This study demonstrates a cost-effective portable fabrication system for 3D printing complex structures from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Material development and characterisation allowed for the design and production of a 3D printer that is capable of fabricating PDMS structures using a photo-initiator and a LED curing process. A 3D model of a participant’s ear was captured using a handheld scanner. These data were used to directly 3D print an ear. Micro-extrusion direct deposition of PDMS at room temperature is demonstrated via a custom designed 3D printer, with in situ UV cross-linking to facilitate curing of the PDMS during the 3D printing process. This 3D printer has great potential to be used as a fast and facile fabrication approach to create facial and other prosthesis. Future developments will also focus on other application areas such as microfluidics, flexible electronics, and other biomedical applications.
World-famous monuments are being threatened by climate change, wars, and neglect. 3D scans, drones, and AI can be used to create digital backups of iconic buildings and other cultural treasures.
and even then, the five metre tall statue had to be printed in acrylic resin in 1a different pieces, which were then glued together and covered in marble dust. of course, now the data exists from the 3d scan, it s not a big leap to think that in the future anyone could download it and 3d print their own version of david. the data isn t being made available at the moment though. it s being kept under wraps by the museum, i guess as an insurance policy, just in case anything happens to the original. now, here s the slight quirk. most visitors only get to see david s top half, which is a really interesting view that you never normally get. did you know, for example, that david s pupils were heart shaped ? but, to protect his modesty, wide ledges stop you from seeing the downstairs department. however, downstairs there is a luxury lounge where special guests get to see the rest.
five metre tall statue had to be printed in acrylic resin in 1a different pieces, which were then glued together and covered in marble dust. of course, now the data exists from the 3d scan, it s not a big leap to think that in the future anyone could download it and 3d print their own version of david. the data isn t being made available at the moment though. it s being kept under wraps by the museum, i guess as an insurance policy, just in case anything happens to the original. now, here s the slight quirk. most visitors only get to see david s top half, which is a really interesting view that you never normally get. did you know, for example, that david s pupils were heart shaped ? but, to protect his modesty, wide ledges stop you from seeing the downstairs department. however, downstairs there is a luxury lounge where special guests get to see the rest.