highly relevant technology in diverse fields such as nanomaterials synthesis, photonics, drug delivery, regenerative medicine, food science, cosmetics, and agriculture. While significant progress has been made in understanding the fundamental mechanisms underlying droplet generation in microchannels and in fabricating devices to produce droplets with varied functionality and high throughput, challenges persist along two important directions. On one side, the generalization of numerical results obtained by computational fluid dynamics would be important to deepen the comprehension of complex physical phenomena in droplet microfluidics, as well as the capability of predicting the device behavior. Conversely, truly three-dimensional architectures would enhance microfluidic platforms in terms of tailoring and enhancing droplet and flow properties. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and additive manufacturing (AM) promise unequaled opportunities for simulating fluid behavior, precisely tracking individual droplets, and exploring innovative device designs. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent progress in applying AI and AM to droplet microfluidics. The basic physical properties of multiphase flows and mechanisms for droplet production are discussed, and the current fabrication methods of related devices are introduced, together with their applications. Delving into the use of AI and AM technologies in droplet microfluidics, topics covered include AI-assisted simulations of droplet behavior, real-time tracking of droplets within microfluidic systems, and AM-fabrication of three-dimensional systems. The synergistic combination of AI and AM is expected to deepen the understanding of complex fluid dynamics and active matter behavior, expediting the transition toward fully digital microfluidic systems.

Applying Design Thinking to Teach Physics and Mathematics: A Case Study on Building a Parachute and Analyzing Its Properties

Eleven high school students participated in a one-week STEM summer camp focused on designing and building parachutes to deliver fragile objects safely. Using the Engineering Design Process (EDP) as a framework, students explored how canopy size affects performance. They applied physics concepts such as terminal velocity, forces, and acceleration, alongside mathematical skills like diagram interpretation. The program incorporated innovative technologies, including 3D design and printing tools and the BBC micro:bit microcontroller. Students followed the EDP steps—designing, building, testing, and refining prototypes—while also discussing the nature of science and distinguishing it from engineering practices. The camp successfully met its objectives: students enhanced their understanding of physics concepts, grasped key aspects of the nature of science, and demonstrated the ability to follow the EDP. They designed and built two parachutes, collected and analyzed data from test falls, and drew meaningful conclusions. This study highlights the potential of integrating engineering, physics, mathematics, and the nature of science into STEM education. The findings suggest that guided use of the EDP and modern technologies can improve students' scientific knowledge and problem-solving skills, fostering a deeper engagement with STEM concepts.

PENDAMPINGAN PEMBUATAN ALAT CETAK UNTUK TEMPE DEBOG DALAM RANGKA STANDAR UKURAN DAN TEBAL TEMPE DI DESA TEGALREJO PROBOLINGGO

The size and thickness of tempe debog (banana tree fronds) is not standard because when the soft soybeans are spread over the banana tree fronds there is no size depending on the density when pressing the soybeans it can lengthen or widen so that the edges of the tempe are uneven between the sides and the thickness of the tempe is uneven. The purpose of this service is to make tempe molding tools to provide a standard size and thickness of the tempe produced. The method used follows the implementation stages for activities, namely conducting field surveys, following the process of making debog tempeh, analyzing what is needed in the production process. Based on the results of the analysis of observations while at the tempe production site, it is necessary to make a tempe mold when the soybeans are spread over the fronds of banana trees so that the size and thickness of the tempe meet the standards and the density of the tempe is even. The results of the students' activities were making a printing tool made of rectangular wood for tempeh molds with standard tempeh sizes and thicknesses. Keywords : Tempe debog, Standard Size and Thickness, Tempe printing tool

Printed Nanomaterials for All-in-One Integrated Flexible Wearables and Bioelectronics.

