Printing a medical device directly into a patient's body sounds impossible, but a group of Montreal researchers say it could be feasible in the future thanks to a new technology they've developed called direct sound printing.
3D printing typically involves depositing layers of molten plastic, laser-melting powdered metal, or using UV light to harden gelatinous resin. A new technique takes yet another approach, however, by utilizing sound waves.
Most 3D printing methods currently in use rely either on photo (light)- or thermo (heat)-activated reactions to achieve precise manipulation of polymers.