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.

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.