(June 17, 2015) A
group of researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have managed to print
and dry three-dimensional objects made entirely by cellulose for the first time
with the help of a 3D-bioprinter. They also added carbon nanotubes to create
electrically conductive material. The effect is that cellulose and other raw
material based on wood will be able to compete with fossil-based plastics and
metals in the on-going additive manufacturing revolution, which started with
the introduction of the 3D-printer.
3D printing is a form of additive manufacturing that is
predicted to revolutionise the manufacturing industry. The precision of the
technology makes it possible to manufacture a whole new range of objects and it
presents several advantages compared to older production techniques. The
freedom of design is great, the lead time is short, and no material goes to
waste.