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The Future of 3D Printing and Healthcare

When it comes to 3D printing, the sky is the limit. As 3D printing technology continues to advance, applications can be as far reaching as  airplane  and  automobile parts  to medical devices and even anatomically correct, biocompatible models. Although 3D printing technology is developing at a rapid pace, the technology itself is not new. It emerged in  the 1980s  as a means of creating rapid prototypes. In recent years the applications for 3D printed models have evolved with the available hardware, software, and printable materials. Evolving technology, paired with the creative and innovative minds of scientists, engineers, and physicians, has been the launching pad for developments within 3D printing technology specific to healthcare. One way 3D printing technology is poised to create better patient outcomes is in creating an anatomically and  patient-specific models  to aid in surgery and medical procedures. With the capability to 3D ...
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Using Polymers to Make Greener Tires

tires
More than one billion automobile tires are discarded every year around the world, and some of those tires can be recycled into other consumer products. Now, Dow Chemical Company and Lehigh Technologies, a manufacturer of sustainable micronized rubber powders, have partnered to develop more sustainable materials for tires.
Automotive Business Review reports that “the partnership will combine Dow’s expertise in polymer chemistry with Lehigh’s expertise in sustainable rubber compound development and testing.”
Specifically, Dow will be contributing a proprietary latex polymer technology. “Dow’s 2015 Sustainability Goals include a focus on technologies that are advantaged by sustainable chemistry and this project is anchored in that same commitment,” Dow Construction Chemicals general manager Colin Gouveia told Automotive Business Review.
Lehigh will contribute its proprietary “upcycling” manufacturing process, which converts end-of-life tires and other post-industrial rubber materials into micrometer-scale, sustainable powders. These powders can be integrated into new or existing products and help manage cost.
Lehigh Technologies CEO Alan Barton told Automotive Business Review that “our objective is to have one billion tires on the road manufactured with our alternative material — our collaboration with Dow is a critical step in realizing this significant milestone.”

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The Future of 3D Printing and Healthcare

When it comes to 3D printing, the sky is the limit. As 3D printing technology continues to advance, applications can be as far reaching as  airplane  and  automobile parts  to medical devices and even anatomically correct, biocompatible models. Although 3D printing technology is developing at a rapid pace, the technology itself is not new. It emerged in  the 1980s  as a means of creating rapid prototypes. In recent years the applications for 3D printed models have evolved with the available hardware, software, and printable materials. Evolving technology, paired with the creative and innovative minds of scientists, engineers, and physicians, has been the launching pad for developments within 3D printing technology specific to healthcare. One way 3D printing technology is poised to create better patient outcomes is in creating an anatomically and  patient-specific models  to aid in surgery and medical procedures. With the capability to 3D ...
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Virginia Tech Students Create Foldable Bike Helmets

Helmets: Something you may have hated with a passion as a child, but your parents made you wear. As adults, one could argue helmet use is pretty divided. If you head down your local bike path or along a neighborhood street, you’ll see a good number of riders not wearing their helmets. Two Virginia Tech students think that’s a problem. Co-founders David Hall and Jordan Klein started  Park & Diamond  and set out to create a safe, compact, and stylish helmet to hopefully convince people to wear them every time they bike. The interest in refining technology to prevent bike related head injuries is  incredibly personal  for the team of innovators, especially for Hall. In 2015 Hall’s younger sister was involved in a bike accident in Philadelphia and remained in a coma for four months. The bicycle crash occurred at the corner of Park Avenue and Diamond Street in Philadelphia—which is reflected in the name of their company. How Helmets Work Just like the...
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