3D Printer

NIH RePORTER · NIH · S10 · $77,425 · view on reporter.nih.gov ↗

Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract We are requesting funds to purchase a state-of-the-art 3D printer to support the biomedical research, education, and clinical missions of the Medical College of Wisconsin. The 3D Systems ProJet 2500 Plus 3D printer is a feature-rich multi-jet 3D-printer. It is capable of printing rigid and elastomeric parts with high accuracy based on computer-aided design (CAD) files. An ultra-high-definition print mode allows for printing features as small as 300 µm or finer. Final parts can be optically transparent or a variety of opaque colors. The final parts mimic the properties of engineering plastics and elastomers including strength and high temperature resistance. Medical applications are possible based on materials that are USP Class VI and/or ISO 10993 certified for biocompatibility and capable of being steam sterilized. The ability to print biocompatible and steam sterilizable parts introduces the possibility of printing guides, templates, fixtures, devices, etc. that can be used during surgical procedures, animal studies, or in vitro experiments with living cells and tissues. A state-of-the-art 3D printer capable of printing medical-grade materials introduces a world of intriguing biomedical research and clinical applications. Rapid and inexpensive prototyping and fabrication capabilities enable innovation and efficient design optimization. The Major and Minor Users in this application all have experience with using 3D printing to advance their biomedical research projects. The modern capabilities of the requested 3D printer would benefit these users as well as additional users with 3D printing needs that are currently unmet. The requested 3D printer directly contributes to the Medical College of Wisconsin’s long-range biomedical research goals. It would provide a unique resource on campus that is readily available to NIH-funded investigators. The instrument will be housed within the Engineering Core facility as an institution-wide shared resource. It will replace our end-of-life 3D printer that has seen consistent use since its acquisition in 2013. Engineering Core staff have extensive experience with engineering design and 3D printing and will maintain and operate the requested instrument. A standing local advisory committee will provide oversight of operations and resolve conflicts. 3D printers are revolutionizing innovation in many sectors, and we will harness this revolutionary technology in order to meet modern medical challenges.

Key facts

NIH application ID
10412485
Project number
1S10OD032136-01
Recipient
MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN
Principal Investigator
Brandon J Tefft
Activity code
S10
Funding institute
NIH
Fiscal year
2022
Award amount
$77,425
Award type
1
Project period
2022-05-01 → 2023-04-30