Automated melt electrowritting platform with real-time process monitoring. (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mieszczanek, Pawel; Eggert, Sebastian; Corke, Peter; Hutmacher, Dietmar W.
• Is Part Of: HardwareX. Volume 10(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: 3D printing -- Melt electrowriting -- Automation -- Process monitoring -- Additive manufacturing; Scientific apparatus and instruments -- Periodicals; Laboratories -- Equipment and supplies -- Periodicals; Laboratories -- Equipment and supplies; Scientific apparatus and instruments; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 681
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2021.e00246
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2468-0672

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Abstract: Melt electrowriting (MEW) is an additive manufacturing (AM) technology with the ability to fabricate complex designs with high-resolution. The utility of MEW is studied in many fields including tissue engineering and soft robotics. However, current MEW hardware offers only basic functionality and is often designed and built in-house. This affects results replication across different MEW devices and slows down the technological advancement. To address these issues, we present an automated MEW platform with real-time process parameter monitoring and control. We validate the developed platform by demonstrating the ability to accurately print polymer structures and successfully measure and adjust parameters during the printing process. The platform enables the collection of large volumes of data that can be subsequently used for further analysis of the system. Ultimately, the concept will help MEW to become more accessible for both research laboratories and industry and allow advancing the technology by leveraging the process monitoring, control and data collection.