scholarly journals Can 3D Printing Bring Droplet Microfluidics to Every Lab?—A Systematic Review

Micromachines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 339
Author(s):  
Nafisat Gyimah ◽  
Ott Scheler ◽  
Toomas Rang ◽  
Tamas Pardy
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
3D Printing ◽  
Microfluidic Chip ◽  
Performance Metrics ◽  
Droplet Microfluidics ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Scale Production ◽  
Chemical Application ◽  
Chip Fabrication ◽  
3D Printed

In recent years, additive manufacturing has steadily gained attention in both research and industry. Applications range from prototyping to small-scale production, with 3D printing offering reduced logistics overheads, better design flexibility and ease of use compared with traditional fabrication methods. In addition, printer and material costs have also decreased rapidly. These advantages make 3D printing attractive for application in microfluidic chip fabrication. However, 3D printing microfluidics is still a new area. Is the technology mature enough to print complex microchannel geometries, such as droplet microfluidics? Can 3D-printed droplet microfluidic chips be used in biological or chemical applications? Is 3D printing mature enough to be used in every research lab? These are the questions we will seek answers to in our systematic review. We will analyze (1) the key performance metrics of 3D-printed droplet microfluidics and (2) existing biological or chemical application areas. In addition, we evaluate (3) the potential of large-scale application of 3D printing microfluidics. Finally, (4) we discuss how 3D printing and digital design automation could trivialize microfluidic chip fabrication in the long term. Based on our analysis, we can conclude that today, 3D printers could already be used in every research lab. Printing droplet microfluidics is also a possibility, albeit with some challenges discussed in this review.

Stress State of 3D-Printed Plastic Dies at Thin-Sheet Aluminum Bending

2021 ◽  
Vol 316 ◽  
pp. 110-115
Author(s):  
L.B. Aksenov ◽  
I.Y. Kononov ◽  
N.G. Kolbasnikov
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Mechanical Characteristics ◽  
Plastic Material ◽  
Thin Sheet ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Scale Production ◽  
Sheet Bending ◽  
Sheet Aluminum ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Positive Properties

The paper deals with the problems and prospects of forming thin-sheet blanks, using ABS plastic dies, made by 3D printing. This technology combines the positive properties of plastic material and 3D-printing. The mechanical characteristics of the plastic were determined experimentally. On the basis of computer modeling, the dependence between the angle of bending the blank and the stresses arising in the dies is established. As a result of computer simulation and physical experiment, the value of the maximum thickness 0.5 mm for the aluminum 3003 blank is obtained. In this case, there is no plastic deformation of the plastic tool. The use of plastic dies does not require lubrication. The technology of sheet bending, using a plastic tool, can be implemented with the greatest efficiency in single and small-scale production.

scholarly journals A Systematic Review of the Clinical Value and Applications of Three-Dimensional Printing in Renal Surgery

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 990 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catalina Lupulescu ◽  
Zhonghua Sun
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
3D Printing ◽  
Renal Disease ◽  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Surgical Simulation ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Time Duration ◽  
Printing Process ◽  
Estimated Blood Loss ◽  
3D Printed

The purpose of this systematic review is to collate and analyse the current literature which examines clinical applications of 3D printing for renal disease, alongside cost and time duration factors associated with the printing process. A comprehensive search of the literature was performed across five different databases to identify studies that qualitatively and quantitatively assessed the value of 3D-printed kidney models for renal disease. Twenty-seven studies met the selection criteria for inclusion in the review. Twenty-five were original studies, and two were case reports. Of the 22 studies reporting a qualitative evaluation, the analysis of findings demonstrated the value of the 3D-printed models in areas of clinician and patient education, and pre-surgical simulation for complex cases of renal disease. Of five studies performing a quantitative analysis, the analysis of results displayed a high level of spatial and anatomical accuracy amongst models, with benefits including reducing estimated blood loss and risk of intra-operative complications. Fourteen studies evaluated manufacturing costs and time duration, with costs ranging from USD 1 to 1000 per model, and time duration ranging from 15 min to 9 days. This review shows that the use of customised 3D-printed models is valuable in the education of junior surgeons as well as the enhancement of operative skills for senior surgeons due to a superior visualisation of anatomical networks and pathologic morphology compared to volumetric imaging alone. Furthermore, 3D-printed kidney models may facilitate interdisciplinary communication and decision-making regarding the management of patients undergoing operative treatment for renal disease. It cannot be suggested that a more expensive material constitutes a higher level of user-satisfaction and model accuracy. However, higher costs in the manufacturing of the 3D-printed models reported, on average, a slightly shorter time duration for the 3D-printing process and total manufacturing time.

