Category: Innovations

A material that lights up to talk to you?

A material that lights up to talk to you?

3D-printed living materials with bioluminescent microorganisms react to chemical stimuli by emitting blue light. Battery-free and electronics-free autonomous sensors to monitor water and the environment through repeatable visual signals.

DISH 3D print without layers?

DISH 3D print without layers?

Tsinghua University's DISH technology revolutionizes volumetric 3D printing by eliminating layering. It uses holographic light fields and wave optics to print millimeter objects in 0.6 seconds with a uniform resolution of 19 μm over 1 cm of depth. Ideal for biomedicine and microfluidics.

ColorMix: multicolor without extruders?

ColorMix: multicolor without extruders?

ColorMix in beta on PrusaSlicer enables multicolor printing with few filaments, alternating them per layer to simulate new shades. It works without additional hardware on multi-material printers, but is calibrated only for Prusament PLA and Prusa XL.

Does a printed egg save the moa?

Does a printed egg save the moa?

Colossal Biosciences has developed artificial eggs with 3D-printed shells and silicone membranes: 26 chicks have hatched. The technology aims to save endangered species and bring back the giant moa, whose eggs no living bird can incubate.

30% less for de-powdering? The secret is in the frequency

30% less for de-powdering? The secret is in the frequency

A new patent uses frequency control to optimize de-powdering in 3D printing: 30% reduced times, greater repeatability and transferability between machines. It requires sensors, but the ROI is 2-5 years for complex components.

Aerospike vs classic Nozzle: who wins at 3000°C?

Aerospike vs classic Nozzle: who wins at 3000°C?

LEAP 71 compares a classic nozzle and an aerospike of 20 kN in CuCrZr: the first is stable and efficient beyond 93%, the second at 50 bar but with startup criticalities. Mature nozzle for immediate missions, promising aerospike for multi-regime efficiency and reusable launches.

The smart skin that protects robots in space?

The smart skin that protects robots in space?

ESA is developing Smart Skin, an intelligent 3D-printed skin for space robotic arms. The flexible coating integrates thermal protection, sensors, and wiring for lunar and Martian missions, overcoming the limits of traditional insulation.

Cooling by half a millimeter?

Cooling by half a millimeter?

A photopolymerizable ceramic slurry formulation enables 3D printing of components with cooling channels down to 0.2 mm. DLP technology overcomes the limits of traditional bonding, opening new perspectives for wafers, micro-coolers, and laser mirrors. Scalability and material stability remain to be verified.

HyCAT: 300 km/h in 3 days?

HyCAT: 300 km/h in 3 days?

HyCAT, a Pentagon program, accelerates hypersonic aerodynamic testing with dedicated vehicles and commercial launchers, reducing time and costs.

3D RF Components: Less Weight, More Power?

3D RF Components: Less Weight, More Power?

3D printing is revolutionizing the production of RF components, enabling lighter antennas and integrated EMI shielding in electronic packages. Additive technologies improve efficiency, customization, and reduce weight, while posing challenges regarding materials and repeatability.

3D printing without overheating? The trick is in the gas

3D printing without overheating? The trick is in the gas

New patented method for thermal control in metal 3D printing reduces times by up to 47% and prevents defects caused by overheating, improving quality and repeatability.

War drones: how to build autonomous systems at a defensive level?

War drones: how to build autonomous systems at a defensive level?

Autonomous warfare requires integrated multi-domain systems, not just drones. The US DAWG program invests billions in sacrificial, modular platforms produced locally with technologies like 3D printing. The objective is to create rapid, scalable, and interoperable defensive capabilities, supported by advanced commands like SAWC. Priorities: distributed production, reduced costs, rapid qualification.

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