SIP Innovative Design/Manufacturing Technologies

SIP Innovative Design/Manufacturing Technologies

— (B)Innovative Manufacturing Technology —

Revolutionary 3D Printing Systems of Designable Gels to Develop Novel Applications and Markets

Realization of artificial blood vessel and artificial joint close to living body by developing world's first 3D gel printing system
Home page of Research institute http://swel.yz.yamagata-u.ac.jp/wp/
Research institute
Yamagata University, JSR Corporation, SUNARROW LIMITED, D-lightmatter

Background

Originally, living soft tissue is made of water-containing "gel", but the existing implants such as artificial blood vessel and artificial joint (biological substitute) does not have lubricity, substance permeability etc.(Hard & Dry), in addition, regular replacement is required from such characteristics(Figure 1).

(Figure 1)Hard & Dry
(Figure 1)Hard & Dry

Therefore, in this theme, we are aiming to manufacture Soft & Wet implants such as gel blood vessels, gel cartilage, etc. by enabling free design and modeling by world's first 3D gel printer technology(Figure 2).

(Figure 2)3D gel printer
(Figure 2)3D gel printer

New Manufacturing with High Strength Gel and Gel 3D Printer [Japanese]

Goals

Developed "3D printing system technology" by "designable gel", which is an innovative gel material with free molecular structure and free shape and free function,

  1. By FY 2016, 3D gel printing system (spread type) with accuracy of 500μm,
  2. By FY 2019, 3D gel printing system (special use type) with accuracy of 50μm,

will be completed, and we are aiming to contribute to the advancement of new fields (medical, robot, etc.) and to create new markets in this field by providing these device sales and utilization services (starting test use from FY 2015).

Implementation contents

  1. Super upstream design

    Design of equipment with manufacturing capability suitable for the application
    Design of gel material according to application

  2. Innnovative manufacturing

    About Materials
    Manufacture of high performance gels that can design properties suitable for practical use(Figure 3).
    About processing
    Development of processing equipment (including software) that embodies the designed shape and characteristics and is easy to use.
    About the structure
    Establishing analytical techniques that can be used as technology and a guarantee of quality.

  3. Assumed exit

    Realize innovative value by social use of high performance gel.

(Figure 3)3D model of high strength gel(left) / Three-dimensional freeforming of highly transparent and flexible gel(middle,right)
(Figure 3)3D model of high strength gel(left) / Three-dimensional freeforming of highly transparent and flexible gel(middle,right)

Outputs

  1. Tools/Technologies

    Dispenser Photocurable 3D gel printing system

  2. Utilization hub of tools and technologies 　

    Yamagata University/D-lightmatter Corporation

  3. Innovation style

    Revolutionary 3-D Printing Systems of Designable Gels

Home page of Research institute http://swel.yz.yamagata-u.ac.jp/wp/