3D Printing Technology Advancements Enable Creation of Glass and Eggshell Replicas
University of New Mexico Researchers 3D Print with Eggshells and Glass
The Hand and Machine research group at the University of New Mexico has taken a novel approach to 3D printing by using paste extrusion to print with unconventional materials such as glass and eggshells. This technique involves formulating these materials into clay-like pastes suitable for 3D printing.
For glass, the researchers create a paste using glass frit, combined with binders like methyl cellulose and xanthan gum, which act as shear-thinning agents, along with water, to form a printable slurry. This paste can then be extruded through the 3D printer's nozzle to build objects layer by layer.
Similarly, for eggshells, the researchers use a process akin to 3D printing with the material. They grind eggshells and mix them with appropriate binders and fluid to achieve the right extrusion rheology, enabling 3D printing.
To maintain constant wall thicknesses during printing, the researchers wrote another slicer to generate tool paths that minimize material leakage. However, the specifics of printing eggshell parts in a kiln or the potential for shrinkage have not been discussed.
The paste was extruded from a clay 3D printer after removing bubbles using a vacuum chamber. After drying, the parts were fired in a kiln at approximately 750 °C to burn away the binder and sinter the frit, causing some shrinkage.
The major advantage of eggshell 3D prints is their biodegradability, as demonstrated by printing a biodegradable pot for plants. This innovation showcases the versatility of the paste extrusion 3D printing technology.
While the usefulness of the eggshell innovation for hackers may not be as significant as that of glass, it still highlights the potential of this technology to print with a wide range of materials, including nontraditional, natural or recycled materials.
The Hand and Machine research group has previously used a paste printer to 3D print in metal. Making your own paste extruder is another option for 3D printing with paste materials.
The path generation for the printer was an interesting problem, as the printer couldn't start and stop extrusion quickly. To avoid glass walls collapsing during firing, they developed a custom slicer to address this issue.
The biodegradable eggshell 3D prints demonstrate the capabilities of paste extrusion, expanding the creative and functional possibilities of additive manufacturing. This innovation is a testament to the group's commitment to pushing the boundaries of 3D printing technology.
- The unconventional use of technology, such as 3D printing, allows researchers at the University of New Mexico to experiment with materials like glass and eggshells.
- The Hand and Machine research group's ongoing exploration with paste extrusion technology highlights its potential to print with a diverse range of materials, including nontraditional and environmentally friendly options like eggshells.
