Use Of 3D Printing Research Articles

Product management of making large pieces through Rapid Prototyping PolyJet® technology

The rapid prototyping process has already become a classic manufacturing process for parts and assemblies, either polymeric or metal parts. Besides the well-known advantages and disadvantages of the process, the use of 3D printers has a great inconvenience: the overall dimensions of the parts are limited. Obviously, there is a possibility to purchase a larger (and more expensive) 3D printer, but there are always larger pieces to be manufactured. One solution to this problem is the splitting of parts into several components that can be manufactured. The component parts can then be assembled in a single piece by known methods such as welding, gluing, screwing, etc. This paper shows our experience in making large pieces on the Strarasys® Objet24 printer, pieces larger than the tray sizes. The results obtained are valid for any 3D printer using the PolyJet® process.

Thermal and mechanical degradation of recycled poly-lactic acid filaments for use in 3D printers

Recycling of filaments used in 3-D printing system is beneficial to both the environment and and its manucactures by reducing manufacturing costs. This study investigates how multiple-recycled poly-lactic acid (PLA) filamentsaffects mechanical properties of fabricated objects.. Mechanical strengths of the printed PLA, as well as the adhesion strengths between 3-D-printed beads, were evaluated by tensile tests of horizontally and vertically fabricated specimens. The mechanical strength of the printed PLA as well as the adhesion strength between 3-Dprinted beads were determined through tensile testing of horizontally and vertically fabricated specimens. Subsequent gel permeation chromatography revealed that recycling reduced the molecular weight of the polymer, leading to a loss of mechanical strength in the 3D-printed component. In addition, images of cutting plane using scanning electron microscopy showed that the fabricated bead itself was broken in the case of the horizontally fabricated specimen, while in the case of the vertically fabricated one, the adhered between the beads was found to be broken. This indicates that the mechanical strength of inplane and out-of-plane direction should be improved by increasing mechanical strength of bead, itself, as well as the adhesion strength between beads.

A IMPRESSORA 3D E NOVAS PERSPECTIVAS PARA O ENSINO: possibilidades permeadas pelo uso de materiais concretos

Apesar de recursos tecnológicos como o computador se tornarem comum tanto no cotidiano dos alunos quanto dos professores, a inserção desses recursos em sala de aula vem acontecendo lentamente. O uso de recurso digitais nas escolas além de atender as exigências da atual sociedade, é meio para estimular e inovar o processo de ensino aprendizagem, possibilitado por múltiplos materiais pedagógicos virtuais com acesso em computadores, mas também por materiais concretos que podem ser criados por meio das impressoras 3D. Partindo de nossa experiência com o uso da impressora 3D para a construção de modelos pedagógicos discutimos nesse trabalho dificuldades dos professores em visualizarem possibilidades que as tecnologias digitais possibilitam ao ensino permeado pela criação de novos materiais pedagógicos.

3D Printers Provide a Window into the Heart.

Performing a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) on a patient with congenital heart disease can force an interventional cardiologist to navigate uncharted anatomic territory. When the patient’s anatomy is complex, procedures such as placing a new heart valve can take longer and are associated with a higher risk for various complications. However, some cardiologists are turning to a new tool to help them prepare for such complex procedures—three-dimensional (3D) printers, which can use computed tomography scans to generate a model of the patient’s precise anatomy to prepare for the surgery. “The 3D printing allows us to have a 3D model that can be held in hand and shown to the interventional cardiologists and surgeons doing the procedure,” said Ron Blankstein, MD, codirector of the Cardiovascular Imaging Training program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and Associate Professor of Medicine and Radiology at Harvard Medical School. “It is particularly useful in cases where the anatomy is not straightforward.” These 3D printers are becoming a fixture at many academic centers, where the printers and expert staff are often hired to help convert imaging into 3D models that can be used by surgeons and interventional cardiologists preparing for many types of surgeries and procedures. In addition to clinical applications, the technology is also being applied in basic research where scientists use it to print living cells into complex 3D structures called organoids, which re-create many features …

Analysis of Special Education Teacher's Recognitions and Needs for Special Educational Use of 3D Printer

Analysis of Special Education Teacher's Recognitions and Needs for Special Educational Use of 3D Printer

