MIT engineers created completely three-dimensional solenoids printed on 3D printers that are set to revolutionize industries both on Earth and in space.
The breakthrough by MIT opens up possibilities for a more affordable and inclusive approach to technology, enabling the production of complex electronic components using 3D printers. According to MIT engineers, the development has the potential to drastically transform industries and enhance lives in remote and low-income regions.
The solenoids are designed in a spiral form, with the wire wrapped around a soft magnetic core and thicker conductive layers separated by thin insulating layers.
While the concept of 3D-printing electronics is not new, the MIT team encountered significant challenges. The conventional production of solenoids involves intricate assembly and specialized conditions. Through additive manufacturing, engineers managed to overcome these obstacles, producing solenoids of various sizes and shapes with unprecedented accuracy. Notably, they utilized soft magnetic nylon, which necessitated modifications to the printer for extruding granules.
A key factor in their success was adapting a commercial extrusion 3D printer to accommodate multiple materials, allowing for precise layering of dielectric, conducting, and soft magnetic materials required for solenoid creation.
The newly created solenoids outperform traditional devices in terms of magnetic field strength by threefold and can withstand double the amount of electric current, offering vast applications ranging from miniature sensors to advanced robotics.
In addition to the advancements in Earth-bound electronics, the 3D printing technology holds particular promise for space exploration. Instead of transporting spare electronic parts to a Mars base, a signal containing files for a 3D printer can be sent, saving time and expenses. MIT experts are working on enhancing the printing process, exploring alternative materials, and refining optimization techniques.