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Article
Publication date: 4 June 2024

Ludovico Martignoni, Andrea Vegro, Sara Candidori, Mohammad Qasim Shaikh, Sundar V. Atre, Serena Graziosi and Riccardo Casati

This study aims to deepen the knowledge concerning the metal fused filament fabrication technology through an analysis of the printing parameters of a commercial 316L stainless…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to deepen the knowledge concerning the metal fused filament fabrication technology through an analysis of the printing parameters of a commercial 316L stainless steel filament and their influence on the porosity and mechanical properties of the printed parts. It also investigates the feasibility of manufacturing complex geometries, including strut-and-node and triply periodic minimal surface lattices.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-step experimental campaign was carried out. Firstly, the printing parameters were evaluated by analysing the green parts: porosity and density measurements were used to define the best printing profile. Then, the microstructure and porosity of the sintered parts were investigated using light optical and scanning electron microscopy, while their mechanical properties were obtained through tensile tests. Finally, manufacturability limits were explored with reference samples and cellular structures having different topologies.

Findings

The choice of printing parameters drastically influences the porosity of green parts. A printing profile which enables reaching a relative density above 99% has been identified. However, voids characterise the sintered components in parallel planes at the interfaces between layers, which inevitably affect their mechanical properties. Lattice structures and complex geometries can be effectively printed, debinded, and sintered if properly dimensioned to fulfil printing constraints.

Originality/value

This study provides an extensive analysis of the printing parameters for the 316L filament used and an in-depth investigation of the potential of the metal fused filament fabrication technology in printing lightweight structures.

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 2 January 2023

Sara Candidori, Serena Graziosi, Paola Russo, Kasra Osouli, Francesco De Gaetano, Alberto Antonio Zanini and Maria Laura Costantino

The purpose of this study is to describe the design and validation of a three-dimensional (3D)-printed phantom of a uterus to support the development of uterine balloon tamponade…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to describe the design and validation of a three-dimensional (3D)-printed phantom of a uterus to support the development of uterine balloon tamponade devices conceived to stop post-partum haemorrhages (PPHs).

Design/methodology/approach

The phantom 3D model is generated by analysing the main requirements for validating uterine balloon tamponade devices. A modular approach is implemented to guarantee that the phantom allows testing these devices under multiple working conditions. Once finalised the design, the phantom effectiveness is validated experimentally.

Findings

The modular phantom allows performing the required measurements for testing the performance of devices designed to stop PPH.

Social implications

PPH is the leading obstetric cause of maternal death worldwide, mainly in low- and middle-income countries. The proposed phantom could speed up and optimise the design and validation of devices for PPH treatment, reducing the maternal mortality ratio.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the 3D-printed phantom represents the first example of a modular, flexible and transparent uterus model. It can be used to validate and perform usability tests of medical devices.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 29 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

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