3D Printing

A type of natural polymer, cellulose has increasingly been finding use as an eco-friendly, biocompatible 3D-printing material. Now, scientists have devised a method of printing complex objects with a higher cellulose content than ever.

Founder of Prusa Research, the world’s largest 3D printing factory located in Prague, Josef Prusa has spoken about how the company is doing everything it can to aid the production of much needed medical supplies during the COVID-19 crisis.

While large 3D-printed objects such as buildings may get a lot of attention, the technology is also used to produce tiny, intricate objects. The latter could soon be whipped up faster and in more detail than ever, thanks to a new printing system.

As is the case with items that are manufactured in more traditional manners, it's certainly possible for 3D-printed products to be counterfeited. A new system could help identify such bogus goods, by printing a unique code right into objects.

The quality of 3D-printed metal parts could soon improve, thanks to new research out of Australia. Scientists there have determined that the application of ultrasound boosts the strength of such items, by modifying their microstructure.

If you wanted to have a replica of Michelangelo's David in your home, you'd need plenty of space to show it off. But the replica 3D-printed by Exaddon and ETH Zurich would fit in any home, though you may need a microscope to see it.

Germany's BigRep has unveiled a design prototype of a sporty little number called Loci made up of 14 3D-printed parts, plus an electric powertrain and self-driving tech. Two more concept variants have also been revealed.

Of all the materials that can be 3D-printed, glass is still one of the most challenging to work with. Scientists at the ETH Zurich research center are working on changing that, though, with a new and reportedly better glass-printing technique.

Amputees wishing to get a powered prosthetic hand – also known as a bionic hand – typically have to wait quite a while for it to be manufactured. Soon, however, they should be able to order a custom bionic hand that's 3D-printed within 10 hours.

Italian 3D printing company WASP has joined forces with Mario Cucinella Architects to construct an innovative 3D printed dwelling. Dubbed TECLA, the first prototype is undergoing construction and is located just outside of Bologna, Italy.

A materials science and engineering team from Korea's Yonsei University has developed a 3D printing technique enabling OLED screens to be printed into transparent structures of any shape, meaning nearly anything can become a see-through color display.

While it's now common to see 3D-printed prototypes, the use of 3D printers for manufacturing is still limited. That could be about to change, thanks to a new model that's being heralded as "the largest and highest throughput printer in its class."