3D printed ferromagnetic composites for microwave applications

The use of 3D technology in the field of microwave electronics requires the development of new materials adapted to these applications. In this study, magnetic composites composed of polyethylene (PE) matrix filled with Nickel–Iron alloy (Ni81Fe19) are prepared using two elaboration devices: first, a propeller mixer for small quantity of samples, and then, a twin screw extruder able to produce higher samples amounts. Microstructural and rheological characterizations are suggested in order to study the feasibility of shaping PE/NiFe composites with 3D printer using Fused Deposition Modeling technique. A shear-thinning behavior with the dispersion of NiFe micrometric particles allows the use of 3D printer to shape final composites. A microwave characterization is also performed. Electromagnetic properties are predicted by the adjustment of a model based on mixing laws taking into account demagnetization effect and interactions between NiFe particles. The production of composite filaments and first printing tests are also presented.

The Effects of Iron, Silicon, Chromium, and Aluminum Additions on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Recycled 3D Printing Filaments

AbstractWith the increasing use of 3D printers especially the fused filament fabrication type in the industries and general public, there is indeed a need to consider the after‐use treatment for the products. The use of recycled filaments as the feedstock for 3D printers is a feasible alternative, but its application is limited to rather poor product quality. This study, thus, evaluates the effects of adding iron (Fe), silicon (Si), chromium (Cr), and aluminum (Al) nano‐crystalline powders into the recycled polypropylene/high‐density polyethylene plastics feedstock for filament extrusion. Physical and mechanical analysis tests revealed that the addition of 1% Fe–Si–Cr or Fe–Si–Al resulted in better thermal stability, and up to 37% and 17% improvement, respectively, in yield strength and Young modulus compared with the original recycled filaments, possibly due to the enhancement of interfacial adhesion between the nano‐metal powders and the polymer, leading to reduced crack formation.

A Portable 3D Printer System for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria

Summary Multidrug-resistant bacteria are a major threat to human health, but broad-spectrum antibiotics are losing efficacy. There is a need to screen a given drug against a bacterial infection outside of the laboratory. To address this need, we have designed and built an inexpensive and easy-to-use 3D-printer-based system that allows easily readable quantitative tests for the performance of antibacterial drugs. The platform creates a sterile diagnostic device by using 3D printing, and the device is filled automatically with growth medium, and then antibiotics are sprayed onto the medium by ink-jet technology. The sample for testing can be introduced via a fluid port, and the printer hot bed is used to incubate the device, allowing operation in the field. Combining advantages from various established tests of antibacterial performance, this allows the comparison of a specific antibiotics and bacteria. Also, this system can create and test several antibiotic formulations for therapeutic use, and we demonstrate this potential by investigating a mixture of pathogens that are only killed by a mixture of drugs.

What is new in tympanoplasty?

Abstract Medicine is in an era of technical development and innovation. Creating a tympanic membrane by using a 3D printer can exceed the disadvantages that classic graft materials have. The field of otolaryngology can be experiencing a paradigm shift towards the use of 3D-printer.

3D printed long period gratings for optical fibers.

We demonstrate a simple technique for implementing long period grating (LPG) structures by the use of a 3D printer. This Letter shows a way of manipulating the mode coupling within an optical fiber by applying stress through an external 3D printed periodic structure. Different LPG lengths and periods have been studied, as well as the effect of the applied stress on the coupling efficiency from the fundamental mode to cladding modes. The technique is very simple, highly flexible, affordable, and easy to implement without the need of altering the optical fiber. This Letter is part of a growing line of interest in the use of 3D printers for optical applications.

