Research & Development

If you think for a second, the biggest innovations that are shaking the world of today started with R&D. This stage has been fundamental in any industrial revolution, including additive manufacturing. This segment highlights the latest AM developments in the R&D sector.

Heidelberg University, 3D laser printing, 3D structures, Odontella Aurita, Tetraselmis Striata

Researchers develop biocompatible materials from microalgae

Researchers from Heidelberg University in Germany have fabricated inks for printing complex biocompatible 3D microstructures from the raw materials extracted from the microalgae. Being led by Professor Dr. Eva Blasco from IMSEAM (Institute for Molecular...
University of California, PNIPAM method, salting-out effect

New 3D printing technique uses a polymer ink and salt water solution to create parts

3D printing is undergoing a paradigm shift with the development of the PNIPAM method. This method developed by researchers at The University of California San Diego involves the use of a polymer ink and...
earmolds, callier center, 3d printed

Callier Center relies on 3D printing to manufacture hearing aid earmolds

The Callier Center for Communication Disorders at the University of Texas at Dallas kickstarted manufacturing 3D printed custom earmolds for pediatric hearing aids.  This lab is generously funded through several community donations. It has set...

UK Researchers relied on the “enhancement factor” to develop 3D-printed lattices with advanced properties

Engineers in the UK and Italy are behind the research on the deformation mechanisms of 3D printed materials. The latter aims to provide insight into the balance of structural factors at play in the...

ASICS and Dassault Systèmes provide on-demand insoles personalized for individual foot shape

Shoe manufacturer ASICS and software developer Dassault Systèmes have jointly opened a test studio near Paris that will serve as a pilot test for a new service of on-demand insoles personalized for individual foot...

UniSA opens new metal 3D printing facility, provides updates on 4 projects worth over $18M

University of South Australia (UniSA) recently celebrated the opening of a new Advanced Manufacturing facility and revealed significant industry investment in four space research projects under the iLAuNCH Trailblazer. With over $18 million granted in cash...

ORNL releases 3D printing datasets that can be used to enhance the quality of 3D printed parts

The Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory has publicly released a new set of additive manufacturing data that industry and researchers can use to evaluate and improve the quality of 3D-printed components. The...

Techmer PM joins Purdue University’s Composites AM and Simulation Consortium (CAMS)

Materials design firm Techmer PM is now part of Purdue University’s Composites Additive Manufacturing and Simulation (CAMS) Consortium. Its presence as a material supplier will help advance research that is being done on large-format...

First patient in orthopaedic study to help Stratasys and Ricoh USA assess 3D printed models for preoperative planning

With the goal of comparing 3D printed anatomical models’ efficacy against the current standard of care – thus improving surgical outcomes -, 3D printer manufacturer Stratasys and service provider Ricoh USA enrolled the first...

Makino and Fraunhofer ILT develop a process that can produce, coat or repair 3D printable complex geometries

The Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT and Makino, a globally recognized manufacturer of machine tools collaborate together to develop a process that can efficiently produce, coat or repair complex geometries with high-strength materials. With...