3D Printer Weekly Buzz: May 2024, Edition 2

1. Creality Falcon2 Pro 60W Laser Engraver to be released on May 24th

🌟 Creality is set to launch its latest innovation, the Falcon2 Pro 60W Laser Engraver, on May 24th. This new model promises to elevate the standards of precision crafting and efficiency with its powerful 60W laser that integrates advanced FAC spot compression technology, allowing it to cut through materials such as 22mm basswood, 30mm black acrylic, and 0.2mm stainless steel with ease. The engraver features a fully enclosed design for safety, complemented by a built-in high-definition camera for precise auto-positioning and a large workspace of 400*400mm. Additionally, the Falcon2 Pro 60W offers a three-level adjustable beam, catering to a variety of cutting and engraving needs with just a simple click.

The Creality Falcon2 Pro 60W is now available for pre-order at 3DUncle, originally priced at $2,569, you will receive 15% off during the pre-order promotion (5/24-6/15). This model is not just a tool, but a revolutionary asset for small businesses and hobbyists alike, looking to enhance their project quality and workflow efficiency. 

2. Researchers have developed a technique for 3D printing personalized medication with timed drug release

🌟 Researchers from the University of Nottingham's Centre for Additive Manufacturing and School of Pharmacy have developed a technique for 3D printing medication. The technique called Multi-Material InkJet 3D Printing (MM-IJ3DP) allows for the fabrication of customised pharmaceutical tablets with tailored drug release profiles. The tablets printed with MM-IJ3DP release drugs at a controlled rate determined by their design, utilizing a unique interior structure and sensitive molecules.

This method enables the printing of multiple drugs in a single tablet, simplifying complex medication regimens. Challenges remain, such as the need for more formulations to support a wider range of materials and ongoing research to enhance feasibility. The technology is especially beneficial for medication requiring timed drug release, potentially improving treatment accuracy for diseases. Scalability of the technology is demonstrated by the ability to print 56 pills in a single batch, thus showing strong potential for personalized medicines.

3. ISRO successfully tests a 3D-printed rocket engine, saving raw materials, reducing production time, and achieving a major breakthrough

🌟 ISRO, the Indian space agency, has achieved a major breakthrough by successfully conducting a long-duration test of its PS4 engine. This engine has been re-designed using additive manufacturing techniques, commonly known as 3D printing. The new engine, now a single piece, saves 97% of raw materials and reduces production time by 60%. The engine utilizes earth-storable bipropellant combinations and was developed by ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC). The manufacturing of the engine was done by M/s WIPRO 3D in India and hot tested at ISRO's Propulsion Complex in Tamil Nadu. The engine's performance parameters were as expected, and it is planned to be integrated into the regular PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) program.

4. Canadian Researchers develop a new 3D printing method, blurred tomography, for high-quality microlenses

🌟 Canadian researchers have developed a new 3D printing method called blurred tomography to create high-quality microlenses. The method adds optical blurring to the beams of light used for 3D printing, resulting in optically smooth surfaces. A millimeter-sized plano-convex optical lens was successfully produced using the blurred tomography method, with imaging performance comparable to a commercially available glass lens. The new method allows for rapid prototyping of optical components, simplifying designs and replacing multiple standard optics with complex-shaped printed optics. Existing tomographic methods cause surface ridges on components, but blurred tomography eliminates this issue without the need for complex post-processing. Blurred tomography enables the creation of microlenses and overprinting of lenses onto optical fibers, expanding its applications. Researchers are working to optimize the light patterning method, incorporate material parameters, and introduce automation for commercial use.

5. Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed an automated technique to improve the finishing time for 3D printed metal machine parts

🌟 Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a technique to improve the finishing time for 3D printed metal machine parts. The technique allows automated quality control during the finishing process, reducing the need to remove parts from the manufacturing equipment and saving time. By integrating 3D printing, automated machining, laser scanning, and touch-sensitive measurement technologies with related software, the researchers created a largely automated system that produces metal machine components with critical tolerances. Testing showed that the new technique reduced finishing time by 67 minutes compared to conventional techniques. The approach can be adapted for machine parts with various features.

6. Northwestern State University's Division of Mathematics will offer a new course incorporating 3D printing to teach complex mathematical concepts

🌟 Northwestern State University's Division of Mathematics will offer a new course incorporating 3D printing to teach complex mathematical concepts. Dr. Nicholas Richardson has been using 3D printers to create models for calculus classes and found that students grasp concepts better with tangible objects. The course, CSC 3040 3D Print Design I, will introduce students to UltiMaker S5 3D printers and a program called OpenSCAD.

OpenSCAD is a 3D CAD program emphasizing programming rather than drawing, allowing students to create 3D models without prior drawing skills. The class will cover programming topics and offer instant feedback, serving as a foundation similar to Computer Science I C/C++. Students will learn the entire prototyping process, from creating and printing 3D models to obtaining the final physical object. The course will provide flexibility for students to choose their desired objects for printing,