Investigating the Implications of 3D Printing in Special Education

Consumer-grade digital fabrication such as 3D printing is on the rise, and we believe it can be leveraged to great benefit in special education. Although 3D printing is infiltrating mainstream education, little research has explored 3D printing in the context of students with special support needs. We describe our studies on this topic and the resulting contributions. We initially conducted a formative study exploring the use of 3D printing at three locations serving populations with varying ability, including individuals with cognitive, motor, and visual impairments. We found that 3D design and printing perform three functions in special education: (1) STEM engagement, (2) creation of educational aids for accessible curriculum content, and (3) making custom adaptive devices. As part of our formative work, we also discussed a case study in the codesign of an assistive hand grip created with occupational therapists at one of our investigation sites. This work inspired further studies on the creation of adaptive devices using 3D printers. We identified the needs and constraints of these therapists and found implications for a specialized 3D modeling tool to support their use of 3D printers. We developed GripFab, 3D modeling software based on feedback from therapists, and used it to explore the feasibility of in-house 3D object designs in support of accessibility. Our contributions include case studies at three special education sites and discussion of obstacles to efficient 3D printing in this context. We have extended these contributions with a more in-depth look at the stakeholders and findings from GripFab studies. We have expanded our discussion to include suggestions for researchers in this space, in addition to refined suggestions from our earlier work for technologists creating 3D modeling and printing tools, therapists seeking to leverage 3D printers, and educators and administrators looking to implement these design tools in special education environments.

The intellectual property implications of low-cost 3D printing

In the late 1970s 3D printing started to become established as a manufacturing technology. Thirty years on the cost of 3D printing machines is falling to the point where private individuals in the developed world may easily own them. They allow anyone to print complicated engineering parts entirely automatically from design files that it is straightforward to share over the Internet. However, although the widespread use of 3D printers may well have both economic and environmental advantages over conventional methods of manufacturing and distributing goods, there may be concerns that such use could be constrained by the operation of intellectual property (IP) law. This paper examines existing IP legislation and case law in the contexts of the possible wide take-up of this technology by both small firms and private individuals. It splits this examination into five areas: copyright, design protection, patents, trade marks, and passing off. Reassuringly, and perhaps surprisingly, it is concluded that – within the UK at least - private 3D printer owners making items for personal use and not for gain are exempt from the vast majority of IP constraints, and that commercial users, though more restricted, are less so than might be imagined.

Innovative Use of 3D Printers in Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology

Innovative Use of 3D Printers in Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology

Things, tags, topics: Thingiverse’s object-centred network

ABSTRACTThis article details findings from a multidisciplinary research team’s inquiry into the social uses of 3D printing. It applies digital research methods to 3D printing communities and their digitally shared objects. Thingiverse is one of the most well-known file repositories available for the semi-public distribution of files for use in 3D printers. The site allows for several different means of metadata classification of these files. Previous research on the site focused on the legal concerns related to the different types of intellectual property license ‘metadata’ attached to objects. Beyond these data points are numerous additional types of elected and automated connections between both users, objects and processes of creation including liking, commenting, tagging, categorising, watching, collecting, remixing, making, sharing, and attribution. Social Network Analysis of the relations between these data reveal interesting patterns towards the use and life of these objects. Our analysis also shows that despite the wealth of social functions, both actively engaged and passively automated, Thingiverse diverges from other social networks: sociality is mediated by reference to specific objects. As such, we claim Thingiverse should be considered as an object-centred social network. While such networks provoke Latourian analysis that is now well established in the study of computational culture, we also point to the need for new forms of social media analysis focused on the ways metadata constitute and guide such communities’ communications and govern their potentials.

3D プリンタおよび 5 軸加工機の有効利用ための作業配分およびスケジューリングに関する研究

3D プリンタおよび 5 軸加工機の有効利用ための作業配分およびスケジューリングに関する研究

Introduction to Special Section: Considerations and Potential Impacts

EDITOR'S SUMMARYASIS&T Special Interest Group/Scientific and Technical Information convened a panel at the ASIS&T 2014 Annual Meeting that explored potential impacts of 3D design and printing on libraries, museums and educational institutions. Rooted in the 1970s, the current 3D printing process was first used in 1984 and now allows limitless creations to be made by downloading or scanning and printing a digital file. The tangible product vitalizes interaction with the original and among viewers, enhances understanding and stimulates creativity. But, as with the use of photocopiers, questions of ethics and intellectual property arise. Management of the technology also raises practical questions of access, workflow, budgeting and support.This special section delves into 3D technologies as teaching tools and considers policy, copyright and intellectual freedom, critical issues for information professionals. Articles open with a discussion of the use of 3D printers in library makerspaces by community members, the potential for broad experiential learning and practical issues for libraries. An exploration of 3D printer use for academic studies far beyond traditional areas follows, with a look at collaborative efforts between university departments to support and use the equipment and a reminder of the need for ethical management and consumer education about 3D resources. The final articles explore the benefits of manipulating 3D copies of museum pieces and enjoying the creative potential for hands‐on activities in various settings, as well as contemplating libraries' role in adapting intellectual freedom policy for 3D technologies.

