Top 5 Videos: 3D Printing “Soft Motors” for Robots
This week, we have a great lineup of thought-provoking videos related to 3D printing. First up, watch a video from Oregon State University on how their research teams are working on printing reactive material for robots. Second, learn from Professor Patrick Feugier as he explains how his team 3D printed an abdominal aorta for advanced surgical applications. Switching gears, watch a video from Vision Miner, and find out how the company leverages additive manufacturing to create parts for helicopters. Fourth in line, we have a video on a 3D printed model of a property to showcase the project to potential buyers. Finally, check out a video from Shining 3D Dental demonstrating how to create a digital smile. As always, happy watching.
Top 1: Oregon State University is Working on 3D Printing Robots
Ever seen a 3D printed material that moves like it’s alive? Researchers at Oregon State University are making it happen with shape-shifting materials called liquid crystalline elastomers, or “soft motors.” These amazing creations can crawl, fold, and snap into action right after printing. From revolutionizing robotics to transforming medical implants and drug delivery, the possibilities are endless. How will these materials impact robots? Watch the video to find out.
Top 2: Learn About a 3D Printed Abdominal Aorta
Top 3: How to Design Parts for a Helicopter
Join Patrick Smith, CEO and founder of Vision Miner, as he takes on an innovative reverse engineering and 3D printing project: upgrading a dim tail light on a Gazelle turbine helicopter. Using advanced 3D scanning, CAD software, and high-temp materials like carbon fiber-filled PEEK, he replaces a barely visible light with a brighter, safer solution designed for tough environments like canyon flying or formation missions. Watch the video to see how it is done.
Top 4: 3D Printing a Model Building for Real Estate
Macoma Tech, a Dubai-based Interactive Scaled Model Company, specializes in creating custom models designed to captivate audiences and drive sales. Their expertise spans real estate, industrial, and factory models, tailored to highlight their clients’ businesses. For a recent project, they crafted a detailed residential building model for a real estate developer to promote an under-construction property. This model engaged potential buyers and showcased the project’s vision. Here’s a step-by-step look at how this model was built from the ground up.
Top 5: Watch a Digital Smile Come to Life
Dimitris Tasakos is a Digital Smile Design Master at DVDental in Athens, Greece, who crafts perfect smiles using cutting-edge Shining 3D Dental tools. In this video, you’ll see an All-On-6 case for the lower jaw, where the provisional fit is tested to ensure absolute precision for the patient’s permanent replacement. Discover how the Aoralscan Elite’s photogrammetry system delivers accuracy and, when paired with MetiSmile’s 3D facial scanning, creates a seamless virtual patient for designing smiles that last. Watch the process in action!
What do you think of Oregon State University’s work on 3D printing robots? Let us know in a comment below or on our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here, the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also find all our videos on our YouTube channel.
*Cover Photo Credits: Oregan State University