scholarly journals Utility of Three-Dimensional Printing for Preoperative Assessment of Children with Extra-Cranial Solid Tumors: A Systematic Review

2022 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-39
Author(s):  
Sachit Anand ◽  
Nellai Krishnan ◽  
Prabudh Goel ◽  
Anjan Kumar Dhua ◽  
Vishesh Jain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
3D Printing ◽  
Solid Tumors ◽  
Surgical Planning ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Printing Technology ◽  
Three Dimensional Printing ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Dimensional Printing

Background: In cases with solid tumors, preoperative radiological investigations provide valuable information on the anatomy of the tumor and the adjoining structures, thus helping in operative planning. However, due to a two-dimensional view in these investigations, a detailed spatial relationship is difficult to decipher. In contrast, three-dimensional (3D) printing technology provides a precise topographic view to perform safe surgical resections of these tumors. This systematic review aimed to summarize and analyze current evidence on the utility of 3D printing in pediatric extra-cranial solid tumors. Methods: The present study was registered on PROSPERO—international prospective register of systematic reviews (registration number: CRD42020206022). PubMed, Embase, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar databases were explored with appropriate search criteria to select the relevant studies. Data were extracted to study the bibliographic information of each article, the number of patients in each study, age of the patient(s), type of tumor, organ of involvement, application of 3D printing (surgical planning, training, and/or parental education). The details of 3D printing, such as type of imaging used, software details, printing technique, printing material, and cost were also synthesized. Results: Eight studies were finally included in the systematic review. Three-dimensional printing technology was used in thirty children with Wilms tumor (n = 13), neuroblastoma (n = 7), hepatic tumors (n = 8), retroperitoneal tumor (n = 1), and synovial sarcoma (n = 1). Among the included studies, the technology was utilized for preoperative surgical planning (five studies), improved understanding of the surgical anatomy of solid organs (two studies), and improving the parental understanding of the tumor and its management (one study). Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were either performed alone or in combination for radiological evaluation in these children. Different types of printers and printing materials were used in the included studies. The cost of the 3D printed models and time involved (range 10 h to 4–5 days) were reported by two studies each. Conclusions: 3D printed models can be of great assistance to pediatric surgeons in understanding the spatial relationships of tumors with the adjacent anatomic structures. They also facilitate the understanding of families, improving doctor–patient communication.

scholarly journals The Tailored Traveller: Exploring digital vehicle data and large-scale FDM 3D printing to produce a luxury sleeping space

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
William Rykers
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Automotive Industry ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Digital Data ◽  
Design Solution ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Research Through Design ◽  
Vehicle Data ◽  
3D Printed

<p>This research is focused towards the use of large-scale FDM 3D printing within the automotive industry, specifically to design a bespoke habitable sleeping environment attached to a Range Rover Sport. 3D printing has risen as a viable form of manufacturing in comparison with conventional methods. Allowing the designer to capitalise on digital data, enabling specific tailored designs to any vehicle model. This thesis asks the question “Can design use the properties of digital vehicle data in conjunction with large-scale FDM 3D printing to sustainably produce bespoke habitable sleeping environments for an automotive context?” Further to this, FDM 3D printing at a large-scale has so far not been explored extensively within the automotive industry.  FDM 3D printing is an emerging technology that possesses the ability to revolutionise the automotive industry, through expansion of functionality, customisation and aesthetic that is currently limited by traditional manufacturing methods. Presently, vehicle models are digitally mapped, creating an opportunity for customisation and automatic adaption through computer aided drawing (CAD). This thesis takes advantage of the digitisation of the automotive industry through 3D modelling and renders as a design and development tool.   This project explored a variety of methods to demonstrate a vision of a 3D printed habitable sleeping environment. The primary methodologies employed in this research project are Research for Design (RfD) and Research through Design (RtD). These methodologies work in conjunction to combine design theory and practice as a genuine method of inquiry. The combination of theory and design practice has ensued in the concepts being analysed, reflected and discussed according to a reflective analysis design approach. The design solution resulted in an innovative and luxury bespoke habitable sleeping space to be FDM 3D printed. Through the use of digitisation, the sleeping capsule was cohesively tailored to the unique design language of the Range Rover Sport. This thesis resulted in various final outputs including a 1:1 digital model, high quality renders, accompanied by small scale prototypes, photographs and sketch models.</p>

scholarly journals Clinical efficacy and effectiveness of 3D printing: a systematic review

BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. e016891 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura E Diment ◽  
Mark S Thompson ◽  
Jeroen H M Bergmann
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
3D Printing ◽  
Clinical Efficacy ◽  
Musculoskeletal System ◽  
Preoperative Planning ◽  
Maxillofacial Surgery ◽  
Oral And Maxillofacial Surgery ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Standard Clinical Practice ◽  
3D Printed

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy and effectiveness of using 3D printing to develop medical devices across all medical fields.DesignSystematic review compliant with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.Data sourcesPubMed, Web of Science, OVID, IEEE Xplore and Google Scholar.MethodsA double-blinded review method was used to select all abstracts up to January 2017 that reported on clinical trials of a three-dimensional (3D)-printed medical device. The studies were ranked according to their level of evidence, divided into medical fields based on the International Classification of Diseases chapter divisions and categorised into whether they were used for preoperative planning, aiding surgery or therapy. The Downs and Black Quality Index critical appraisal tool was used to assess the quality of reporting, external validity, risk of bias, risk of confounding and power of each study.ResultsOf the 3084 abstracts screened, 350 studies met the inclusion criteria. Oral and maxillofacial surgery contained 58.3% of studies, and 23.7% covered the musculoskeletal system. Only 21 studies were randomised controlled trials (RCTs), and all fitted within these two fields. The majority of RCTs were 3D-printed anatomical models for preoperative planning and guides for aiding surgery. The main benefits of these devices were decreased surgical operation times and increased surgical accuracy.ConclusionsAll medical fields that assessed 3D-printed devices concluded that they were clinically effective. The fields that most rigorously assessed 3D-printed devices were oral and maxillofacial surgery and the musculoskeletal system, both of which concluded that the 3D-printed devices outperformed their conventional comparators. However, the efficacy and effectiveness of 3D-printed devices remain undetermined for the majority of medical fields. 3D-printed devices can play an important role in healthcare, but more rigorous and long-term assessments are needed to determine if 3D-printed devices are clinically relevant before they become part of standard clinical practice.

Additive manufacturing in the wood-furniture sector

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 350-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federica Murmura ◽  
Laura Bravi
Keyword(s):  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
3D Printing ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Scale Production ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Wood Furniture ◽  
Manufacturing Techniques ◽  
Manufacturing Technologies

Purpose In the world economy there is the emergence of advanced manufacturing technologies that are enabling more cost and resource-efficient small-scale production. Among them, additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, is leading companies to rethink where and how they conduct their manufacturing activities. The purpose of this paper is to focus in the Italian wood-furniture industry to understand if the companies in this sector are investing in additive manufacturing techniques, to remain competitive in their reference markets. The research also attempts to investigate the potential sustainable benefits and limitations to the implementation of 3D printing in this specific sector, considering the companies that have already implemented this technology. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected using a structured questionnaire survey performed on a sample of 234 Italian companies in this sector; 76 companies claimed to use 3D printing in their production system. The questionnaire was distributed via computer-assisted web interviewing and it consisted of four sections. Findings The research has highlighted how Italian 3D companies have a specific profile; they are companies aimed at innovating through the search for new products and product features, putting design and Made in Italy in the first place. They pay high attention to the image they communicate to the market and are highly oriented to the final customer, and to the satisfaction of its needs. Originality/value The study is attempting to expand a recent and unexplored research line on the possible advantages and disadvantages of the implementation of emerging production technologies such as 3D printing.

scholarly journals Renewing Materials: 3D Printing and Distributed Recycling Disrupting Samoa's Plastic Waste Stream

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Lionel Taito-Taaalii Matamua
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Participatory Design ◽  
Design Research ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Field Work ◽  
Plastic Waste ◽  
Waste Stream ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
The Arts ◽  
3D Printed

<p>This research addresses the serious issue of plastic waste in the Pacific. Using Samoa as a case study, we hypothesise that distributed recycling combined with 3D printing offers an opportunity to re-purpose and add new value to this difficult waste stream. It is also an opportunity to engage diverse local communities in Samoa by combining notions of participatory design, maker-spaces and ‘wikis’ of parts with traditional Samoan social concepts such as ‘Fa’a Samoa’, or ‘the Samoan way’ and sense of community.  The project seeks to explore creative and innovative solutions to re-purposing plastic waste via a range of design research methods. Field work in Samoa has established the scope of the issue through interviews with different stakeholders such as Government, waste management businesses, the arts and crafts community and education. The field work has also helped identify potential product areas and collaborative partners. The different types of plastic in the waste stream have been identified and material experiments such as plastic shredding and filament extrusion are underway using low cost open source processing equipment to transform plastic waste into usable 3D printing filament. From this filament, potential 3D printed end products are explored through a hands-on researching by making process.  The experiments inform the design of workable, economically viable, socially empowering and sustainable scenarios for re-purposing and up-cycling plastic waste; printed in the form of useful and culturally meaningful 3D printed objects, artifacts and products.Applications range from creating greater awareness of the issue by way of tourism and the Samoan notion of ‘mea alofa’ or ‘gifting’, through to functional utensils and parts. It is an opportunity to expand Samoa’s traditional forms of craft into new self-sustaining communities, maker-spaces and small scale local industries. The outputs of the initial project are intended to provoke discussion and invite participation in the implementation of these different scenarios of production.</p>

