A team from MIT has presented an additive manufacturing system that produces operational electric motors in a single print. The machine uses four extruders to deposit conductive, magnetic, and structural materials, creating a complete device without assembly. This approach could transform local production of electronic components.
The Multi-Material Manufacturing Process 🧲
The printer employs four specialized heads: one for a magnetic polymer, another for a conductive polymer, a third for a structural material, and a fourth for a soluble support. In a demonstration, it manufactured a synchronous linear motor in three hours at a material cost of about 50 cents. After printing, only an external magnetization step was needed. The motor's performance was comparable to that of units made with conventional methods.
Your Repair Shop in the Corner of the Desk 🛠️
It's the handyman's dream: when your blender breaks, instead of searching online for the replacement model, you can simply print a new motor while finishing your coffee. That said, you'll have to remember to run it through the magnetizer, that appliance everyone has next to the microwave. The global supply chain is reduced to an STL file and an excuse not to leave the house.