English

MIT research enables 3D printers to recognize new materials

1169
2024-04-18 16:54:09
See translation

According to scientists at MIT, mathematical formulas developed by MIT researchers and other institutions can significantly improve the sustainability of 3D printing.

Issues with 3D printing of plastics
3D printers typically use mass-produced polymer powders to print parts, which are consistent and predictable, but also difficult to recycle.
Other more environmentally friendly options also exist and are still under development, but changing the printing material also requires adjusting the parameters of the 3D printer, which is a challenging process that requires changing up to 100 features, and most of them are done manually.

"Mathematical functions" for new parameters
A research team from the MIT Bits and Atoms Center, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the National Center for Scientific Research in Greece has developed a process that actually allows printing software to quickly identify the characteristics of new printing materials. It may have never been encountered before and many related parameters have been adjusted accordingly.

Researchers have improved the extruder of a 3D printer to measure material flow and force within 20 minutes, and then input these numbers into its "mathematical function" to generate new parameters that can be implemented in standard printing software.

The Success of Biobased Materials
Officials from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology say that this technology accounts for about half of the parameters that typically require human modification. Experiments on new materials (including materials from biological sources) have shown that this process can even successfully manufacture complex parts.

Reduce the impact of 3D printing on the environment
This method can achieve more recyclable printed products and limit the use of polymers from fossil fuels, ultimately reducing the overall environmental impact of additive manufacturing.

Source: Laser Net

Related Recommendations
  • The researchers used ultrafast lasers to create nanoscale photonic crystals

    The optical properties of photonic crystals are closely related to their lattice constants, which are usually required to be in the same order of magnitude as the operating wavelength. In a crystal material, the photonic crystal structure is formed by the periodic arrangement in space of units whose dielectric constant is different from that of the crystal itself, and whose lattice constant depend...

    2023-08-04
    See translation
  • Singapore MetaOptics seeks to raise funds for the development of superlenses

    MetaOptics, a 2021 startup based in Singapore with expertise in metalenses and related optical components, is aiming to raise net proceeds of S$4 million (approximately US$3.1 million) by listing on the local “Catalist” stock exchange.Targeting emerging applications in smart phones, contactless 3D biometrics modules, tiny pocket projectors, lidar sensors, and augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) ...

    09-03
    See translation
  • A new method for generating controllable optical pulse pairs using a single fiber laser

    Researchers from Bayreuth University and Konstanz University are developing new methods to control ultra short laser emission using soliton physics and two pulse combs in a single laser. This method has the potential to greatly accelerate and simplify laser applications.Traditionally, the pulse interval of lasers is set by dividing each pulse into two pulses and delaying them at different, mechani...

    2024-01-15
    See translation
  • Laser giant nLIGHT's preliminary performance forecast for the fourth quarter of 2024

    Recently, nLIGHT, a manufacturer of high-power semiconductors and fiber lasers, released its preliminary performance forecast for the fourth quarter of 2024.According to disclosed information, nLIGHT expects its revenue for the fourth quarter of 2024 to be between $46 million and $48 million, lower than the estimated range of $49 million to $54 million when it released its third quarter results on...

    01-16
    See translation
  • Cannon-Brookes spotlights Singapore with SunCable solar

    Billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes' plan to export clean energy from Australia to Singapore via a 4,200km undersea cable has gained new momentum after taking control of the stalled project.Cannon-Brookes' Grok Ventures has completed its acquisition of SunCable from the government and is advancing talks with authorities in Singapore and Indonesia, the investment firm said on Thursday. The revised plan...

    2023-09-08
    See translation