3D Printed Drugs, 3D Printed Supercar & Much More….
This Week in 3D Printing (Nov 7–14)
We at NextBig3D are 3D printing enthusiasts working on bringing to market interesting products and services for the 3D printing ecosystem. Like many other enthusiasts in the field, we research and have discussions about ongoing work at various universities and research labs worldwide. Some news we are not allowed to talk about in public and some we can reveal when the time is right.
Through our This Week in 3D Printing series (update 17/01-to be continued shortly), we plan to bring to you summarised and easy to follow 3D printing news updates from the busy week that just went by. By following our regular updates, you can stay informed about the developments and launches in the 3D printing world from the past week.
(1) 3D Printed Jet Packs
At the recently concluded Dubai Air Show, the Dubai government placed an order for 20 3D Printed JetPacks! Costing $250,000 a piece and with a top speed of 45mph, these jetpacks are supposed to be used by Dubai Fire Fighters during rescue operations.
(2) 3D Printed Supercar
700 BHP, 3D printed and Road Tested! Divergent MicroFactories road test their Blade Supercar. Watch the video below to learn more about how they are making their car lighter and environmentally more efficient, not just with lower tailpipe emissions but innovative manufacturing processes.
(3) World’s first jet powered 3D printed UAV
Aurora Flight Sciences and Stratasys have launched the world’s first 3D printed jet powered UAV. They showcased the UAV at the Dubai Air Show this past week. From scratch to 150 mph speeds, watch the video to know more about how 3D Printing will impact aerospace manufacturing in the near future.
(4) 3D printing helps in face reconstructive surgery
Plastic surgeon rebuilds patient’s face in a scar free surgery aided with the help of the patient’s 3D printed skull. Watch the video to understand the impact 3D Printing Technology can have in the medical field.
(5) Inkjet Metal 3D Printing — Transforming how metal printing works
Xjet is working on an inkjet printing technology for liquid metal. They are using a patented Nano Metal Jetting Technology to 3D Print metal objects faster than existing methods and at a considerably cheaper cost.
(6) 3D Printed Rocket Thrusters
SpaceX continues tests on a new design of rocket thrusters. Combustion chamber of their SuperDraco engine was fabricated completely using an EOS metal printer. Below is a sneak preview of a recent 3D Printed SuperDraco engine test!
(7) 3D Printing Filament from Recycled Plastic
A team of engineers from Michigan Tech have received a $25,000 Ford Foundation grant to make the current existing Recyclebot ,open source hardware, better and functional with more variety of plastics. Current recycling using the Recyclebot only works for PLA and ABS grade plastics and it would be interesting to watch how the team finds a solution to the various other forms of plastic we have lying around the house.
(8) 3D printed Personalised Medications
Researchers have started early stage testing on 3D Printing Personalised Drug dosages. “Mass-produced drugs can’t take into account specific patient characteristics such as race, weight, and kidney and liver functions. Customized medications, on the other hand, might be more effective and less likely to cause side effects, the researchers said.” — WebMD.com
(9) 3D Printed One Size Fits All Sneakers
A team at MIT is looking to bring to market their “Minimal Shoe” which prints material of varied layer thicknesses onto stretched textiles. Get ready for the future when your favorite shoe should never be out of size!
(10) Canon Joins 3DPA
2D Printing Giants, Canon, join the 3D Printing Association (3DPA) — A global trade association for the 3D printing industry. One of their key employees has also joined the advisory board of 3DPA. This is a clear indication that Canon has big 3D Printing plans ahead for 2016 and the years to come! Watch a teaser video of their upcoming resin based 3D printer below -
Folks, that’s a synopsis of what went about in the world of 3D printing this past week! In case we missed any breakthrough news, please excuse us but do let us know in the comments. Follow us here on Medium or on NextBig3D.com to stay updated with our future publications and 3D printing product launches.
