solenoids

MIT’s Breakthrough in 3D-Printed Solenoids

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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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

MIT Engineers Revolutionize Electronics with 3D Printed Solenoids

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Engineers at MIT have achieved a remarkable feat in electronics manufacturing: the creation of fully 3D-printed solenoids. These electromagnets, pivotal components in electronic devices, are poised to revolutionize industries worldwide.

The democratization of technology lies at the heart of this advancement. By leveraging 3D printing technology, MIT is transforming electronics manufacturing, making it more accessible and inclusive. Luis Fernando Velásquez-García, principal research scientist at MIT, emphasizes the global impact of this approach, envisioning a future where capable hardware can be produced anywhere, empowering individuals in remote areas.

While 3D-printed electronics are not entirely new, MIT’s journey was fraught with challenges. Traditional solenoid manufacturing methods required intricate assembly processes and specialized environments. However, by harnessing additive manufacturing, MIT engineers overcame these hurdles, enabling the production of solenoids of any size and shape with unparalleled efficiency and precision. Central to their success was customizing a commercial 3D printer to accommodate multiple materials seamlessly. This allowed for the precise layering of dielectric, conductive, and soft magnetic materials essential for solenoid fabrication. Despite initial skepticism, extrusion printers proved instrumental, enabling multi-material printing and monolithic structures. The resulting 3D-printed solenoids exceeded expectations, boasting magnetic field strengths three times greater than conventional counterparts. This breakthrough opens doors to myriad applications, from miniature sensors to advanced robotics, thanks to their compact size and enhanced efficiency.

Looking ahead, MIT engineers are committed to refining their processes and exploring alternative materials. By optimizing temperature control and deposition methods, they aim to expand the possibilities of 3D-printed electronics, paving the way for future innovations. Supported by funding from the Empiriko Corporation, this research highlights the transformative power of collaboration and innovation. As MIT continues to push the boundaries of 3D-printed electronics, the world eagerly awaits the emergence of new advancements and breakthroughs. With each milestone, the potential for further exploration grows. From healthcare to space exploration, the impact of 3D-printed electronics knows no bounds, shaping the future of manufacturing and technology on a global scale.

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