Renewable Energy

MIT’s Breakthrough in 3D-Printed Solenoids

Posted on

In a monumental stride towards sustainable electronics manufacturing, MIT’s Advanced Structures and Composites Center (ASCC) has achieved a significant milestone: fully 3D-printed, three-dimensional solenoids. Solenoids, the core of numerous electronic devices, are traditionally manufactured through complex assembly processes, leading to inefficiencies and limitations in design and performance.
MIT’s approach revolutionizes this process by leveraging multimaterial 3D printing technology, enabling the seamless production of solenoids in one step. Unlike conventional methods, which rely on post-assembly processes prone to defects, MIT’s customized 3D printer delivers superior performance and durability. By incorporating higher-performing materials, MIT’s solenoids exhibit twice the current capacity and three times the magnetic field strength compared to their counterparts.
Beyond cost reduction and waste elimination, MIT’s innovation holds profound implications for space exploration. The ability to fabricate electronic components on-demand using 3D printing technology could revolutionize space missions by circumventing the need for costly and time-consuming part replacements. This democratization of electronics manufacturing aligns with MIT’s vision of empowering global communities with accessible, locally produced hardware.
The modified 3D printer, equipped with four nozzles for precise material deposition, represents a significant leap forward in additive manufacturing capabilities. MIT’s researchers have paved the way for enhanced performance and scalability in 3D-printed electronics by overcoming technical challenges associated with material compatibility and temperature control. Moving forward, MIT’s team aims further to optimize solenoid performance through material innovation and process refinement. With continued advancements, 3D-printed solenoids could revolutionize a wide range of applications, from power converters to soft robotics.
Velásquez-García emphasizes the potential of additive manufacturing to democratize technology, advocating for decentralized production. Teaming up with lead author Jorge Cañada and mechanical engineering graduate student Hyeonseok Kim, their paper on 3D-printed solenoids in Virtual and Physical Prototyping underscores this vision. By enabling local fabrication rather than global distribution, additive manufacturing empowers communities worldwide to create their hardware. This shift not only reduces logistical complexities but also fosters innovation and self-sufficiency in remote areas. Together, they envision a future where technology transcends geographical barriers, driven by the accessibility and versatility of additive manufacturing.
MIT’s groundbreaking research, supported by Empiriko Corporation and La Caixa Foundation, heralds a new era of sustainable electronics manufacturing. By harnessing the power of additive manufacturing, MIT drives innovation towards a more accessible, environmentally friendly future for electronics production.

This entry was posted in "Additive Manufacturing Dynamics in 3D/4D Printing and AI Research Collaborations", "Building Future Innovators: Leveraging Additive Manufacturing for 3D Printing Education", "Evolution of Printing Technologies: Celebrating the Emergence of 3D/4D/5D Printing with Insights and Community Events", "Exploring New Frontiers: Advancements in 3D Printing", "Green Printing: Sustainable Materials for Eco-Friendly Additive Manufacturing in 3D Printing", "Pages to Prototypes: 3D/4D Printing in Books, Design, and Engineering" and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Turning Wind into Innovation: UMaine’s Groundbreaking 3D Printing Project

Posted on

In a pioneering effort to address the environmental challenges posed by wind turbine blade disposal, researchers at the University of Maine have embarked on a groundbreaking project to recycle these blades as material for 3D printing. With a $75,000 grant from the Department of Energy’s Wind Energy Technologies Office, the Advanced Structures and Composites Center (ASCC) leads the charge in exploring innovative solutions for a circular wind energy economy.

The project, aptly named “Blades for Large-Format Additive Manufacturing,” seeks to repurpose shredded wind turbine blade material as a reinforcement and filler for large-scale 3D printing. By substituting short carbon fibers with recycled blade material, the team aims to achieve 100% mechanical recycling of composite blade material, effectively diverting these materials from landfills and reducing waste. Key to the project’s success is the development of new compounding methods to ensure the adhesive bond strength of the composite material. Once processed into pellets, these recycled materials will serve as feedstock for large-format extrusion-based 3D printing, leveraging the ASCC’s advanced manufacturing capabilities to produce innovative construction materials.

Beyond its environmental benefits, the project holds significant promise for the global precast concrete industry. By integrating shredded wind turbine blade material into the 3D printing process for precast concrete formwork, the team aims to lower material costs, enhance design flexibility, and streamline manufacturing processes. Moreover, this initiative aligns with UMaine ASCC’s broader environmental goals, aiming to reduce the environmental footprint of wind energy and develop sustainable feedstock for large-scale 3D printing. With a focus on driving wider adoption of sustainable practices in wind energy recycling, the project represents a crucial step towards a greener, more resilient future. Led by a multidisciplinary team of researchers from various departments and industry partners, including Dr. Roberto Lopez-Anido, Dr. Reed Miller, and Dr. Habib Dagher, the project showcases UMaine’s expertise in composite materials, advanced manufacturing, and renewable energy innovation.

With a track record of groundbreaking projects like BioHome3D and 3Dirigo, the ASCC stands at the forefront of sustainable technology development, demonstrating its commitment to driving positive change in the renewable energy landscape. Through innovative research and collaboration, UMaine continues leading the charge toward a more sustainable and resilient future for future generations.

Taylor Ward. March 11, 2024. UMaine researchers aim to recycle wind turbine blades as 3D printing material.

This entry was posted in "Additive Manufacturing Dynamics in 3D/4D Printing and AI Research Collaborations", "Building Future Innovators: Leveraging Additive Manufacturing for 3D Printing Education", "Green Printing: Sustainable Materials for Eco-Friendly Additive Manufacturing in 3D Printing", "Next-Gen Fashion and Construction: Advancing with Additive Manufacturing in 3D Printing" and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , .