3D Printer Weekly Buzz: May 2024, Edition 1

1. A 3D printed digital material filament for programming functional gradients

🌟 Sang-Joon AhnHowon Lee and Kyu-Jin Cho have developed a 3D printed digital material filament (DM filament) that enables the 3D printing of functional gradients using a standard FDM printer. The DM filament consists of multiple base materials combined in specific concentrations and distributions, which are blended during extrusion to achieve desired material properties. This approach allows for the spatial programming of properties like mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, and color, which are otherwise difficult to achieve. The method is low-cost, scalable, and can be readily adopted by any standard FDM printer.

2. Enhance 3D printing for personalized, reusable furniture

🌟 Industrial engineer Feng Ju is collaborating with partners to develop AI tools and algorithms that enhance 3D printing for personalized, reusable furniture. The project aims to create faster, more sustainable, and accessible creative tools for designers and engineers. The team is working on AI tools to increase the speed of 3D printers without compromising quality, as well as developing an AI platform for furniture designers to generate new designs through text prompts.

The AI system will utilize thermal cameras and sensors to adjust printer speed in real-time. Additionally, they are incorporating generative AI tools to convert plain language descriptions into instructions for the printer. The goal is to enable customized manufacturing systems that cater to unique client needs. Haddy, a furniture startup, is focusing on using recycled materials and implementing near-field communication (NFC) tags in their furnishings for repurposing opportunities. The team will present their work at a manufacturing conference in June.

3. 3D-printed housing initiative proposed for Cleveland

🌟 Cleveland is considering supporting a 3D-printed housing initiative proposed by Lutheran Metropolitan Ministries (LMM). LMM aims to alleviate the affordable housing crisis in Cleveland with the help of approximately $1 million funding from the city. The project is in the exploratory phase, with plans to 3D print a model home to test the feasibility. LMM has been working with the non-profit I_You Design Lab to reduce the cost of quality housing. 3D-printed homes have been successfully built in other countries with similar climates to Cleveland. The project initially focuses on constructing single-story homes with two to three bedrooms, catering to LMM clients and potentially becoming an option for other non-profits in the future.

4. Stratasys launches J850 TechStyle printer for 3D printing on apparel

🌟 Stratasys, an American-Israeli additive manufacturing company, has introduced the J850 TechStyle printer, which allows 3D printing of designs onto denim and other textiles, offering a sustainable method for creating personalized apparel. The printer enables full-color multi-material 3D prints directly on assembled garments of various fabric types. Stratasys emphasizes the environmental benefits of their technology, including reductions in carbon emissions and stock material, as well as lower electricity consumption compared to traditional manufacturing methods. Additionally, the company collaborated with fashion designers to showcase the potential of their technology through the Urban Tattoo collection, which transforms ordinary garments into wearable art.

5. IN-VISION's new DLP light engine will lead to the development of better 3D printers

🌟 IN-VISION, an Austrian company, has introduced a new DLP light engine called HELIOPORA primarily aimed at biology researchers and individuals in lithography. The unit offers high precision, wavelength selection, and the ability to add lenses and a CMOS camera for improved quality control. The integration of a CMOS camera allows for closed-loop systems, streamlining the research process. The unit shares the same output power as other models, and researchers can log every part of every build, potentially enhancing performance. The technology opens possibilities for developing better 3D printers, materials, and optimizing settings and toolpathing. The light engine hints at potential innovations for vat polymerization.