MIT

3D Printing with hygroscopic material like wood

Posted on December 29, 2022 Updated on May 8, 2023

3D Printing with hygroscopic material like wood. This will be a unique material for 3D printing because it tends to absorb moisture from the air. The researchers aimed to mimic the natural behavior of wood, which expands and contracts in response to changes in humidity. To achieve this, the researchers used a multi-material 3D printing approach, in which a hygroscopic material is printed with an auxiliary material that controls its expansion and contraction. The resulting structure is a wood-like material that responds to changes in humidity, similar to natural wood.

The article also discusses the potential applications of 3D-printed wood, such as creating sustainable and customizable furniture and building materials. The authors note that this technology could reduce waste and energy consumption in manufacturing and enable new design possibilities.

This is the innovative use of 3D printing technology to mimic the behavior of natural materials and create new materials with unique properties.

By Ben Coxworth

June 27, 2019.

Beyond nature, 3D printed Wood tissue.

MIT researchers develop method for 3D printing wood.

This entry was posted in 3D Printing for the environment., 3D Printing hobby products and design., 3D Printing jobs, solutions in education, Universities., What materials are used in 3D Printing and 4D Printing? and tagged 3D Printing with hygroscopic material like wood, 3D-Printed Wood: Programming Hygroscopic Material Transformations. MIT researchers develop method for 3D printing wood., Beyond nature, MIT.