Page 8 - Summer 2024
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WORLD RECORD
FOR SUPER LARGE ELECTROSPINNING FOR
3D-PRINTER SKIN REGENERATION
A giant 3D-printer named Factory of the such as large-scale additive manufacturing, A new method for electrospinning sponges that A Taguchi experimental design approach
Future 1.0 has been unveiled by the University subtractive manufacturing, continuous tape can act as 3D scaffolds for skin regeneration was used to optimise the electrospinning
of Maine (UMaine) Advanced structures and layup, and robotic arm operations. Access has been developed by researchers at the parameters for forming polycaprolactone, or
Composites Center. to it and MasterPrint - the ASCC’s first world- University of Surrey. PCL (a biodegradable polymer compatible with
record breaking 3D-printer - will streamline human tissue) and PCL/gelatine 3D sponges.
The thermoplastic polymer printer is four times manufacturing innovation research at the centre, Electrospinning is a technique that electrifies The optimum mix of PCL and gelatine produced
larger than its predecessor and is thought to and the two large printers can collaborate by droplets of liquid to form fibres from plastics, but sponges with a highly porous structure that
be the largest in the world with the capability to sharing the same end-effectors or by working on until now has only been used in laboratories to could support cell viability, essential properties
3D-print objects as long as 96 feet, as wide as the same part. produce 2D films. This is therefore the first time for tissue engineering scaffolds.
32 feet and as high as 18 feet at the rate of 500lb that the technique has been used to create 3D
per hour. This one-of-a-kind printer will also advance structures that can be produced at scale. Reference: The Woman Engineer, Vol21 No.2, Spring 2024, p.6
various initiatives, including the development
The University states: of bio-based feedstocks from wood residuals
abundant in Maine. This technology will
advance commercialisation efforts such as
‘ It offers new opportunities for eco-friendly and
BioHome3D and the creation of sustainable
cost-effective manufacturing for numerous Visit our website!
affordable housing, while also propelling crucial
industries including national security, affordable
technological advancements for national
housing, bridge construction, ocean and wind
security, particularly in lightweight, rapidly Why not head down to our website
energy technologies, and maritime vessel
deployable structures and vessel technologies.’ and read more news in our blog?
fabrication. The design and fabrication of this
world first printer and hybrid manufacturing Updated daily with hand-picked
system was made possible with support from Reference: ‘UMaine’s huge new 3D-printer smashes Guinness World
the Office of the Secretary of Defence through Record’, Machinery Market, 23rd. May, p.16 articles from around the web...
the US Army Corps of Engineers. Moreover, SCAN TO VISIT
FoF1.0 isn’t merely a large-scale printer, as it can institutionofelectronics.ac.uk OUR WEBSITE
dynamically switch between various processes,
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