chanelink logo
CHANELINK
English

MIT research enables 3D printers to recognize new materials

1161
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