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Technologies
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3D Printing Technologies
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3D Printing Technologies

A special issue of Technologies (ISSN 2227-7080). This special issue belongs to the section "Manufacturing Technology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2021) | Viewed by 18044

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Roberto Bernasconi

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Guest Editor
Dipartimento di Chimica, Materiali e Ingegneria Chimica Giulio Natta, Politecnico di Milano, Via Mancinelli 7, 20131 Milan, Italy
Interests: microfabrication; electrochemistry; surface treatments
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

3D printing is rapidly revolutionizing the way industrial production has always been intended. Its potential to produce intricate parts starting from a computer-aided design makes it one of the main pillars for industry 4.0. Furthermore, additive manufacturing finds applications in virtually all production fields. As a natural consequence of these considerations, research is primarily focused on the development of novel materials and techniques for 3D printing.

In view of the growing industrial importance of additive manufacturing, this Special Issue is intended to report cutting edge advances in this promising technology. It is open to both original research articles able to advance knowledge on 3D printing and to reviews meant to take stock of state-of-the-art literature.

Possible topics include: 3D printing of soft and biomaterials, additive manufacturing for electronics and metamaterials, new materials for 3D printing (metals, composites, hard materials, ceramics, etc.), multi-material 3D printing, integration of 2D (inkjet printing, screen printing, etc.), and 3D printing technologies, metallization for 3D printing, 3D printing for microfabrication, numerical and finite elements modelling of additive manufacturing processes.

Dr. Roberto Bernasconi
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Technologies is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • 3D printing
  • additive manufacturing
  • industry 4.0
  • process development
  • process integration
  • numerical modelling

