Tech Explorist By Ashwini Sakharkar 12/16/2024
Turning 3D printing's biggest flaw into its smartest feature!Interfaces play a vital role in both natural and engineered systems, significantly influencing vital biological, ecological, and technological characteristics that enhance performance, functionality, and user experience.
However, achieving accurate control over interfaces presents considerable challenges in both conventional and additive manufacturing. The limitations in scalability often obstruct the precise deposition of quasi-2D layers within 3D structures.
At Johns Hopkins University, civil and systems engineers have turned a long-standing challenge in 3D printing into a groundbreaking advantage. Their innovative printing technique effectively addresses the inherent weaknesses that occur at the layer interfaces during 3D printing. This transformative work offers the exciting potential to tailor the behavior of 3D-printed objects, paving the way for unprecedented customization and performance.
“In 3D printing, interfaces are notorious for creating vulnerabilities,” said Jochen Mueller, an assistant professor at Whiting School of Engineering’s Department of Civil and Systems Engineering. “The printed material either adheres too much or too little, resulting in structural weaknesses. It’s similar to the way spaghetti sticks together after cooking but easily pulls apart. This creates flaws that limit the functionality of 3D-printed products.”
More:
https://www.techexplorist.com/new-technique-addresses-structural-vulnerabilities-3d-printed-objects/94722/
