PROBLEM
There is no method to make sensors an integrated part of a 3D printed item. The traditional method to add sensor capability adds sensors to a part after it has been printed. This doesn’t allow for consistent repetition or equal distribution of sensors throughout the part.
SOLUTION
Purdue University researchers have developed a wet-mixing method to add sensors to 3D printing filament. This method disperses sensors through a part evenly during the printing process. It creates 3D printed items with consistent, repeatable, and customizable sensing capabilities.
IN THE MEDIA
https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2022/Q4/adding-a-fourth-dimension-to-3d-printing.html
PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR
José Garcia-Bravo, associate professor, School of Engineering Technology, Purdue Polytechnic Institute
INNOVATION DISCLOSURE
https://inventions.prf.org/innovation/8353
LICENSING CONTACTS
Email: otcip@prf.org
MEDIA CONTACT
Email: Steve Martin // sgmartin@prf.org
QUOTE
“Purdue researchers have developed a novel wet-mixing method to produce functional 3D printing parts, which make sensing capabilities an inherent part of the printed component. The process is controllable, repeatable and produces parts with consistent conductivity as compared to previous methods.” – Parag Vasekar, Senior Licensing Analyst – Physical Sciences