3D Printed driving mechanism design for a high-speed reciprocating needle used during vitrectomy

Vitrectomy is an often performed procedure during eye surgery and requires a high-precision vitreous cutter. The production of these precise and lightweight vitreous cutters sets high demands on the manufacturing process. Trained technicians must assemble the device step by step and continuously check and validate the manufacturing process....

3D printing for Frugal Innovation in Kenya: the design of a hand grip tool

This thesis is concerned with exploring just how to develop products in line with this frugal methodology through the case study of a hand exerciser. This main research question for this design project asks to what extent can FDM 3D printing be applied to assist Kenyan occupational therapists in the provision of therapy to individuals with hand...

From the ground up: Robotic Additive Manufacturing (RAM) of a structurally optimized earthen shell through computational design

When designing for structural performance, the geometry of the load-bearing elements is crucial for achieving the required stability. This is even more important in structural forms, such as shells and arches that are predominantly designed by their structural requirements. However, the typical design process starts with the design by the...

Compliant shape adaptive chicory gripping: for robotic sorting processes

This thesis contains the design process of a compliant shape adaptive chicory gripper for robotic sorting processes. The robotic sorting line consists of an input and output conveyor-belt. The input line contains unsorted chicories which are scanned by a robotic vision system. Overhead FlexPicker robots, equipped with chicory grippers, sort the...

Robotic Restoration: Restoration of stucco ornaments by means of in-situ additive manufacturing

The preservation and restoration of intricate stucco ornaments, which are part of our collect cultural Heritage, is under threat due to a diminishing number of skilled restoration plasterers. The highly physically demanding- and labour intensive nature of this work makes it unsustainable for the human body and advocates for a more sustainable...

Enhancing 3D printing for repair: Designing a system that enhances the collaboration between repairers and makers

This project focuses on enhancing the accessibility of 3D printing for repairers by designing a system in which repairers can collaborate with makers. Repair has become rare in societies with an abundance of cheap goods. However in recent years repair is making a gradual comeback in western culture. Citizen repair initiatives such as Repair...

Additive Manufacturing of Liquid Crystal Polymers: Interlayer features: formation and impact on interlaminar shear strength

Recent findings have highlighted the potential of a 3D-printable high-strength Liquid Crystal Polymer, whose anisotropy can be fostered for topology optimization intents. The mesostructure of a 3D-printed liquid crystal polymer is studied: the observation of interlayer features under the form of regular notches or spiraling patterns swirls is...

Shaping transparent sand in sand: Fabricating topologically optimised cast glass column using sand moulds

This research investigates the potential of 3D printed sand moulds for casting structural glass column having optimised cross section. Conventionally, Glass, in architectural industry, has been used in form of sheets (Float glass) due to ease of fabrication of planar sheets, but in last few years, cast glass bricks have been used for creating...

3D Printing Clay Facade Walls: Integrating Ventilation systems into printing process

Since 3D printing is relatively new in the architecture applications, exploring how it could be integrated with environment-friendly materials as clay could lead to a more sustainable approach for materialising complex building components.<br/>This research is investigating the answer to the research question “What are the printing techniques...

Eggshell: Design and fabrication of non-standard, structural concrete columns, using 3D printed thin-shell formwork

Research and development in additive manufacturing with concrete has become more widespread over the last decade. The processes developed range from concrete extrusion, to digital fabrication of formworks and the unification of formwork and reinforcement. Although they enable the production of increasingly material-efficient structures, the...

The effect of nodal topology on cellular solid mechanics: A preliminary diagnostic experimental investigation

Additive manufacturing allows material structuring, supporting the fabrication of multiple-level structures or metamaterials. Through the lens of classical stress reduction, nature’s cellular solid structures feature stress-homogenizing nodal topologies. Avian long bones are an example. Research into the mechanics of open cell cellular solids...