Advanced Manufacturing

UMaine Breaks Records with Next-Generation 3D Printer: Pioneering Sustainable Manufacturing

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The University of Maine (UMaine) is making waves in the world of advanced manufacturing with the unveiling of its groundbreaking Factory of the Future 1.0 (FoF 1.0) 3D printer. Surpassing its own Guinness World Record, this colossal printer promises to revolutionize sustainable manufacturing across diverse industries. UMaine’s FoF 1.0 represents a quantum leap in the realm of 3D printing technology, boasting dimensions four times larger than its predecessor. With the capability to print objects up to 96 feet long by 32 feet wide by 18 feet high, this next-generation printer opens up new horizons for eco-friendly and cost-effective manufacturing. Designed to accommodate thermoplastic polymers, FoF 1.0 can churn out up to 500 pounds of material per hour, offering unparalleled efficiency and scale.

The applications of FoF 1.0 span a multitude of industries, from national security to affordable housing, bridge construction to renewable energy. By dynamically switching between various manufacturing processes such as additive manufacturing, subtractive manufacturing, and robotic arm operations, FoF 1.0 epitomizes versatility and innovation. Moreover, its collaborative capabilities with the ASCC’s MasterPrint further amplify its potential for manufacturing research and development.

UMaine’s commitment to advancing sustainable manufacturing is underscored by its strategic partnerships and groundbreaking initiatives. Supported by the U.S. Department of Defense and other key stakeholders, FoF 1.0 heralds a new era of manufacturing excellence. Through the development of biobased feedstocks and biomaterials, UMaine aims to address critical challenges in affordable housing, national security, and beyond.

The unveiling of FoF 1.0 marks a significant milestone in UMaine’s journey towards becoming a global leader in advanced manufacturing and materials science. With visionary leadership, robust research infrastructure, and unwavering support from governmental and industry partners, UMaine is poised to shape the future of manufacturing on both local and global scales.

As UMaine continues to push the boundaries of innovation, the Factory of the Future 1.0 stands as a testament to the university’s pioneering spirit and commitment to excellence. By harnessing the power of 3D printing technology, UMaine is driving sustainable solutions, fostering economic growth, and empowering future generations of innovators. The journey towards a more sustainable and prosperous future begins with UMaine’s bold vision for advanced manufacturing.

By, Taylor Ward. UMaine’s new 3D printer smashes former Guinness World Record to advance the next generation of advanced manufacturing.

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

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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 "3D Printing, 4D Printing’s Network of research and 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 , , , , , , , , , , , .