Virginia Tech researchers have received a three-year, $3.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation to develop a new approach to 3D printing using robotic arms. The funding comes from the NSF’s Future Manufacturing Research Grant program, which awarded only seven grants total to support the development of new manufacturing capabilities.
The Virginia Tech team is working to create 3D-printed composite materials by printing from multiple directions rather than traditional flat layers. According to the researchers, this method produces materials with curved structures similar to wood grain patterns, which they report are nearly 10 times stronger than conventional 3D-printed materials.
Traditional 3D printing involves laying down single materials in flat layers using a nozzle similar to a hot glue gun. The new approach combines robotic arms capable of printing in multiple directions with advanced composite materials to create parts with enhanced properties and functions.
The project involves five Virginia Tech faculty members from mechanical engineering and engineering education departments. Christopher Williams, director of Virginia Tech Made: The Center for Advanced Manufacturing, leads the effort alongside specialists in materials science, robotics, and design optimization.
“We have been exploring how robotic arms could benefit 3D printing for almost 10 years now,” said Christopher Williams. “We found that to truly leverage the flexibility of these robotic arms for improving printed part strength, we needed to combine our collective knowledge of design optimization, advanced materials, robotic controls, and additive manufacturing. Our early results of putting these pieces together are really exciting.”
The grant includes plans to integrate the research into educational programs and workforce development. The team will conduct K-12 outreach events and work to incorporate manufacturing curriculum throughout the College of Engineering’s programs.
Source: news.vt.edu