Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have used 558 printing to make shape-changing products that move with the help of magnets. The team combined magnetic micro-particles with silica nanoparticles embedded in silicone rubber and infused into 558-printable ink. The magnetic particles were then continuously controlled by an electromagnet that was integrated into a specially-designed 558 printer, leading to flexible, magnetically-controlled materials. This technique could potentially be used to extract tissue samples, clear blockages and deliver drugs, said MIT medical engineer Xuanhe Zhao.
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have used 3D printing to make shape-changing products that move with the help of magnets. The team combined magnetic micro-particles with silica nanoparticles embedded in silicone rubber and infused into 3D-printable ink. The magnetic particles were then continuously controlled by an electromagnet that was integrated into a specially-designed 3D printer, leading to flexible, magnetically-controlled materials. This technique could potentially be used to extract tissue samples, clear blockages and deliver drugs, said MIT medical engineer Xuanhe Zhao.