The April 11th Research Wednesdays session was an informational session on 3D Printing at Duke given by Chip Bobbert.
3D printing is a revolutionary technology that is changing the way we design products and raising the potential of what is possible. Duke University has become a leader among universities by offering the largest free and open 3D printing lab in the education industry.
Students, faculty, and staff have access to 56 3D printers in a facility that is open 24/7. Beyond commodity 3D printers, our researchers are engaged with state-of-the-art 3D printing – including laser sintering printers, polyjet, and the exciting new Carbon 3D SL process. Duke is well-poised to engage with this emerging technology.
The 3D printing lab is a part of the Duke Office of Information Technology.
During the presentation Mr. Bobbert gave the audience many examples of how 3D printing is being used in research and in health care from modeling anatomical structures prior to complicated surgeries to creating personalized joints and replacements to screening tools for diseases. The 3D printing group is available for consultation and is based on a cost recovery model where pricing is based on material used.
For more information about 3D printing opportunities, visit the 3D Printing website: https://3dprint.duke.edu/