Israeli scientists produce 3D printer ‘ink’ capable of producing wood products
3D printer ‘ink’ capable of producing wood products
By controlling cell structure of wood, researchers can print designs that warp into a predetermined shape; project aimed at sustainably sourced short life-span products
Researchers at Jerusalem’s Hebrew University have unveiled a 3D printer “ink” capable of producing printed wooden materials.
The technology takes organic “wood derivatives” and develops them into a paste, which is then used as ink by a 3D printer. As the paste dries, it warps into the desired shape.
Doron Kam, a PhD student working on the project, told The Times of Israel that the technology contains two main stages.
Firstly, organic material is broken down into “wood flour” and then combined with two other organic products which act as a glue.
In the second stage, the material is placed in a 3D printer, which proceeds to print a flat, 2D object. In regular tree wood, the structure of the cells determines the shape the wood will warp into as it dries. However, with the Hebrew University’s new technology, scientists can themselves control the cell structure, and therefore control the exact shape that the product will form as it dries and warps.