Recent advancements in printing technologies allow for fabricating various wearable sensors, circuits, and integrated electronics. However, most printing tools have limited ranges of handling ink viscosity, a short working distance, and a limited feature size for developing sophisticated electronics. Here, this paper introduces an all-in-one integrated wearable electronic system via multilayer, multinanomaterial printing. Versatile, high-resolution aerosol-jet printing could successfully print Cu nanoparticles, Ag nanoparticles, PEDOT:PSS, and polyimide (PI) to manufacture nanomembrane composite structures, including skin-contact electrodes and wireless circuits. The printed polymer, PEDOT:PSS deposited on the Cu, ensures biocompatibility when making direct skin contact while enhancing electrical conductivity for electrodes. A self-assembled monolayer facilitates better adhesion of Cu nanoparticles on the PI. Also, using intensive pulsed light, a photonic sintering method minimizes Cu-oxidation while avoiding thermal damage. The combined experimental and computational study shows the mechanical flexibility and reliability of the printed integrated device. With human subjects, the flexible wireless bioelectronic system demonstrates superior performance in detecting high-fidelity physiological signals on the skin, including electromyograms, electrooculograms, electrocardiograms, and motions, proving its potential applications in portable human healthcare and persistent human-machine interfaces.

Architected Design and Fabrication of Soft Mechanical Metamaterials

This study proposes a systematic design approach to 3D print soft mechanical metamaterials by tuning material flow behavior and using optimal toolpaths and print parameters. Planar printing tool paths, utilized in layer‐by‐layer printing such as fused deposition modeling (FDM) and prevalently used in most slicing algorithms, severely limit the realization of complex topologies required in metamaterials. Utilizing parametric design principles, the proposed approach employs discrete and continuous 3D freeform tool paths for supported and unsupported direct ink writing (DIW) of elastomeric structures. The resulting textured, soft topologies significantly enhance the performance of various mechanisms in soft robotics and impact energy‐absorbing wearable devices. Various bioinspired structures such as cilia, webs, leaf‐like structures, and lattices are explored using extrusion‐based silicone 3D printing, achieving features with high aspect ratios (L/D ≤ 12) without support. These complex structures are challenging to 3D print using conventional planar toolpaths. To demonstrate the enhanced functionalities enabled by these new topologies, cilia arrays added to suction cups increased the pull‐off forces by 18%. Additionally, 3D‐printed elastomeric lattice slabs used as energy‐absorbing structures reduced the maximum impact peak forces by 85%. Further functionalities, including magnetic, thermochromic, and signal transmission properties, are also showcased using functional soft mechanical metamaterials.

Recent advances in implantable sensors and electronics using printable materials for advanced healthcare

This review article focuses on the recent printing technological progress in healthcare, underscoring the significant potential of implantable devices across diverse applications. Printing technologies have widespread use in developing health monitoring devices, diagnostic systems, and surgical devices. Recent years have witnessed remarkable progress in fabricating low-profile implantable devices, driven by advancements in printing technologies and nanomaterials. The importance of implantable biosensors and bioelectronics is highlighted, specifically exploring printing tools using bio-printable inks for practical applications, including a detailed examination of fabrication processes and essential parameters. This review also justifies the need for mechanical and electrical compatibility between bioelectronics and biological tissues. In addition to technological aspects, this article delves into the importance of appropriate packaging methods to enhance implantable devices' performance, compatibility, and longevity, which are made possible by integrating cutting-edge printing technology. Collectively, we aim to shed light on the holistic landscape of implantable biosensors and bioelectronics, showcasing their evolving role in advancing healthcare through innovative printing technologies.

DESIGN OF MULTIFUNCTIONAL MANUAL SCREEN PRINTING TOOL

Screen printing is the simplest and most likely to be done manually. This printing technique is also an effective and efficient way in the development of small industries, the advantage of this screen printing business is that the capital is not too large, and also does not have to have special skills. The idea of redesigning a manual screen printing tool by combining 2 screen printing tools to get more effective and efficient results for screen printing operators. The advantages can perform precise printing results and can print several screen printing objects that before could only produce plastic screen printing only and after the addition of the design, the function of the tool will increase to be able to screen cups, cardboard, plastic bags, fabrics.

