How did the first Hello Kitty Darth Vader model help you create groundbreaking lab experiments using a 3D printer?
Using an Ultimaker 2+, the Centre for Engineering Photonics at Cranfield University did just that, delivering results that impact fields such as medicine and space research, all at a fraction of the cost of previous modeling methods.
The team works on microfluidics technology. This is a branch of technology that involves moving very small liquid samples – typically about the size of a drop of water – to analyze their content on a sensor.
You'll find it used in medical diagnostics, DNA sequencing, and even outer space research, as long as they are more efficient or can only use tiny samples.
In 2014, Cranfield University researcher Dr. Matthew Partridge convinced the department to buy its first 3D printer. He found that potential 3D printing helps achieve cheaper design changes, no matter what you want to do.
As Matthew explains: "When developing microfluidics, you often want to change the channels in the device, which is not a cheap process, even if the final product can be mass-produced very cheaply."
The 3D design of the device shows the internal channels. The Ultimaker 3D printer can achieve the required level of detail.
In addition to reducing costs over generations, 3D printing also helps the team create better final designs.
Previously, they paid a price for the processing and cost of materials such as aluminum and steel. As Matthew said: "The problem with that is once you have a 'normal' model, you stop because getting another one would cost twice as much."
The material and labor costs of FDM 3D printing are low, so the design process can continue until the equipment is perfected.
"Having a 3D printer is like having a technician who can work overnight immediately, rarely complains, and likes to oil up once a month."
Micro-scale design with 3D printing
Microfluidic devices move liquid samples through very small channels – a few hundred micrometers in diameter or less – to pass them through a sensor. To develop new devices, students first convert their ideas into 3D designs using Sketchup software.
They print an initial version to check if it prints well and if all parts fit together, then gradually add more details, with the designer printing and testing one attribute at a time until the device is deemed ready.
Once the design is complete, simply print as many as you need!
If you want to see one of their devices, you can download the design yourself and even try printing it.
Getting results
Matthew and his team published their research in a paper titled "Optimization of wire 3D printing manufacturing for microfluidic platforms."
When they first presented their findings at a conference, they said many researchers responded with "You can't do that, what are you talking about?"
However, when they showed the results and shared their models, they had already connected with other organizations and they also started using 3D printing in microfluidics.
In addition to using the Ultimaker 2+ to create microfluidic devices, it has become an important laboratory tool for various other uses.
This can include printing beam processors, visualization aids, or helping other departments with projects.
"It was very unexpected," Matthew said. "We didn't expect to be able to use it so flexibly. It's a great tool for scientists. We now offer a one-day 3D printing course for researchers in London to tell them about these benefits."
Original source: https://ultimaker.com/en/stories/51218-3d-printing-in-the-lab-precise-affordable-research-tools