| According to Forbes magazine, researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have found a way to print deformed soft materials in 3D. To achieve this goal, mechanical engineer Xuanhe Zhao and colleagues developed a method for injecting magnetic microparticles. 3D printing inks. These tiny particles made of NdFeB are combined with silica nanoparticles and embedded in silicone rubber to increase elasticity.  Figure 1: Molds made by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) using 3D printed inks infused with tiny magnetic particles The researchers then designed a 3D printer that contains electromagnets. By moving the electromagnet during printing, researchers can continuously control the orientation of magnetic particles. The resulting 3D structure can form a variety of complex structures. , Can make real-time, highly accurate response to magnetic fields. These print structures can stretch, roll, jump, and even catch the ball. In addition, because materials respond to magnetic field changes rather than direct contact, this means that they can be controlled remotely. Xuanhe Zhao said: 'We think this technology will have a good application prospect in biomedicine. For example, we can A structure is placed around the blood vessels to control the pumping of blood, or a magnet is used to guide a device through the gastrointestinal tract to collect images, extract tissue samples, clear the blockage, or send certain drugs to a specific location. You can design, Simulation, and then through printing to achieve various functions.  Figure 2: This flexible 3D print structure can be controlled with magnets In fact, Xuanhe Zhao and his colleagues have developed materials and methods to make them more widely available. They said: 'We have developed a printing platform and prediction model for others to use. People can design themselves. The structure and attribute patterns are validated with models and printed to implement various functions. By programming complex information such as structure, properties, and magnetic fields, we can even print smart machines such as robots. |
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