Research

From Sawdust to Masterpiece: The Art of 3D Printing with Wood Waste Ink

Posted on Updated on

In the collaboration between Rice University and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, researchers have unveiled a revolutionary method for transforming wood waste into a versatile ink suitable for 3D printing. Published in the prestigious journal Science Advances, this pioneering research offers a sustainable solution for creating wood-like objects while mitigating the environmental impact of traditional woodworking practices. Traditionally, crafting wooden objects involves extensive processing of raw wood, resulting in significant waste in sawdust and wood scraps. However, researchers have developed an innovative approach to wood fabrication by repurposing this wood waste. The process begins with collecting wood waste, which is then finely ground into a dust-like consistency.

Next, the researchers employ a chemical treatment to separate the cellulose and lignin—the main components of wood—into nanocrystals and nanofibers. These components are then recombined with water to form a clay-like mixture, serving as the base ink for 3D printing. Using this wood waste ink, the research team successfully fabricated various small-scale objects, including miniature tables and chairs, using a 3D printer. To solidify the printed objects, a freeze-drying technique removes excess moisture, followed by heating at 180°C to fuse the cellulose and lignin, resulting in durable wood or wood-like products.

One notable advantage of this innovative approach is its ability to introduce wood-like textures into printed objects, providing a tactile and visually appealing finish. Additionally, the printed objects exhibit remarkable durability, with testing revealing up to six times the strength of objects made from original wood, particularly balsa wood. Moreover, the flexibility of the printed objects surpasses that of traditional wooden counterparts, offering new possibilities for design and application. While the research initially focused on small-scale objects, the potential applications extend to larger structures, including furniture and architectural elements.

This pioneering research represents a significant leap forward in sustainable manufacturing, offering a viable alternative to traditional woodworking practices. By harnessing wood waste to produce innovative ink for 3D printing, researchers are paving the way for a more eco-friendly and efficient approach to crafting wood-like objects.

Science Advances. 15 Mar 2024. Vol 10, Issue 11. DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk3250. Three-dimensional printing of wood.

By, Bob Yirka , Tech Xplore. Using wood waste products to produce ink for 3D printing of wood objects.

This entry was posted in "Additive Manufacturing DIY Projects: Elevating Home & Lifestyle with 3D Printing", "Artistic Expressions: 3D/4D Printing's Impact on Souvenirs and Savings", "Exploring New Frontiers: Advancements in 3D Printing", "Green Printing: Sustainable Materials for Eco-Friendly Additive Manufacturing in 3D Printing" and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , .

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