Thursday, March 28, 2024

The New 3D Printing Technique That Will Revolutionize Tech

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Imagine 3D printed, wearable devices that soldiers can print and use in combat. Or health monitoring devices that sense your pulse, blood pressure, or temperature are closer to reality? A new achievement by a University of Minnesota team of scientists is on the verge of making both happen. This new 3D printing technique could revolutionize the tech industry, making wearable printables the next big thing.

Challenges of 3D Printing on Human Skin

Conventional 3D printers use molten plastic in the printing process. This type of material is super-hot and too rigid for use on curved surfaces. The University of Minnesota’s original concept uses materials that set at room temperature. They’re also safe for direct application onto human skin, although the team hasn’t attempted it yet.

This printer creates flexible sensors using layers of a custom material that functions much like ink. This is different from typical 3D printers, which use liquid plastic deposited on a flat surface.

Revolutionizing 3D Printing Tech

If this 3D printing technique catches on, the future of tech may lie in wearable chips for a range of uses. Consider a printable sensor that can detect if toxic chemicals are present. Even a wearable alert that tells a child when he or she is near a deadly allergen. For the military, this advancement is huge, because it could mean on-the-spot printable devices to ensure the safety of troops concerned about chemical warfare.

Similar advancements in the medical field include a 3D printer pen for inserting new cartilage into patients. Another example of flexible, temperature controlled 3D printing used in a revolutionary way. Emerging 3D printer concepts promise chemical-responsive bio-inks (developed by researchers at the University of California), 3D printed tattoos and smart device touch-tats that interface with your tech.

The Future of 3D Printing

As 3D printing becomes cheaper and more mainstream, it’s hard to imagine the advances that are yet to come, but all signs point to endless practical and entertainment uses. Sure, building a 3D model of the Eiffel Tower is great. But remotely diagnosing health conditions and preventing allergic reactions are tremendous technological advancements.

New 3D printing techniques and adapted printing materials are changing fast. Luckily, there’s no shortage of brilliant minds to keep pushing forward. We’ve already seen 3D printed artificial limbs, entire houses, and handy household gadgets. It’s anyone’s guess where it will take us to next!

 

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