Scientists printed an electromagnet on an almost ordinary 3D printer for the first time

MIT engineers wrote 3D printers electromagnets (solenoids), which are the basis of many devices. Since electromagnets are part of many electronic devices, the technology could revolutionize electronics manufacturing on Earth and in space.

For example, imagine being able to create a complete dialysis machine using just a 3D printer. This will play an important role on Earth, where not everyone and everywhere has access to such medical equipment, and will also be invaluable in space, where there will be almost no options for materials, spare parts and equipment. MIT researchers are still a long way from a universal solution, but they have taken a significant step in the right direction and promise to continue moving toward the intended goal.

Solenoids and electromagnets (coils of wire wrapped around a core) are the basic building blocks of many electronic devices, from dialysis machines and ventilators to washing machines and dishwashers. A group of MIT engineers modified a commercial model 3D printer It allows printing volumetric electromagnets in a single printing cycle with multiple extruders. Printing a single product will avoid errors during assembly if the electromagnets are printed in parts.

Scientists needed to modernize the extruders and learn how to regulate the temperature of each. The melting temperature of all four components of the future electromagnet was different, and it was important to prevent the already printed material from spreading. Metal-added plastic was used to print the conductor wire. The core was printed from two types of plastic interspersed with magnetic material; One of these was supplied in granule form, not thread. The dielectric that insulated the turns layer by layer was ordinary plastic.

During experiments, engineers learned to print an electromagnet with eight layers of windings, in which the wire is printed in a spiral pattern. Experiments showed that a 25 mm diameter electromagnet printed in this way produced a magnetic field three times stronger than other 3D printed electromagnets.

“Some experts are looking at them [на екструзійні 3D-принтери] high because they are simple and don’t have as many features, but extrusion is one of the very few methods that allows you to perform multilayer monolithic printing,” the study’s authors said.. A printer updated to print electromagnets cost researchers $4,000. But thanks to the experience gained, they will become much cheaper in the future.