MO‐B‐BRD‐01: Creation of 3D Printed Phantoms for Clinical Radiation Therapy

This session is designed so that the learning objectives are practical. The intent is that the attendee may take home an understanding of not just the technology, but also the logistical steps necessary to execute these 3D printing techniques in the clinic. Four practical 3D printing topics will be discussed: (i) Creating bolus and compensators for photon machines; (ii) tools for proton therapy; (iii) clinical applications in imaging; (iv) custom phantom design for clinic and research use. The use of 3D printers within the radiation oncology setting is proving to be a useful tool for creating patient specific bolus and compensators with the added benefit of cost savings. Creating the proper protocol is essential to ensuring that the desired effect is achieved and modeled in the treatment planning system. The critical choice of printer material (since it determines the interaction with the radiation) will be discussed. Selection of 3D printer type, design methods, verification of dose calculation, and the printing process will be detailed to give the basis for establishing your own protocol for electron and photon fields. A practical discussion of likely obstacles that may be encountered will be included. The diversity of systems and techniques in proton facilities leads to different facilities having very different requirements for beam modifying hardware and quality assurance devices. Many departments find the need to design and fabricate facility‐specific equipment, making 3D printing an attractive technology. 3D printer applications in proton therapy will be discussed, including beam filters and compensators, and the design of proton therapy specific quality assurance tools. Quality control specific to 3D printing in proton therapy will be addressed. Advantages and disadvantages of different printing technology for these applications will also be discussed. 3D printing applications using high‐resolution radiology‐based imaging data will be presented. This data is used to 3D print individualized physical models of patient's unique anatomy for aid in planning complex and challenging surgical procedures. Methods, techniques and imaging requirements for 3D printing anatomic models from imaging data will be discussed. Specific applications currently being used in the radiology clinic will be detailed. Standardized phantoms for radiation therapy are abundant. However, custom phantom designs can be advantageous for both clinical tasks and research. 3D printing is a useful method of custom fabrication that allows one to construct custom objects relatively quickly. Possibilities for custom radiotherapy phantoms range from 3D printing a hollow shell and filling the shell with tissue equivalent materials to fully printing the entire phantom with materials that are tissue equivalent as well as suitable for 3D printing. A range of materials available for use in radiotherapy phantoms and in the case of phantoms for dosimetric measurements, this choice is critical. The necessary steps required will be discussed including: modalities of 3D model generation, 3D model requirements for 3D printing, generation of machine instructions from the 3D model, and 3D printing techniques, choice of phantoms material, and troubleshooting techniques for each step in the process. Case examples of 3D printed phantoms will be shown. Learning Objectives: Understand the types of 3D modeling software required to design your device, the file formats required for data transfer from design software to 3D printer, and general troubleshooting techniques for each step of the process. Learn the differences between materials and design for photons vs. electrons vs. protons. Understand the importance of material choice and design geometries for your custom phantoms. Learn specific steps of quality assurance and quality control for 3D printed beam filters and compensators for proton therapy. Learn of special 3D printing applications for imaging. Cunha: Research support from Phillips Healthcare.