The first demonstration of entirely roll-to-roll fabricated perovskite solar cell modules under ambient room conditions

The rapid development of organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells has resulted in laboratory-scale devices having power conversion efficiencies that are competitive with commercialised technologies. However, hybrid perovskite solar cells are yet to make an impact beyond the research community, with translation to large-area devices fabricated by industry-relevant manufacturing methods remaining a critical challenge. Here we report the first demonstration of hybrid perovskite solar cell modules, comprising serially-interconnected cells, produced entirely using industrial roll-to-roll printing tools under ambient room conditions. As part of this development, costly vacuum-deposited metal electrodes are replaced with printed carbon electrodes. A high-throughput experiment involving the analysis of batches of 1600 cells produced using 20 parameter combinations enabled rapid optimisation over a large parameter space. The optimised roll-to-roll fabricated hybrid perovskite solar cells show power conversion efficiencies of up to 15.5% for individual small-area cells and 11.0% for serially-interconnected cells in large-area modules. Based on the devices produced in this work, a cost of ~0.7 USD W−1 is predicted for a production rate of 1,000,000 m² per year in Australia, with potential for further significant cost reductions.

Displacement

The concept of displacement and its consequences are permanently present in my practice, either in the narratives explored in light of the personal stories that have a wider psychological impact, or in the archaeological approach to tame raw, organic materials through the reconstitution of technological, 19th-century procedures considered obsolete and commercial. The approach to paper based on multiple experiments led to reconstructing feasible alternatives to the traditional techniques of obtaining images, including photographic and non-photographic processes. Revision of gillotage, reconstruction of lithographic drawing, painting and printing tools and working in situ directed the research into more immediate work with raw materials like resins, plasters, organic glues, and pigments. Preliminary tests of image development with dichromate dusting methods established satisfactory surfaces for traditional photo-enamel. In my PhD proposal, displacement meets with the obsolete techniques and the fusion of printmaking, photography, and glass as a haptic medium that corresponds to my heuristic approach.

ANALISIS SWOT PADA USAHA MIKRO KECIL MENENGAH SABLON (STUDI KASUS UMKM ONDERDIL SABLON, KOTA JAKARTA SELATAN, DKI JAKARTA)

This thesis discusses the SWOT analysis of Screen Printing Parts SMEs in order to obtain the right marketing strategy. Screen Printing Parts is one of the MSMEs located in South Jakarta City, DKI Jakarta, which has been developing since 2017. Onderdil Sablon produces screen printing clothes and screen printing tools. Since starting his business, Onderdil Sablon have always been faced with various kinds of obstacles. The number of similar companies that have emerged makes it difficult for Onderdil Sablon to maintain their product position due to increasingly fierce industry competition. The condition of intense competition is a problem faced Onderdil Sablon. The purpose of this study was to determine the marketing strategy for UMKM Screen Printing Parts through SWOT analysis. In determining the marketing strategy, it is necessary to know the internal factors of strengths and weaknesses, as well as external factors of opportunities and threats. The strategy that can be applied, namely the ST strategy is a strategy that uses the strengths of the company to overcome threats or commonly called a diversification strategy.

Workshop Penggunaan Aplikasi Presensi Berbasis Mobile dengan Validasi Radius Lokasi

Employee attendance is data that shows the daily attendance of employees in a company. Data that can be generated from an employee's absence is the time of arrival and departure of employees as proof of attendance at work in the office. There are several problems that arise from this finger print presence equipment. The first problem is the sensitivity of the tool, this presence tool sometimes takes a long time to recognize employee fingerprints, secondly the location of the finger print tool is too far from the employee room. The use of a Mobile-Based Presence application with Location Radius Validation is a solution to the presence problem. To facilitate the use of this presence application, it is necessary to conduct a workshop on the use of the presence application by employeesKeyword : fingerprint, presence, location

A study to assess the efficacy of print and digital health communication media tools (HCMT) in rural and urban communities.

Background: Existing studies have described the potential of either digital or print media for health information in one discipline. Both media are excellent tools for disseminating information, promoting social awareness, and offering in-depth healthcare information thereby being considered as leading health communication media tools. Hence, this study aims to assess and compare the effectiveness of print and digital media in various aspects of health communication in rural and urban populations. Methodology: A cross-sectional population survey will be conducted in rural and urban areas, using a semi-structured, pre-tested questionnaire, which includes socio-demographic variables, media usage patterns, perception, and health behavior change from health information via both media. The study population size will include 342 individuals in the age group of 21 to 60 with minimum qualification of matriculation. Study implications: Our research will help to understand which media are more effective at reaching different populations and can help choose appropriate communication channels for health promotion efforts, develop more effective interventions, and identify potential disparities in access to health information and resources.

