Piezo‐electric head application in a new 3D printing design

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on redesigning a 3D printing machine, using piezoelectric demand‐mode technology head in order to improve the factors of accuracy, surface finishing and color quality of fabricated models.

Design/methodology/approach

The work first identifies two kinds of ink‐jet printing heads, and then develops a new design of 3D printing machine, based on piezoelectric head technology. Fabricated models by this new 3D printing machine were compared with the same models fabricated by current 3D printing machines (z406).

Findings

The comparison between the constructed models by two types of 3D printing machines shows improvement factors of accuracy, surface finishing and color quality using piezoelectric head in the current 3D printing machine.

Research limitations/implications

In order to provide a colorful binder, a type of binder such as ZB56 was combined with six different colors of ink namely black, cyan, magenta, yellow, light cyan, and light magenta.

Practical implications

The new designed and manufactured 3D printing machine provides the ability to construct more accurate models with improved quality.

Originality/value

Apart from the above practical implications, this work provides an accurate tool for injection of the live cells into vital textures in order to create bones, members and dentures without any chemical or physical changes in cells.

Citation

Rahmati, S., Shirazi, S.F. and Baghayeri, H. (2009), "Piezo‐electric head application in a new 3D printing design", Rapid Prototyping Journal, Vol. 15 No. 3, pp. 187-191. https://doi.org/10.1108/13552540910960280