MO‐B‐BRD‐00: Clinical Applications of 3D Printing

This session is designed so that the learning objectives are practical. The intent is that the attendee may take home an understanding of not just the technology, but also the logistical steps necessary to execute these 3D printing techniques in the clinic. Four practical 3D printing topics will be discussed: (i) Creating bolus and compensators for photon machines; (ii) tools for proton therapy; (iii) clinical applications in imaging; (iv) custom phantom design for clinic and research use. The use of 3D printers within the radiation oncology setting is proving to be a useful tool for creating patient specific bolus and compensators with the added benefit of cost savings. Creating the proper protocol is essential to ensuring that the desired effect is achieved and modeled in the treatment planning system. The critical choice of printer material (since it determines the interaction with the radiation) will be discussed. Selection of 3D printer type, design methods, verification of dose calculation, and the printing process will be detailed to give the basis for establishing your own protocol for electron and photon fields. A practical discussion of likely obstacles that may be encountered will be included. The diversity of systems and techniques in proton facilities leads to different facilities having very different requirements for beam modifying hardware and quality assurance devices. Many departments find the need to design and fabricate facility‐specific equipment, making 3D printing an attractive technology. 3D printer applications in proton therapy will be discussed, including beam filters and compensators, and the design of proton therapy specific quality assurance tools. Quality control specific to 3D printing in proton therapy will be addressed. Advantages and disadvantages of different printing technology for these applications will also be discussed. 3D printing applications using high‐resolution radiology‐based imaging data will be presented. This data is used to 3D print individualized physical models of patient's unique anatomy for aid in planning complex and challenging surgical procedures. Methods, techniques and imaging requirements for 3D printing anatomic models from imaging data will be discussed. Specific applications currently being used in the radiology clinic will be detailed. Standardized phantoms for radiation therapy are abundant. However, custom phantom designs can be advantageous for both clinical tasks and research. 3D printing is a useful method of custom fabrication that allows one to construct custom objects relatively quickly. Possibilities for custom radiotherapy phantoms range from 3D printing a hollow shell and filling the shell with tissue equivalent materials to fully printing the entire phantom with materials that are tissue equivalent as well as suitable for 3D printing. A range of materials available for use in radiotherapy phantoms and in the case of phantoms for dosimetric measurements, this choice is critical. The necessary steps required will be discussed including: modalities of 3D model generation, 3D model requirements for 3D printing, generation of machine instructions from the 3D model, and 3D printing techniques, choice of phantoms material, and troubleshooting techniques for each step in the process. Case examples of 3D printed phantoms will be shown. Learning Objectives: Understand the types of 3D modeling software required to design your device, the file formats required for data transfer from design software to 3D printer, and general troubleshooting techniques for each step of the process. Learn the differences between materials and design for photons vs. electrons vs. protons. Understand the importance of material choice and design geometries for your custom phantoms. Learn specific steps of quality assurance and quality control for 3D printed beam filters and compensators for proton therapy. Learn of special 3D printing applications for imaging. Cunha: Research support from Phillips Healthcare.

MO‐B‐BRD‐04: Sterilization for 3D Printed Brachytherapy Applicators

This session is designed so that the learning objectives are practical. The intent is that the attendee may take home an understanding of not just the technology, but also the logistical steps necessary to execute these 3D printing techniques in the clinic. Four practical 3D printing topics will be discussed: (i) Creating bolus and compensators for photon machines; (ii) tools for proton therapy; (iii) clinical applications in imaging; (iv) custom phantom design for clinic and research use. The use of 3D printers within the radiation oncology setting is proving to be a useful tool for creating patient specific bolus and compensators with the added benefit of cost savings. Creating the proper protocol is essential to ensuring that the desired effect is achieved and modeled in the treatment planning system. The critical choice of printer material (since it determines the interaction with the radiation) will be discussed. Selection of 3D printer type, design methods, verification of dose calculation, and the printing process will be detailed to give the basis for establishing your own protocol for electron and photon fields. A practical discussion of likely obstacles that may be encountered will be included. The diversity of systems and techniques in proton facilities leads to different facilities having very different requirements for beam modifying hardware and quality assurance devices. Many departments find the need to design and fabricate facility‐specific equipment, making 3D printing an attractive technology. 3D printer applications in proton therapy will be discussed, including beam filters and compensators, and the design of proton therapy specific quality assurance tools. Quality control specific to 3D printing in proton therapy will be addressed. Advantages and disadvantages of different printing technology for these applications will also be discussed. 3D printing applications using high‐resolution radiology‐based imaging data will be presented. This data is used to 3D print individualized physical models of patient's unique anatomy for aid in planning complex and challenging surgical procedures. Methods, techniques and imaging requirements for 3D printing anatomic models from imaging data will be discussed. Specific applications currently being used in the radiology clinic will be detailed. Standardized phantoms for radiation therapy are abundant. However, custom phantom designs can be advantageous for both clinical tasks and research. 3D printing is a useful method of custom fabrication that allows one to construct custom objects relatively quickly. Possibilities for custom radiotherapy phantoms range from 3D printing a hollow shell and filling the shell with tissue equivalent materials to fully printing the entire phantom with materials that are tissue equivalent as well as suitable for 3D printing. A range of materials available for use in radiotherapy phantoms and in the case of phantoms for dosimetric measurements, this choice is critical. The necessary steps required will be discussed including: modalities of 3D model generation, 3D model requirements for 3D printing, generation of machine instructions from the 3D model, and 3D printing techniques, choice of phantoms material, and troubleshooting techniques for each step in the process. Case examples of 3D printed phantoms will be shown. Learning Objectives: Understand the types of 3D modeling software required to design your device, the file formats required for data transfer from design software to 3D printer, and general troubleshooting techniques for each step of the process. Learn the differences between materials and design for photons vs. electrons vs. protons. Understand the importance of material choice and design geometries for your custom phantoms. Learn specific steps of quality assurance and quality control for 3D printed beam filters and compensators for proton therapy. Learn of special 3D printing applications for imaging. Cunha: Research support from Phillips Healthcare.