Analysis of Higher Education SIAKAD Website Security Gaps Using the Vulnerability Assessment Method

SIAKAD is a website-based application designed to facilitate academic management and academic activities by universities. The SIAKAD system contains sensitive and important information from lecturers and students such as personal, academic, and financial information. Seeing the importance of information security, universities must be able to ensure that their SIAKAD is protected by a strong and reliable security system. To find out threats that can be exploited by hackers, it is necessary to analyze security holes in a system. The research procedure was carried out through (1) Terminal, Zenmap, Whois, Wappalyzer as tools for foot printing or data collection, (2) OWASP ZAP as a tool for conducting Vulnerability Scanning. The results of this study revealed that there were 11 vulnerabilities found, consisting of 5 medium vulnerability levels and 6 low level vulnerabilities. In addition, to deal with these vulnerabilities, this research also discusses solutions that can be alternatives for increasing information security in higher education SIAKAD.

Examining a Phased Planning Approach to Support Elementary Preservice Teachers in Disciplinary Literacy-Focused Instruction

This study reports qualitative findings related to elementary preservice teachers’ perceptions and use of a six-phased planning approach, titled Planning for Elementary Digitally-Supported Disciplinary Literacy, to integrate digitally supported disciplinary literacy into lesson planning. Preservice teachers in this study were seeking PK-6 licensure and were enrolled in a semester-long graduate-level course focused on disciplinary and content literacy, with an emphasis on the integration of digital tools to support disciplinary literacy. The phased approach considered Core Disciplinary Practices to scaffold preservice teachers’ planning. An inductive qualitative approach was used to collect and analyze data. Thematic results explore preservice teachers’ negotiations of knowledge of print and digital texts and tools to plan for disciplinary literacy, preservice teachers’ perceptions regarding complexities of disciplinary literacy in elementary grades, and the idea of core disciplinary practices as a gateway for a reconsideration of literacy. These results provide implications for how elementary teachers might be supported in integrating disciplinary literacy into their classrooms in a manner that aligns with the goals and constructs of elementary education.

Use of 3D-Printed Patient-Specific Guide for Latarjet Procedure in Patients With Anterior Shoulder Instability: Technical Note

Anterior shoulder instability can lead to anterior glenoid bone loss associated with humeral posterior deformity (bipolar bone loss). Latarjet procedure is a commonly used surgical option in such cases. However, the procedure is associated with complications in up 15% of the cases often associated with inadequate positioning of coracoid bone graft and screws. Considering that acknowledgment of patient anatomy and use of surgical planning intraoperatively can reduce such complications, we describe the use of 3D printing tools to obtain a 3D Patient-Specific Surgical Guide to aid in the Latarjet procedure. Such tools present advantages and limitations compared to other tools available, which are also discussed in this article.

Implementation of ED I-PASS as a Standardized Handoff Tool in the Pediatric Emergency Department.

Communication, failures during patient handoffs are a significant cause of medical error. There is a paucity of data on standardized handoff tools for intershift transitions of care in pediatric emergency medicine (PEM). The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) initiative was to improve handoffs between PEM attending physicians (i.e., supervising physicians ultimately responsible for patient care) through the implementation of a modified I-PASS tool (ED I-PASS). Our aims were to: (1) increase the proportion of physicians using ED I-PASS by two-thirds and (2) decrease the proportion reporting information loss during shift change by one-third, over a 6-month period. After literature and stakeholder review, Expected Disposition, Illness Severity, Patient Summary, Action List, Situational Awareness, Synthesis by Receiver (ED I-PASS) was implemented using iterative Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles, incorporating: trained "super-users"; print and electronic cognitive support tools; direct observation; and general and targeted feedback. Implementation occurred from September to April of 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when patient volumes were significantly lower than prepandemic levels. Data from observed handoffs were collected for process outcomes. Surveys regarding handoff practices were distributed before and after ED I-PASS implementation. 82.8% of participants completed follow-up surveys, and 69.6% of PEM physicians were observed performing a handoff. Use of ED I-PASS increased from 7.1% to 87.5% ( p < .001) and the reported perceived loss of important patient information during transitions of care decreased 50%, from 75.0% to 37.5% ( p = .02). Most (76.0%) participants reported satisfaction with ED I-PASS, despite half citing a perceived increase in handoff length. 54.2% reported a concurrent increase in written handoff documentation during the intervention. ED I-PASS can be successfully implemented among attending physicians in the pediatric emergency department setting. Its use resulted in significant decreases in reported perceived loss of patient information during intershift handoffs.

