3-D printing

Toward printable, sensor-laden “skin” for robots

New 3-D-printed device mimics the goldbug beetle, which changes color when prodded.

March 23, 2017

This image from a scanning electron microscope shows a cross section of an object printed using cellulose. The inset shows the surface of the object.

3-D printing with cellulose

World’s most abundant polymer could rival petroleum-based plastics as source of printing feedstock.

March 3, 2017

Jessica Rosenkrantz collaborated with New Balance to develop a customized, 3-D-printed midsole.

Printing data-driven wearables that mimic nature

MIT lecturer Jessica Rosenkrantz writes programs mimicking processes in nature to "grow" objects that can be digitally fabricated.

March 2, 2017

Researchers have found that the hydrogel’s mostly watery environment helps keep nutrients and programmed bacteria alive and active. When the bacteria reacts to a certain chemical, the bacteria are programmed to light up, as seen on the left.

Living sensors at your fingertips

Cell-infused gloves and bandages light up when in contact with certain chemicals.

February 15, 2017

MIT chemists have now developed a 3-D printing technique that allows them to print objects and then go back and add new polymers that alter the materials’ chemical composition and mechanical properties. These new polymers can be reactivated by light.

Technique enables adaptable 3-D printing

Once fabricated, objects can be altered by adding new polymers.

January 13, 2017

MIT researchers have fabricated a stamp made from forests of carbon nanotubes that is able to print electronic inks onto rigid and flexible surfaces.

Printable electronics

New stamping technique creates functional features at nanoscale dimensions.

December 7, 2016

Seeking to inform India’s climate policy choices

Tata Center graduate fellow Arun Singh shares energy-economic modeling research at UN Climate Change Conference.

November 16, 2016

While most solid materials expand with heat, this 3-D-printed structure, designed by MIT engineers, is designed to shrink, based on the stretching and pulling of its internal beams and trusses.

3-D-printed structures shrink when heated

Counterintuitive “metamaterial” may enable heat-resistant circuit boards.

October 25, 2016

To demonstrate Foundry, MIT researchers designed and fabricated skis with retro-reflective surfaces, a ping-pong paddle, a helmet, and even a bone that may someday be used for surgical planning.

Designing for 3-D printing

“Foundry” tool from the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab lets you design a wide range of multi-material 3-D-printed objects.

October 11, 2016

A new microencapsulation technique yields particles of very consistent size, while also affording a high rate of production. The device, pictured here, that produces the spheres was itself manufactured with an affordable commercial 3-D printer.

Manufacturing microspheres

Technique mass-produces uniform, encapsulated particles for pharmaceuticals, many other uses.

October 6, 2016

MIT researchers outfitted their cube robot with shock-absorbing “skins” (left) that transfer less than half of the energy that would normally be transferred to the ground.

3-D-printed robots with shock-absorbing skins

By “programming” customized soft materials, CSAIL team can 3-D print safer, nimbler, more durable robots.

October 3, 2016

MIT has over 40 design/build/project spaces — and the MakerLodge program is designed to serve as an entry point into that thriving making community.

Basic training

New MakerLodge program ushers freshmen into the making community.

September 9, 2016

The mechanical arm pictured here was created for people without a wrist or arm. The herringbone gears and arm base are printed in one full piece. Once that piece is printed, an Arduino motherboard and sensors, pictured above the arm, and a motor are attached to the arm.

Lincoln Laboratory lends a 3-D-printed hand

Researchers improve the designs for low-cost 3-D-printed arms and hands.

September 1, 2016

In this series, a 3-D printed multimaterial shape-memory minigripper, consisting of shape-memory hinges and adaptive touching tips, grasps a cap screw.

3-D printed structures “remember” their shapes

Heat-responsive materials may aid in controlled drug delivery and solar panel tracking.

August 26, 2016

The MIT MakerWorks team currently comprises 35 passionate graduate students, called mentors, who staff and administer the shop. The space has almost 600 total users, all of whom have attended Maker Mondays, a required introductory session that trains newcomers on policies and basic tools.

A makerspace for students, by students

Initiated and led by students, MIT MakerWorks fosters making with strong engineering focus.

June 22, 2016

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