Research of 3D Printing Modes of Feedstock for Metal Injection Molding

2020 ◽  
Vol 992 ◽  
pp. 461-466
Author(s):  
A.Yu. Korotchenko ◽  
D.E. Khilkov ◽  
M.V. Tverskoy ◽  
A.A. Khilkova
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Injection Molding ◽  
Metal Injection Molding ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Print Quality ◽  
Scale Production ◽  
Fused Filament Fabrication ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
The Cost

In this work, to reduce the cost of production of parts using injection molding metal technology (MIM technology), it is proposed to use additive technologies (AT) for the manufacture of green parts. The use of AT allows us to abandon expensive molds and expand the field of use of the MIM of technology in single and small-scale production. For manufacture of green parts, the technology of manufacturing fused filament (Fused Filament Fabrication – FFF) is offered. The original composition of the metal powder mix (feedstock) and the filament manufacturing modes for 3D printing have been developed for the FFF technology. The cost of filament is much lower than its analogs. The factors affecting the print quality of green part are considered. All factors are divided into two groups depending on the possibility of their change during printing. The research of the influence of the coefficient filament supply on the geometry of green parts during 3D printing is presented.

scholarly journals Automated draping analysis of 3D printed flexible isogrid structures for textile applications

2021 ◽  
pp. 004051752110062
Author(s):  
Jordan Kalman ◽  
Kazem Fayazbakhsh ◽  
Danielle Martin
Keyword(s):  
Image Processing ◽  
3D Printing ◽  
Large Range ◽  
Thermoplastic Polyurethane ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Fused Filament Fabrication ◽  
3D Print ◽  
3D Printed

Fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printing can be used for manufacturing flexible isogrid structures. This work presents a novel draping analysis of flexible 3D printed isogrids from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) using image processing. A small-scale multi-camera automated draping apparatus (ADA) is designed and used to characterize draping behavior of 3D printed isogrid structures based on draping coefficient (DC) and mode. Circular specimens are designed and 3D printed that accommodate up to eight additional weights on their perimeters to enhance draping. Five infill patterns, three infill percentages, and three loading cases are explored to evaluate their impact on specimens’ draping coefficient and mode, resulting in 45 tests. The range of DCs in this study is 21.9% to 91.5%, and a large range of draping modes is observed. For the lowest infill percentage, specimen mass is not the sole contributor to the DC values and the infill pattern has a significant impact for the three loading cases. Considering draping modes, the maximum number of convex and concave nodes observed for 25% infill specimens with added weights is three. The draping behavior characterization developed in this study can be followed to design and 3D print new flexible isogrids with textile applications.

scholarly journals Microfluidic Temperature Behavior in a Multi-Material 3D Printed Chip

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Derek Sanchez ◽  
Greg Nordin ◽  
Troy Munro
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Temperature Control ◽  
Microfluidic Chip ◽  
Iterative Process ◽  
Target Volume ◽  
Temperature Sensing ◽  
Temperature Sensitive ◽  
Microfluidic Chips ◽  
Process Verification ◽  
3D Printed

Abstract As analysis systems shrink in size to microfluidic scales and devices, there is a need to improve temperature control in the microscale for temperature-sensitive processes. Technology that combines accurate temperature measurement and 3D spatial control of the temperature distribution is limited by common 2D layer-based microfluidic fabrication techniques but can be realized with 3D printed microfluidic chips. This work presents an iterative process to create a microfluidic chip using multi-material 3D printing to improve temperature sensing and create an even temperature around a target volume. Through an iterative process, verification is presented of fluorophore viability (specifically CdTe quantum dots) after being secured in place by cured PR48 3D printing resin, thus confirming the possibility of fluorescent thermometry as an accurate non-contact temperature sensing method. Numerical analyses of various geometries of chip design iterations are also presented verifying spatially even heating due to the placement of heating sources in the microfluidic chip. Combining the fluorescent thermometry and improved heating will lead to improved temperature control in microfluidic devices.

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