Performance of novel 3D printing tools in removing coronary-artery calcification tissue

Performance of novel 3D printing tools in removing coronary-artery calcification tissue

A scoping review on the trends of digital anatomy education.

Digital technologies are changing the landscape of anatomy education. To reveal the trend of digital anatomy education across medical science disciplines, searches were performed using PubMed, EMBASE, and MEDLINE bibliographic databases for research articles published from January 2010 to June 2021 (inclusive). The search was restricted to publications written in English language and to articles describing teaching tools in undergraduate and postgraduate anatomy and pre-vocational clinical anatomy training courses. Among 156 included studies across six health disciplines, 35% used three-dimensional (3D) digital printing tools, 24.2% augmented reality (AR), 22.3% virtual reality (VR), 11.5% web-based programs, and 4.5% tablet-based apps. There was a clear discipline-dependent preference in the choice and employment of digital anatomy education. AR and VR were the more commonly adopted digital tools for medical and surgical anatomy education, while 3D printing is more broadly used for nursing, allied health and dental health education compared to other digital resources. Digital modalities were predominantly adopted for applied interactive anatomy education and primarily in advanced anatomy curricula such as regional anatomy and neuroanatomy. Moreover, there was a steep increase in VR anatomy combining digital simulation for surgical anatomy training. There is a consistent increase in the adoption of digital modalities in anatomy education across all included health disciplines. AR and VR anatomy incorporating digital simulation will play a more prominent role in medical education of the future. Combining multimodal digital resources that supports blended and interactive learning will further modernize anatomy education, moving medical education further away from its didactic history.

Robotic 3D printing of concrete building components for residential buildings in Saudi Arabia

This article presents the development and validation of a design-to-fabrication framework aiming to improve the efficiency of fabricating reinforced concrete building components for housing projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by incorporating 3D concrete printing technology. In particular, the research presents an algorithmic framework to mass customise a typical Saudi Arabian free standing house by utilising parametric modelling, topology optimization (TO), finite element analysis (FEA), and robotic 3D printing tools and techniques. The framework was validated by the fabrication of optimised reinforced concrete columns and by testing their structural performance under the Saudi Building Code (SBC 304). The findings demonstrate the benefits and drawbacks of the proposed framework and compare it to current Saudi conventional construction approaches. The paper also addresses the need for mass customisation in the construction industry of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

“RAIN was planting the seeds”: An Interview with Tom Bender, co-editor of RAIN: Journal of Appropriate Technology

From 1974 through 1980, RAIN: Journal of Appropriate Technology was the foremost “print tool” of the Appropriate Technology, or AT, Movement in the United States. During that period, the Rainmakers, led by Steve Johnson, Lee Johnson, Land de Moll, and Tom Bender, constructed a visionary ecotopia on the pages of their journal, supplying readers with the philosophical grounding, real-world advice, and political conviction to pursue AT projects within their own communities. This article is an abridged transcript of an interview conducted by architectural historian, Meredith Gaglio, with one of RAIN’s co-editors, the late Tom Bender, at his home in Manzanita, Oregon, in April, 2016. In the interview, Bender recollects his introduction to Appropriate Technology, through the work of Ernst Friedrich Schumacher and R. Buckminster Fuller, discusses the foundations of RAIN: Journal of Appropriate Technology, and shares his thoughts on how sustainable change is made.