3D Bioplotter Research Papers

We present a novel additive manufacturing method for NiTi-Nb micro-trusses combining (i) extrusion-based 3D-printing of liquid inks containing NiTi and Nb powders, solvents, and a polymer binder into micro-trusses with 0/90° ABAB layers of parallel, ∼600 µm struts spaced 1 mm apart and (ii) subsequent heat-treatment to remove the binder and solvents, and then bond the NiTi powders using liquid phase sintering via the formation of a transient NiTi-Nb eutectic phase. We investigate the effects of Nb concentration (0, 1.5, 3.1, 6.7 at.% Nb) on the porosity, microstructure, and phase transformations of the printed NiTi-Nb micro-trusses. Micro-trusses with the highest Nb content…

Three-dimensional (3D) printing or additive printing is a new technology that allows for construction of complex shapes and designs outside the constraints of traditional manufacturing techniques. Traditional 3D printing was limited to thermosensitive plastics that have limited medical applications. Herein, we describe the application of a cutting edge process that allows for 3D printing of shape memory alloys (SMA) using inks of shape memory alloy powder. Using our previously described concept of a SMA penile prosthesis for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, we sought to construct an intracavernosal cylinder using 3D printing technology.