3D-Printed Balsa Substitute

Jun-29-14 Researchers have developed a 3D-printed composite inspired by balsa wood—opening the door to new generation of 3D-printed structures and reducing the impact of harvesting the natural wood.

The method, created by a team at Harvard University, is remarkable in that it is the first time an epoxy resin has been used in 3D printing. The resin enabled the team to print a cellular composite of record-setting stiffness and light weight that both mimics and surpasses the qualities of balsa wood while also outperforming all known polymers. The material can also be tuned to a precise stiffness by changing the orientation of the fibers, a process that could be integrated into the material as the structure is being printed.

More Info about this Invention:

[GIZMAG.COM]
[SEAS.HARVARD.EDU]

---