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 1820 KiB  
Article
Metallization of Thermoplastic Polymers and Composites 3D Printed by Fused Filament Fabrication
by Alessia Romani, Andrea Mantelli, Paolo Tralli, Stefano Turri, Marinella Levi and Raffaella Suriano
Technologies 2021, 9(3), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies9030049 - 15 Jul 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3336
Abstract
Fused filament fabrication allows the direct manufacturing of customized and complex products although the layer-by-layer appearance of this process strongly affects the surface quality of the final parts. In recent years, an increasing number of post-processing treatments has been developed for the most [...] Read more.
Fused filament fabrication allows the direct manufacturing of customized and complex products although the layer-by-layer appearance of this process strongly affects the surface quality of the final parts. In recent years, an increasing number of post-processing treatments has been developed for the most used materials. Contrarily to other additive manufacturing technologies, metallization is not a common surface treatment for this process despite the increasing range of high-performing 3D printable materials. The objective of this work is to explore the use of physical vapor deposition sputtering for the chromium metallization of thermoplastic polymers and composites obtained by fused filament fabrication. The thermal and mechanical properties of five materials were firstly evaluated by means of differential scanning calorimetry and tensile tests. Meanwhile, a specific finishing torture test sample was designed and 3D printed to perform the metallization process and evaluate the finishing on different geometrical features. Furthermore, the roughness of the samples was measured before and after the metallization, and a cost analysis was performed to assess the cost-efficiency. To sum up, the metallization of five samples made with different materials was successfully achieved. Although some 3D printing defects worsened after the post-processing treatment, good homogeneity on the finest details was reached. These promising results may encourage further experimentations as well as the development of new applications, i.e., for the automotive and furniture fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3D Printing Technologies)
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17 pages, 2869 KiB  
Article
Effect of Different Physical Cross-Linkers on Drug Release from Hydrogel Layers Coated on Magnetically Steerable 3D-Printed Microdevices
by Roberto Bernasconi, Fabio Pizzetti, Arianna Rossetti, Riccardo Perugini, Anna Nova, Marinella Levi and Filippo Rossi
Technologies 2021, 9(2), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies9020043 - 18 Jun 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1901
Abstract
In the last few decades, the introduction of microrobotics has drastically changed the way medicine will be approached in the future. The development of untethered steerable microdevices able to operate in vivo inside the human body allows a high localization of the therapeutical [...] Read more.
In the last few decades, the introduction of microrobotics has drastically changed the way medicine will be approached in the future. The development of untethered steerable microdevices able to operate in vivo inside the human body allows a high localization of the therapeutical action, thus limiting invasiveness and possible medical complications. This approach results are particularly useful in drug delivery, where it is highly beneficial to administer the drug of choice exclusively to the target organ to avoid overdosage and side effects. In this context, drug releasing layers can be loaded on magnetically moveable platforms that can be guided toward the target organ to perform highly targeted release. In the present paper, we evaluate the possible application of alginate hydrogel layers on moveable platforms manufactured by coupling additive manufacturing with wet metallization. Such alginate layers are reticulated using three different physical crosslinkers: Ca, Zn or Mn. Their effect on drug release kinetics and on device functionality is evaluated. In the case of alginate reticulated using Mn, the strongly pH dependent behavior of the resulting hydrogel is evaluated as a possible way to introduce a triggered release functionality on the devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3D Printing Technologies)
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13 pages, 8889 KiB  
Article
Infill Designs for 3D-Printed Shape-Memory Objects
by Daniel Koske and Andrea Ehrmann
Technologies 2021, 9(2), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies9020029 - 16 Apr 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3527
Abstract
Shape-memory polymers (SMPs) can be deformed, cooled down, keeping their new shape for a long time, and recovered into their original shape after being heated above the glass or melting temperature again. Some SMPs, such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA), can be 3D printed, [...] Read more.
Shape-memory polymers (SMPs) can be deformed, cooled down, keeping their new shape for a long time, and recovered into their original shape after being heated above the glass or melting temperature again. Some SMPs, such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA), can be 3D printed, enabling a combination of 3D-printed shapes and 2D-printed, 3D-deformed ones. While deformation at high temperatures can be used, e.g., to fit orthoses to patients, SMPs used in protective equipment, bumpers, etc., are deformed at low temperatures, possibly causing irreversible breaks. Here, we compare different typical infill patterns, offered by common slicing software, with self-designed infill structures. Three-point bending tests were performed until maximum deflection as well as until the maximum force was reached, and then the samples were recovered in a warm water bath and tested again. The results show a severe influence of the infill pattern as well as the printing orientation on the amount of broken bonds and thus the mechanical properties after up to ten test/recovery cycles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3D Printing Technologies)
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15 pages, 7169 KiB  
Article
In Situ SEM Study of the Micro-Mechanical Behaviour of 3D-Printed Aluminium Alloy
by Eugene S. Statnik, Kirill V. Nyaza, Alexey I. Salimon, Dmitry Ryabov and Alexander M. Korsunsky
Technologies 2021, 9(1), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies9010021 - 15 Mar 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3114
Abstract
Currently, 3D-printed aluminium alloy fabrications made by selective laser melting (SLM) offer a promising route for the production of small series of custom-designed support brackets and heat exchangers with complex geometry and shape and miniature size. Alloy composition and printing parameters need to [...] Read more.
Currently, 3D-printed aluminium alloy fabrications made by selective laser melting (SLM) offer a promising route for the production of small series of custom-designed support brackets and heat exchangers with complex geometry and shape and miniature size. Alloy composition and printing parameters need to be optimised to mitigate fabrication defects (pores and microcracks) and enhance the parts’ performance. The deformation response needs to be studied with adequate characterisation techniques at relevant dimensional scale, capturing the peculiarities of micro-mechanical behaviour relevant to the particular article and specimen dimensions. Purposefully designed Al-Si-Mg 3D-printable RS-333 alloy was investigated with a number of microscopy techniques, including in situ mechanical testing with a Deben Microtest 1-kN stage integrated and synchronised with Tescan Vega3 SEM to acquire high-resolution image datasets for digital image correlation (DIC) analysis. Dog bone specimens were 3D-printed in different orientations of gauge zone cross-section with respect to the fast laser beam scanning and growth directions. This corresponded to the varying local conditions of metal solidification and cooling. Specimens showed variation in mechanical properties, namely Young’s modulus (65–78 GPa), yield stress (80–150 MPa), ultimate tensile strength (115–225 MPa) and elongation at break (0.75–1.4%). Furthermore, the failure localisation and character were altered with the change in gauge cross-section orientation. DIC analysis allowed correct strain evaluation that overcame the load frame compliance effect and helped to identify the unevenness of deformation distribution (plasticity waves), which ultimately resulted in exceptionally high strain localisation near the ultimate failure crack position. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3D Printing Technologies)
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11 pages, 7736 KiB  
Article
Well-Ordered 3D Printed Cu/Pd-Decorated Catalysts for the Methanol Electrooxidation in Alkaline Solutions
by Karolina Kołczyk-Siedlecka, Dawid Kutyła, Katarzyna Skibińska, Anna Jędraczka, Justyna Palczewska-Grela and Piotr Żabiński
Technologies 2021, 9(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies9010006 - 08 Jan 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2296
Abstract
In this article, a method for the synthesis of catalysts for methanol electrooxidation based on additive manufacturing and electroless metal deposition is presented. The research work was divided into two parts. Firstly, coatings were obtained on a flat substrate made of light-hardening resin [...] Read more.
In this article, a method for the synthesis of catalysts for methanol electrooxidation based on additive manufacturing and electroless metal deposition is presented. The research work was divided into two parts. Firstly, coatings were obtained on a flat substrate made of light-hardening resin dedicated to 3D printing. Copper was deposited by catalytic metallization. Then, the deposited Cu coatings were modified by palladium through a galvanic displacement process. The catalytic properties of the obtained coatings were analyzed in a solution of 0.1 M NaOH and 1 M methanol. The influence of the deposition time of copper and palladium on the catalytic properties of the coatings was investigated. Based on these results, the optimal parameters for the deposition were determined. In the second part of the research work, 3D prints with a large specific surface were metallized. The elements were covered with a copper layer and modified by palladium, then chronoamperometric curves were determined. The application of the proposed method could allow for the production of elements with good catalytic properties, complex geometry with a large specific surface area, small volume and low weight. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3D Printing Technologies)
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Review