MO‐B‐BRD‐02: 3D Printing in the Clinic

This session is designed so that the learning objectives are practical. The intent is that the attendee may take home an understanding of not just the technology, but also the logistical steps necessary to execute these 3D printing techniques in the clinic. Four practical 3D printing topics will be discussed: (i) Creating bolus and compensators for photon machines; (ii) tools for proton therapy; (iii) clinical applications in imaging; (iv) custom phantom design for clinic and research use. The use of 3D printers within the radiation oncology setting is proving to be a useful tool for creating patient specific bolus and compensators with the added benefit of cost savings. Creating the proper protocol is essential to ensuring that the desired effect is achieved and modeled in the treatment planning system. The critical choice of printer material (since it determines the interaction with the radiation) will be discussed. Selection of 3D printer type, design methods, verification of dose calculation, and the printing process will be detailed to give the basis for establishing your own protocol for electron and photon fields. A practical discussion of likely obstacles that may be encountered will be included. The diversity of systems and techniques in proton facilities leads to different facilities having very different requirements for beam modifying hardware and quality assurance devices. Many departments find the need to design and fabricate facility‐specific equipment, making 3D printing an attractive technology. 3D printer applications in proton therapy will be discussed, including beam filters and compensators, and the design of proton therapy specific quality assurance tools. Quality control specific to 3D printing in proton therapy will be addressed. Advantages and disadvantages of different printing technology for these applications will also be discussed. 3D printing applications using high‐resolution radiology‐based imaging data will be presented. This data is used to 3D print individualized physical models of patient's unique anatomy for aid in planning complex and challenging surgical procedures. Methods, techniques and imaging requirements for 3D printing anatomic models from imaging data will be discussed. Specific applications currently being used in the radiology clinic will be detailed. Standardized phantoms for radiation therapy are abundant. However, custom phantom designs can be advantageous for both clinical tasks and research. 3D printing is a useful method of custom fabrication that allows one to construct custom objects relatively quickly. Possibilities for custom radiotherapy phantoms range from 3D printing a hollow shell and filling the shell with tissue equivalent materials to fully printing the entire phantom with materials that are tissue equivalent as well as suitable for 3D printing. A range of materials available for use in radiotherapy phantoms and in the case of phantoms for dosimetric measurements, this choice is critical. The necessary steps required will be discussed including: modalities of 3D model generation, 3D model requirements for 3D printing, generation of machine instructions from the 3D model, and 3D printing techniques, choice of phantoms material, and troubleshooting techniques for each step in the process. Case examples of 3D printed phantoms will be shown. Learning Objectives: Understand the types of 3D modeling software required to design your device, the file formats required for data transfer from design software to 3D printer, and general troubleshooting techniques for each step of the process. Learn the differences between materials and design for photons vs. electrons vs. protons. Understand the importance of material choice and design geometries for your custom phantoms. Learn specific steps of quality assurance and quality control for 3D printed beam filters and compensators for proton therapy. Learn of special 3D printing applications for imaging. Cunha: Research support from Phillips Healthcare.