News Roundup: Yissum develops 3D printed food, Henkel's new 3D printing facility, First 3D printed skyscraper in Dubai, more

Oct 23, 2017 | By Max

Here’s another round-up of what’s been happening recently in the world of 3D printing. Things you might have missed include Yissum announcing a new 3D printed food platform, Nuvasive adding to its portfolio of 3D printed implants, and more besides.

1. Australian researcher Gordon Wallace honoured for 3D bio-printing

A researcher based in Australia has recently had his achievements in the field of 3D bio-printing honoured, being named the scientist of the year for the state of New South Wales. Professor Gordon Wallace, of the University of Wollongong, is known for his work fusing robotics with human biology in various innovative ways. Nine other researchers, educators and inventors from the state were also recognized, as part of the 2017 Premier's Prize for Science and Engineering.

Professor Wallace’s work could pave the way for the development of 3D printed surgical implants that can regenerate all kinds of damaged tissue including bone, cartilage and organs. This could help in the treatment of cancer, diabetes and many other conditions. Wallace is a director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science at the University, and is also known for his use of nanotechnology with organic conductors to create new materials for energy conversion and storage, as well as medical bionics.

''It is a great honour to have a fantastic team to captain and for our research to be recognised in this way,'' Prof Wallace said. ''We will continue to strive to ensure that our most fundamental discoveries are translated into real applications to the benefit of our communities in the most effective way possible.''

2. Yissum introduces new 3D printed food technology

A new technology platform that can provide 3D printed food has been introduced by the Yissum Research Development Company, which is based at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The platform was developed by Prof. Oded Shoseyov from the Robert H. Smith Institute of Plant Sciences and Genetics in Agriculture, and Prof. Ido Braslavsky, Director of the Inter-Faculty Biotechnology Program and Head of the B.Sc. Program at the Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science, and Nutrition. Both are based at the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment at the Hebrew University.

The platform is capable of using 3D printing techniques to produce food items that are based on nano-cellulose, an organic, edible fiber that is calorie-free. This novel alimentary solution could be useful for a variety of specialist markets and populations, including the gluten-free market, the vegetarian and vegan markets including meat substitutes. It is also perfect for low-calorie diets, diets for people with diabetes, for athletes and much more besides.

"This promising technology is an excellent example of the kind of multidisciplinary, transformational inventions that originate from our Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment and from the Hebrew University in general. The ability to automatically prepare, mix, form and cook personalized food in one device, is a truly revolutionary concept. The idea is to enable full control of the substances used, for the purpose of creating healthy and tasty meals that can be eaten immediately. This has the potential to address a variety of challenges facing the field of nutrition.

3. Henkel announces 40 new jobs at 3D printing center in Dublin

The world’s largest adhesives manufacturer Henkel has recently announced that it will be creating 40 new skilled positions in Dublin, as part of a new 3D printing project based at the company’s manufacturing and R&D plant in Tallaght. This should bring the total number of people working at the plant to 440.

The new 3D printing project will be using the skills of these 40 scientists and engineers in order to develop advanced materials for use in precision manufacturing industries, such as medical devices, automotive and aerospace.

According to Henkel Technology Centre Director, Dr Matthew Holloway, said: "Additive Manufacturing will be a significant disruptor to future manufacturing methodologies and it is important for the team in Ireland to help shape this change... We have a proven track record of developing world-class adhesives and look forward to focusing our expertise on creating new chemistries and technologies for 3D Printing...Henkel recognises the strength of relationships with the research community in Ireland and this will enhance our capability to innovate."

4. NuVasive releases new 3D printed spinal implant product

Medical device manufacturer NuVasive has recently announced the release of a new 3D printed spinal implant, known as the Modulus XLIF. This will add to the company’s already impressive range of surgical implant devices, and further expand the reach of 3D printing technology into this particular healthcare field, where it is already having a significant impact.

The Modulus XLIF devices are 3D printed from titanium, and they are intended to support the company’s leading lateral spine procedure. This is the only procedure with over 15 years of clinical evidence to prove its value.

3D printing helps to create an organic, porous architecture that mimics the porosity and stiffness of bone for reduced stress shielding. Modulus XLIF implants employ advanced micro-porous surface topography, which creates an ideal environment for bone in-growth, and the device's optimized architecture also leads to improved imaging characteristics compared to traditional titanium interbody devices.

"Surface architecture is an increasingly important part of the fusion process," said Kade Huntsman MD, orthopedic spine surgeon with the Salt Lake Orthopaedic Clinic in Salt Lake City, Utah. "The design of Modulus XLIF maximizes the potential of additive manufacturing through the combination of highly porous endplates with an optimized internal structure."

5. Work to begin on world’s first 3D printed skyscraper by 2023

3D printing company Cazza has announced that it should begin construction work on the world’s first 3D printed skyscraper, in Dubai, within the next five years.

According to company CEO and the designer of the skyscraper, Chris Kelsey, work should begin by 2023. He is excited about the potential for the building and for the Middle East region itself. Cazza will be collaborating with architects to revolutionize the way buildings are constructed in Dubai and further afield. By 2030, a quarter of all new buildings in Dubai will be made using 3D printing technology, and 30 percent of the region’s construction companies should be making use of 3D printing within five years.

According to Kelsey, ''We are no longer bound to straight shapes or to moulds, nor labour-intensive methods that represent safety risks for workers. We are able to design any shape that you can think of, increasing creativity and pushing the limits of architecture... Using topology optimisation and the freedom given by 3D printing with design, we can make longer structures using less material... We are now able to make structures that blend with the environment...We can easily create structures that take advantage of the local wind flow, provide natural cooling for the interior, save energy, and reduce the carbon footprint of our buildings.''

Posted in 3D Printer Company

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