3D Printing News
A note of caution to our viewers: many of these products are only available for pre-ordering and have yet to be manufactured. Others are only hopes/dreams. Hyperbole is the language of choice, so be careful!
Additionally, be forewarned that some of the materials you intend to work with, as well as particles and fumes from the printer itself, may be toxic. You may want to read this article for a further discussion of the potential problems. Additionally, here is a later review of some of the known health hazards.
Note: a new report has just been issued about the safety of both filaments and the printers themselves. Here are some conclusions: 1. "toxic effects can be produced even with small levels of exposure"; 2. "It is unwise to touch models with bare hand"; 3. "Even though some resins may come with good cytotoxicity, they may still cause health issues after repeated exposure". Be sure to read the report in its entirety for your own safety..

A 12-year-old drummer born with no hands can now drum as much as she wants after a group of engineering students devised a pair of 3D printed prosthetic hands for her. Aubrey Sauvie was born with no arms below her elbows and a left foot that had to be partially amputated. A program at Tennessee Technological University called Tech Engineering for Kids recruited ten young engineers who worked closely with Aubrey to print the right devices for her. The team created about 6 different designs until they found the one that worked best for her. Hopefully the prosthetics will work for the nest few years until she outgrows them. Another article describes Aubrey's pre-bith diagnoses and the support she has received throughout her young life.

Laser scanning and 3D printing are being used in agriculture to make more precise measurements for greater insight into crop management. The process is applicable to many types of crops and can make farming more sustainable and accessible. The larger goal is to create global cooperation in research and agriculture.

Japan's LignoSat will test the applicability of wood for use in space, thereby creating less pollution and greater sustainabiity. The setellite was developed by engineers at Kyoto University and Simitomo Forestry logging company. The cube is composed of magnolia wood panels with an aluminum frame, circuit boards, solar panels, and sensors. The parts are joined without glue or metal fittings. Scientists have become increasingly concerned about the still-unknown effects of space debris that is released when combustion takes place. When LignoSat returns to Earth after roughly a year in space, the magnolia will totally disintegrate, giving off only water vapor and carbon dioxide. Wood is also resilient in space and does not block radio waves.

Zellerfeld has opened a retail gallery of 3D printed shoes, calling it a groundbreaking open platform. Designers, customers, and brands can upload and order globally in just minutes. They are not shy in labeling this enterprise the "YouTube of Shoess". The CEO of Zelerfeld states, "This isn’t just a launch; it’s an all-out revolution."

Amazon has introduced a 3D printed filament called Shiny Multicolor Rainbow with spiral random color change. It is described as durable, tough, without bubbles, jamming or warping.

Scientists at North Carolina State University have developed a new type of material called Glassy Gels. Although these gels are composed of more than 50% liquids, they do not dry out and can stretch up to 5 times their original length. The gels are said to be tough and very hard to break. In addition, once the material has been stretched it can be returned to its native state by applying heat.

A Polish artist has produced unusual textures for 3D printed ceramics by using a clay extruder with custom-designed "rotational nozzles".

Visitors to London will be treated to nature-based objects and furniture in the Bio-Spaces exhibition at Roca London Gallery. The Gallery takes care to explain the many terms being used in this field, like biomimetic, biomorphic, bio-diversity, and biophilia. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the organic-shaped gallery creates a gentle environment for the unusual products. Some of the furniture shown has been made by shaping and grafting trees into special shapes over many years. Other pieces are made of discarded coffee cups, potato starch, moss, seaweed, rose petals and cornflowers.

Custom objects can now be printed on the go with a new millimeter-sized photonic chip the size of a coin. The chip gives off programmable light beams into a well of light-curable resin. When the light hits the resin, it quickly becomes solid into a user-defined shape. The scientists have created microscopic antennas that are able to modulate the speed of the optical signals, called a beam-steering capability,

Engineers at the University of Cambridge have developed a way to directly print eco-friendly sensors directly onto the skin. The sensors, described as adaptable and subtle, resemble spider webs since they can stick to surfaces like skin or flower petals. The fibers are said to be 50 times smaller than a human hair. They conform to human skin without blocking sweat pores. While in place, they can report back on health and potentially be used as well in virtual reality, electronic textiles, and monitoring the environment.

One note of caution: many companies are using high-tech and confusing language to disguise the fact that plastics are part of their product or their process, especially in the food industry. Buyer beware. Demand an easy-to-understand explanation before you eat or buy.

We review many hundreds of articles each month, culling the most significant for you. We also welcome suggestions from our viewers for products and processes that we may have missed.

c.Corinne Whitaker 2024