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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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Plastic Bridges and Roads

Plastic bridge
Who knew that recycled plastics from automobile bumpers and milk jugs could make a bridge strong enough to support a 70-ton tank?
Constructed from more than one million recycled milk jugs (170,000 pounds in total) and scrap plastic from automotive bumpers, the 17 foot, fiberglass-reinforced bridge was installed in the autumn of 2008 near Fort Bragg, NC. To test its “metal,” the U.S. Army drove an M1 Abrams tank across the new plastic bridge. According to researchers at the Rutgers Institute of Advanced Materials, a tank is four-times more difficult to support than a semi.
Military officials claim that a comparable wood bridge would weigh three times as much, require more fasteners, take three times longer to build and cost considerably more. Plastic bridges are built to withstand very heavy loads while requiring little maintenance – most are expected to last at least 50 years.
Given the strong public desire to recycle everyday plastics, and the considerable challenges posed by America’s aging infrastructure, there would seem to be a bright future in store for this technology.
Soon enough, this technology may spread. A team of entrepreneurs has developed new technology that recycles plastics for use in road construction. The plastics repel water, helping to prevent seepage that compromises the integrity of the surface. The resulting surface can help extend the life of roads three-fold. This application has caught the government of India’s attention where the first projects have been widely celebrated.

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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

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NakeFit | A Polymer Innovation for Feet

It’s summertime — have you been able to enjoy the feeling of sand between your toes as you take in the crashing waves? Walking barefoot on the beach can be a freeing feeling — well, that is until you step on a sharp shell! One new innovation, utilizing adhesive technology, aims to allow you the freedom of sand between your toes while simultaneously protecting the soles of your feet: NakeFit. NakeFit  is an adhesive sole that fits on the bottom of your foot and allows you all the advantages of going barefoot without the risks or lack of comfort. We aren’t surprised to see a product like this come to market when we regularly hear about  barefoot running . We do, however, want to explore this neat product concept and tell you a little more about the science behind a product like this! What ARE they? We’ll admit, a lot of what made us ask questions about this product is the strangeness of it. Every other “shoe” (is this even a shoe?) has straps, buckles, ...
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