Additive Manufacturing with Natural Materials

Problem Statement

The increasing use of plastics, which in most cases are prepared by polymerization of monomers derived from a non-renewable source, creates major waste management and environmental problems. Unsustainability of the current use of plastics is driving a growing interest in biomaterials that are fully biodegradable and recyclable.

Objective

To develop naturally biodegradable materials with desired structural properties and a sustainable large-scale manufacturing system based on additive manufacturing and biological principles for a more sustainable society

The digital fabrication system is comprised of an industrial robot mounted on a hydraulic scissor-lift mobile platform. The controller and material supply are separate mobile units.
The digital fabrication system is comprised of an industrial robot mounted on a hydraulic scissor-lift mobile platform. The controller and material supply are separate mobile units.

Key Benefits/Outcomes

  • Successfully developed the cellular-chitin composites material which is strong, lightweight and inexpensive, which would have an immediate impact on sustainable development and on the economic burden of waste management.

  • Developed the extrusion based printing system utilizing 6-axis robotic system and AI modelling capable of predicting the process outcome.

Applications & Deployment

Art installations, Advertising, Architectural, Furnishing

 

Image Gallery

Please click on image below for larger view.

Collaborator

Contacts

Mr. Marc Lee – marc.lee@ntuitive.sg 

Mr. Eric Teh – eric_teh@sutd.edu.sg