Scientists at MIT’s Microsystems Technology Laboratories (MTL) are hoping that custom printing their miniature 3D pumps on the spot instead of using mass production will lower production costs.
What is it?
So what is it? It is a small diaphragm-style pump about 1 cm in diameter. It costs approximately $3.72 each for the MiT team to print just one.
The Materials
The pumps are made from nylon filament with a diagram on top of the cylinder. They also have a neodymium magnet (NdFeB) in the cylinder to drive it.
What is it for?
MiT said, “from fuel cells to power generation to heat exchangers.” The latter would be in an effort to more effectively cool computer processors. Because these pumps contain a magnet instead of a motor, it makes them more portable.
So, what do you think?
Do projects like this help move our hobby into the realms of practical application? Give me your opinions below!
