I can’t believe I haven’t written about 3D printing in such a long time. Maybe because I was so disappointed at that “travelling 3D expo” in Baltimore. I thought it relegated the entire process to be a novelty, a toy kids would get for Christmas and never use again.
Continue reading 3D Bioprinting
How do you mend a broken heart? Not by singing the rest of the song by the Bee Gees, that’s for sure.
Continue reading You gotta have heart (Part 2)
One of the leading causes of death is still heart failure. Which is why improvements in heart transplantation and the development of an artificial heart have been high on the “to do” list for years. How many? Since at least when I began working on my artificial kidney about four decades ago.
Continue reading You gotta have heart (Part 1)
A new Japanese medical firm, Cyfuse Biomedical (Tokyo, Japan), is embarking on a most unique application of 3D printing. The goal of their research effort is to create new blood vessels. Koji Kuchiishi is the CEO of the firm; his previous endeavors include mobile phone design (at Panasonic), a patent associate, and a stint as a McKinsey consultant. His firm has significant venture backing (JAFCO, the largest Japanese Venture Capital firm and the University of Tokyo Edge Capital Fund, among others). Cyfuse’s developments are “protected” by patents in the US, China, Singapore, and Japan.
Continue reading Blood Vessels for Dialysis
You know, I spent all this week (so far) talking about 3D printing and its effect on industry and general business. Today, I will focus in on what this one development has and will bring to health care.
Continue reading 3D Update, Part 5…
One of the first projects with which I was involved when I moved to Michigan in the early 70s was a water recycling system for the home. (Don’t worry- this had relevance to 3D printing, I promise!) We added a very powerful ultraviolet light (UV) light to disinfect the water. From that UV technology, the ability to “cure” ink on silver aluminum cans was derived. Which greatly increased the demand for – and technology around- UV curing.
Continue reading 3D Update, Part 4
So, what do we know, so far. (Remember- this series started on Monday- with a sneak preview last Wednesday!) 3D printing apps are now available on all new PC’s, since there’s an app that is part of Windows 8. 3D printers that work with the app are out, and even more are coming. And, now, we can bet that file-sharing (or file selling) programs will let us obtain the designs we want to print for ourselves.
Continue reading A 3D Update, Part 3
Yesterday, in part 1 (of this 5+ part update), I reviewed how new software and printers will make 3D printing available at home and in the office. Places like Staples will make it possible for more complicated designs to be produced, as well. Which means it’s time to sit back, grab a glass of wine (or two or three) and consider what all this technology is going to do to our companies.
Continue reading A 3D Update, Part 2
I’ve been remiss keeping you apprised of the developments in 3D Printing. As, I wrote last Wednesday, when I reported about the pop-up shop in Baltimore. And, as I repeatedly have said, 3D printing (aka additive manufacturing) is going to change what and how we do things. I’ve discussed what the aviation industry has already adopted, how medical innovations are affected, among others. But, now…
Continue reading A 3D Update (part 1)
I don’t even recall where I heard about it. But, there was a new pop-up shop. One devoted to 3D printing. In Baltimore- just about 70 minutes away. I searched the web for more information and finally found the place. It was open from 1 pm to 9 pm seven days a week.