Scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have created a novel technique for 3D-printing gels and soft materials. The development could jumpstart the production of small medical devices inside the body.
The current 3D printing machine makes complex structures via sheets of material. However, to 3D print a gel and other soft materials—it gets a bit tricky. Researchers have decided to focus on a different 3D printing technique via using electrons and X-rays. The types of radiation have higher energy and shorter wavelengths.
Learn more about current 3D printing methods:
"We're bringing new tools -- electron beams and X-rays operating in liquids -- into 3D printing of soft materials," said NIST researcher Andrei Kolmakov.
Findings were published online in ACS Nano.
Source: Science Daily