Welcome to 3D From Nothing Powered by Metalmite, the Show where you will learn all about 3-D printing and additive technology, and I am your host, Tom Gendich.
Metalmite is a full-service machine shop that specializes in 5 and 6 axis CNC machining, CNC grinding, Wire EDM and 3D Printing. We are a 50 plus year old corporation started by my father, Michael Gendich the Third. I took over as CEO in 2009 and am continuing the manufacturing legacy as a third-generation owner.
In these programs you will learn what kinds of printers are out there and what kind of materials you can print on. Who is using these printers, what kinds of things should you be looking at printing. As well as hearing form experts in the field through interviews we will be conducting. And, as always you can go to our website 3-Dfrom nothing.com can get free giveaways and learn more about what we’re doing and how the name comes from my father he said at some point will make parts out of nothing – and today we are doing just that with 3D Printing and additive technology.
Today we have a great show planned! We will discuss a new Video Game for 3D Print enthusiasts, A way to 3D Print Covid test kits at home for less that $30! What Harvard has been able to patent this year already using 3D Printers, And How we love inventors here at Metalmite.
Video Games
Cold spray 3D printer manufacturer SPEE3D has announced the launch of SPEE3DCraft, a free-to-download metal 3D printing simulator.
Set to launch this month, the game-like simulation software is designed to provide an inside look into the real-life metal additive manufacturing workflow, but in a virtual environment. Aimed at industry professionals and 3D printing enthusiasts alike, SPEE3DCraft can be used as a source of virtual experience, enabling individuals to experiment with SPEE3D’s 3D printers in an accessible manner.
Steven Camilleri, CTO and Co-Founder of SPEE3D, explains, “It looks like a game. It has level environments. A time challenge. But at the same time, it’s not really a game because this simulator shows what metal 3D printing actually involves. We are hoping this simulator will provide people a helpful insight into SPEE3D’s processes, how they can use it to benefit themselves and their own industry.”
Covid Testing
Researchers based at the Dutch Wageningen University (WUR) have developed a COVID-19 home test kit that can be 3D printed and constructed for less than 30 dollars.
Nicknamed ‘CoroNaspresso,’ the team’s device comprises coffee capsules that have been turned into mini chemical reactors, in which heated enzyme-loaded saliva vials change color to indicate the presence of COVID-19. By heating samples using Phase Changing Materials (PCMs) like cheap commercial wax, the scientists say their reusable kits could be ideal for boosting testing in developing countries.
“We designed a 3D printed plastic holder that fits four Eppendorf vials to perform the tests, and we get the results in just 30 minutes,” lead researcher Vittorio Saggiomo told Chemistry World. “The wax is like paraffin, it’s really cheap, the whole device costs under 30 dollars. Moreover, the same capsule can be used many times, without generating any unwanted waste.”
Inventions and Patents in 3D Printing
We had the opportunity to walk the campuses at both Harvard and MIT, since they are only a few block away from each other in Boston. One of the students that was giving us a tour said they were majoring in Creative Writing. I was shocked that these brainiack Universities had a Creative Writing major! I asked what kind of job they look for after getting this major an IVY League school. They very politely explained that they take really big words and scientific data and put it into a form that “people like me” could understand. I was actually not offended- but understood perfectly what they meant!
So let me attempt to sum up what the Harvard group was able to patent this year so far…
Many Harvard University faculty and researchers were among the inventors issued U.S. patents in the months of January, February, and March 2021.
The Harvard innovations recently recognized by the USPTO are as follows:
- Aerodynamic devices for enhancing lift and reducing drag
- Methods of treating diabetes by an adipocyte protein 2 specific antibody
- Compositions and methods for diagnosing prostate cancer using a gene expression signature