Lifeboat Foundation

New research demonstrates that quantum dots solve a key issue with current 3D printing materials. I spoke with Keroles Riad, PhD student at Concordia University Montreal, Quebec, Canada, about his thesis on the photostability of materials used for stereolithography 3D printing. The research was supervised by Prof. Paula Wood-Adams, Prof. Rolf Wuthrich of the Mechanical and industrial engineering department at Concordia and Prof. Jerome Claverie of the Chemistry department at the University of Quebec in Montreal.

While quantum dots have been shown to cure acrylics, Riad says this work is the first demonstration of the process in epoxy resin.

3D printing is often richly rewarding because it spans multiple disciplines. Here we look at a new thesis that advances the critical area of materials. The approach taken uses engineering, chemistry and physics to overcome the issue of stability present in current stereolithography processes. The results could form the basis of superior materials and wider use of 3D printing in many areas.

Continue reading “Quantum dots may hold key to superior 3D printing materials” »

Gerard K. O’Neill’s name might not ring a bell for many of us, but he certainly is one of the most significant names in the world of physics and space sciences. Gerard was an American physicist whose ideologies resonated with the concept of Space Manufacturing and Space Colonization as early as 1969.

He visualized establishment of a space manufacturing facility that would product end products for use in the outer space. Located in a very high orbit as compared to Earth, or on any celestial body, he claimed that the manufacturing facility would be self-sufficient and would be built entirely using materials available on celestial surfaces like lunar soil. When O’Neill presented his novel idea using research papers at different forums, he faced rejection and disapproval as every other world-changing idea did.

Continue reading “The obvious connection between 3D Printing and Space Colonization” »

Several months ago I warned folks about how criminals can use AI (drones, robots, self driving cars, 3D printers printing drugs, etc.) against the public. Here is another example of how stolen technology can place people at risk.

Australia definitely has a love/hate relationship with 3D printing. There are numerous research programs and innovative ideas coming to us from Down Under, from a periodontist bioprinting jaw and gum cells for future dental surgeries to a group of entrepreneurs using the technology to benefit a charity for children at risk. New partnerships and distribution agreements abound.

3D printing is undoubtedly responsible for an inordinate amount of good happening—with much more to come—on the Australian continent. But the subject of fabricated weaponry has led the government to explore the dark side of this technology, with some police even admitting that they are terrified of 3D printed guns. Whether law enforcement approves or not, the flow of hardware is certainly on the rise for offering the tools of the trade to designers on nearly every level, legal or otherwise.

Naturally formed crystals have been used to create beautiful and exotic pieces of jewelry for thousands of years, probably far earlier than we could even imagine. Many cultures have even claimed that they have mystical properties that can improve the wearer’s health, offer spiritual protections and guidance or enhance their life in some measurable way. Clearly it isn’t really necessary to believe in magic in order to fully appreciate jewelry designed using crystals, as the natural beauty is obvious. But for those that do believe in the magical properties of crystals, jewelry made from them can often take on powerful symbolic roles in their lives, and become important sources of inspiration and focus.

Siemens is building an army of robot spiders called SiSpis that are equipped with artificial intelligence and 3D printing nozzles. This allows them to autonomously and collaboratively build wherever they are, a new system the inventors are referring to as “mobile manufacturing.”

Wow — if Mrs. Winchester (of famed Winchester Mystery House in SF) had lived today; she could have had her dream infinity house.

Dutch architect Janjaap Ruijssenaars has done something with a large 3D printer that few have probably ever attempted. He took a concrete structure and turned it into a Mobius strip, or “Landscape House,” so the building literally has no ends.

There are currently no practical reasons for this structure to be made, which is probably why nobody has jumped at the chance to build it. Other than being artistic, having such an odd form would serve almost no purpose and prove to be problematic as a home. Moving furniture or any appliances into the structure would prove to be an obstacle, even for the fully-abled. It would likely end up being a playground for children at a science museum or an exhibit at a university.

Continue reading “Six-Foot 3D Printer To Build Massive Mobius Strip Landscape House: Dutch Architect Designs ‘Endless’ House” »

Video claiming they have a 3D printer mass producing synthetic diamonds; still need to investigate further.

If true; is the quality there for QC?

Continue reading “3D Printing Diamonds” »

After digesting this for a few days; the beauty of this is not just in human hair replacement; but also animal fur and leather. Could this printer finally resolve a long debate between fur wearing lovers and animal rights?

Ever since its highly successful Kickstarter launch in May 2014, Kudo3D has been working hard to make a difference in the 3D printing industry. Kudo3D’s Titan 1 has been widely used in the Jewelry, dental, academics, gaming and rapid prototyping industries all over the world. Now in June 2016, Kudo3D has just launched its second-generation 3D printer, the Titan 2.

“While staying true to its original Titan 1 base – a patent pending passive self-peeling (PSP) technology, the Titan 2 has new upgrades that provide a more user-friendly experience, including wireless connection and web-based controlling software. We also add a shutter to reduce background exposure to extend resin lifetime and a mask option to make the intensity more uniform. We are always dedicated to improve our 3D printing technology to meet the demands for different applications.” said Tedd Syao, President of Kudo3D.

Continue reading “Kudo3D releases a new 3D Printer, the Titan 2” »

Although this article came out in April; I wanted to share because it highlights even how energy companies are using 3D printers.

Shell is using 3D printing technology to make the design and construction of equipment used in oil and gas production faster and more efficient.

The printing technology allows the oil giant to create accurate scale prototypes in material like plastic, which it tests and uses to improve designs and construction process.

Continue reading “Tech Tuesday: Shell uses 3D printing in Stones deepwater project” »