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11 pages, 570 KiB  
Review
Three-Dimensional Printed Models for Preoperative Planning and Surgical Treatment of Chest Wall Disease: A Systematic Review
by Beatrice Leonardi, Annalisa Carlucci, Antonio Noro, Mary Bove, Giovanni Natale, Giorgia Opromolla, Rosa Mirra, Davide Pica, Francesca Capasso, Vincenzo Di Filippo, Gaetana Messina, Francesco Ferrigno, Anna Cecilia Izzo, Giovanni Vicidomini, Mario Santini and Alfonso Fiorelli
Technologies 2021, 9(4), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies9040097 - 03 Dec 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2441
Abstract
Introduction: In chest wall reconstruction, the main objectives are the restoration of the chest wall integrity, function, and aesthetic, which is often achieved with the placement of implants. We aimed to evaluate whether 3D printed models can be useful for preoperative planning and [...] Read more.
Introduction: In chest wall reconstruction, the main objectives are the restoration of the chest wall integrity, function, and aesthetic, which is often achieved with the placement of implants. We aimed to evaluate whether 3D printed models can be useful for preoperative planning and surgical treatment in chest wall reconstruction to improve the outcome of the surgery and to reduce the rate of complications. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of literature using PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar databases until 8 November 2021 with the following keywords: (“3D printing” or “rapid prototyping” or “three-dimensional printing” or “bioprinting”) and (“chest wall” or “rib” or “sternum” or “ribcage” or “pectus excavatum”). Results were then manually screened by two independent authors to select studies relevant to 3D printing application in chest wall reconstruction. The primary outcome was morphological correction, and secondary outcomes were changes in operating time and procedure-related complication rate. Results: Eight articles were included in our review. Four studies were related to pectus excavatum correction, two studies were related to rib fracture stabilization, and two studies were related to chest wall tumor resection and reconstruction. Seven studies reported 3D printing of a thorax model or template implants for preoperative planning and implant modeling, and one study reported 3D printing of a PEEK prosthesis for direct implantation. Four studies reported comparison with a conventionally treated control group, and three of them detected a shorter operative time in the 3D printing model-assisted group. Satisfactory morphological correction was reported in all studies, and six studies reported a good implant fitting with minimal need for intraoperative adjustments. There were no major intraoperative or postoperative complications in any of the studies. Conclusions: The use of 3D printing models in chest wall reconstruction seems to be helpful for the production of personalized implants, reducing intraoperative adjustments. Results of morphological correction and postoperative recovery after the 3D printing-assisted surgery were satisfactory in all studies with a low rate of complication. Our literature review suggests good results regarding prosthesis fitting, accuracy of surgical planning, and reduction in operative time in 3D printing-assisted procedures, although more evidence is needed to prove this observation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3D Printing Technologies)
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