Sound waves help format ultra-small print objects

Scientists have found a way to print by sound. This technology gives the printer more control over the shape of ink and the amount of ink used.

The research team from Harvard University has succeeded in developing new printing technologies that can control the shape and amount of ink used. This printer is not for printing papers or greeting cards, but is applied in biotechnology and creating conductive materials.

Sound waves have long been used to blow away polluting dust particles, thereby creating a clean and simple way of cleaning. Scientists also use sound waves to map areas that are difficult to reach by transmitting and receiving reflected sounds. Now, sound waves are used to promote printing technology.

Scientists use sound waves to determine the shape of ink droplets, thereby controlling the amount of ink needed to create a more economical way of printing materials.(Photo: Daniele Foresti / Jennifer A. Lewis / Harvard University).

'By exploiting sound waves, we have developed a new technology that helps control the ink at will. Our goal is to help manage the amount of ink and help this system operate independently, without relying on machine control or fluid properties' , Jennifer Lewis, professor of biology at Harvard University shared new research.

Currently, systems use micro-sized capsules to help stream the flow of ink in inkjet printers. But this new technology can handle liquids with a viscosity 10 times higher than conventional liquid water, and thereby shape the shape of the ink.

Ultra-small liquid is sprayed from the ink of the special printer using sound waves to shape the ink.This technology is expected to apply and drastically change many industries, especially the pharmaceutical industry.(Photo: Daniele Foresti / Jennifer A. Lewis / Harvard University).

Normally, ink from the source will flow through the tubes containing small capsules, the ink when going out will be threaded and shaped like that. But in printed parts that require smaller sizes, manufacturers will have difficulty producing micro-sized capsules.

'Sound waves impact the flow of ink, making them change shape and the ink when printed will take the desired shape. Not only can it handle higher viscosity liquids than capsule printers, this technology can control the amount of ink used, saving more on printing and manufacturing costs. ' , Foresti adds.

When conducting laboratory tests, scientists have successfully printed small-sized objects with high-viscosity liquids, such as artificial honey, stem cells, optical plastics and needles. liquid type.

'This technology, when applied in practice, will have immediate contribution and impact on the pharmaceutical industry. Not only that, but far away, this technology will impact and change profoundly in other industries, ' Lewis said about his team's technology.