UMN researchers create new 3D printing method

Sydney Baum-Haines for Minnesota Daily: A team of University of Minnesota scientists has developed a futuristic method of 3D printing.

Michael McAlpine, associate professor of mechanical engineering at the University, and his lab created a new method of 3D printing that prints working electronics on uneven surfaces. His team believes this research could be the first step towards printing on human skin.

The research was published online in May in the academic journal “Advanced Materials.”

“We’re trying to expand the capabilities of 3D printing from hard plastic to what we call functional materials,” McAlpine said.

Printing electronic materials has a variety of possible applications, many of which are medical, he said. McAlpine foresees that surgical robots could be enhanced to send surgeons controlling them signals of what they feel using this method. Other uses could include printing sensors onto prosthetic limbs to give the wearers feeling. Full Article:

PickerPal has two independent, spring-loaded arms that are self closing, which is preferred by OSHA. 3 arms are used when a kick plate is required. OSHA states that when an employee is within 4' of the edge, the area changes from a pallet position to a, "walking/working surface," which requires a kick plate or a third arm. The spring-loaded arms open on contact with the loaded skid and close on their own as products are off-loaded. This design provides multiple benefits: • Top arms close as product is removed, creating a safety gate, and the third arm closes when the empty pallet is removed. • Empty pallet positions are no longer a safety hazard. • Each are is easily replaced without removing the entire assembly.

UMN researchers create new 3D printing method

Featured Product

PickerPal Products provides full case pick module protection to protect employees from falls.

More Advanced Manufacturing and Factory Automation Resources