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1 – 10 of 192Belen Begines, Andrew L. Hook, Morgan R. Alexander, Christopher J. Tuck and Ricky D. Wildman
This paper aims to print 3D structures from polymers that resist bacterial attachment by reactive jetting of acrylate monomers.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to print 3D structures from polymers that resist bacterial attachment by reactive jetting of acrylate monomers.
Design/methodology/approach
The first step towards printing was ink development. Inks were characterised to carry out an estimation of their potential printability using the Z parameter to predict stable jetting conditions. Printability conditions were optimised for each ink using a Dimatix DMP-2800, which enabled 3D structures to be fabricated.
Findings
UV photo-initiated polymers, which resist bacterial attachment, were found to be printable using piezo-based inkjet printers. The waveform required for each ink depends on the value of the Z parameter. Once the waveform and the printability parameters were optimised, 3D objects were fabricated.
Research limitations/implications
This methodology has been confirmed as an effective method to 3D print materials that have been demonstrated to be bacteria resistant. However, ink curing depends on modification of some parameters (such as photoinitiator concentration or UV exposure time) which would result in an improvement of the curing process post jetting.
Social implications
The combination of inkjet based 3D printing with new materials resistant to bacterial attachment means the possibility of building customised medical devices with a high level of complexity and bespoke features can be fully realised. The scope and variability of the devices produced will exceed what can be achieved using standard fabrication methodologies and can be applied to reduce the incidence of device associated infections and to address increased morbidity, mortality and health care costs associated with nosocomial infections.
Originality/value
In this paper, the novel use of materials that resist bacterial attachment has been described to build 3D structures using material jetting. Its value lies on the potential impact this methodology could produce in the biomedical device and research fields.
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Keywords
Cara Greta Kolb, Maja Lehmann, Johannes Kriegler, Jana-Lorena Lindemann, Andreas Bachmann and Michael Friedrich Zaeh
This paper aims to present a requirements analysis for the processing of water-based electrode dispersions in inkjet printing.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present a requirements analysis for the processing of water-based electrode dispersions in inkjet printing.
Design/methodology/approach
A detailed examination of the components and the associated properties of the electrode dispersions has been carried out. The requirements of the printing process and the resulting performance characteristics of the electrode dispersions were analyzed in a top–down approach. The product and process side were compared, and the target specifications of the dispersion components were derived.
Findings
Target ranges have been identified for the main component properties, balancing the partly conflicting goals between the product and the process requirements.
Practical implications
The findings are expected to assist with the formulation of electrode dispersions as printing inks.
Originality/value
Little knowledge is available regarding the particular requirements arising from the systematic qualification of aqueous electrode dispersions for inkjet printing. This paper addresses these requirements, covering both product and process specifications.
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Keywords