Graphene 3D Lab produce OLED en base a Grafeno

Q: What are the advantages of graphene-based materials over current 3D printing materials?

Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) -- a method of 3D printing in which filament is extruded layer by layer to create objects -- capabilities are currently bound by the offerings of filaments, which generally includes non-functional thermoplastics. While such plastics are great for printing desktop models and fascinating gadgets, the real-world applications of printing with such filaments by themselves are limited. By creating a line of materials with functional properties, the capabilities of FFF 3D printers will be greatly expanded.

By way of example, filaments infused with graphene can be conductive and much more durable than non-specialized filaments, features which are necessary for a host of applications. We also intend to develop filaments with other functional properties, including magnetic capabilities.

Q: Will this require different 3D printers or will you able to use existing printers?

Graphene-enhanced 3D printing materials have the capability of being used in the current generation of at home 3D printers. We have proven this concept by printing bench-top samples of operational objects in which the conductive tracks are manufactured using our graphene-enhanced materials.

However, that is not to say that it is possible to take full advantage of these materials with the current generation of desktop 3D printers. While it is a huge plus that these materials can be used today, we expect that to get the most of out of graphene, we will be required to build a full ecosystem around 3D printing with advanced printing materials. This would include printers with software and hardware which is tuned to the parameters of printing with graphene as well as non-specialized printing materials.

Q: What kind of applications do you see for your materials?

In the near term, there are many application areas which are already developing and would be greatly complimented by the ability to print with graphene. For example, 3D printing is making waves in the area of prosthetics by allowing for inexpensive, personalized artificial limbs and implants. Graphene is known for its lightweight and superior strength, making it an ideal material to be used in prosthetics. With 3D printing materials which are enhanced by graphene, we may see a new generation of durable, lightweight prosthetics.

In high-end electronics, conductive graphene-infused 3D printing materials may allow manufacturers to print end-products in a one step process. They can print not only the mechanical structure, but also integrated circuit layouts and heat-dissipation structures with the push of a button.

To be more ambitious about the long-term possibilities, I imagine 3D printing with graphene may be the “missing link” to achieve a true Internet of Things -- where everyday objects transmit and receive data in a way which allows people to interact with their environment in novel ways. The difficulty in achieving an Internet of Things is that it requires simple objects to have embedded electronics, which means lots of wiring. This is an expensive process. However, with the ability to print not only an object, but its circuitry, simultaneously, the concept may be much more achievable.

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