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This incredibly tiny 15-micrometer 3D printed model of the USS Voyager – well of an Intrepid-class spaceship (we can’t make out the designation) – can actually move with its own power. Although the warp speed is certainly still as soon as out of reach.
As part of research on artificial microswimmers (more on those in a second), a team of researchers from the University of Leiden tested their microscopic 3D printer (via Gizmodo) with a number of exotic shapes. Where previously they were limited to simple spherical shapes, researchers are now able to print propellers, tugs, and even the Voyager spaceship, as well as weird lollipop-looking gizmos.
Seriously, what is that thing top right?
If you are wondering what artificial micro swimmers are, they are essentially microscopic objects capable of moving through liquids. These synthetic 3D printed “colloidal particles” (solid objects suspended in a liquid) have no moving parts, instead they push themselves through the liquid by means of a chemical reaction: platinum reacting with hydrogen peroxide. No tiny pulse motors here.
Among the test objects a 30 micrometer stands out “Benchy the tugboat, “one of the best-known 3D benchmark tester objects. With many complex geometries, it helps identify defects with printers that would otherwise have been overlooked.
A researcher, Daniela Kraft, explains “3D Benchy is a facility that was designed to test macroscopic 3D printers because it has several stimulating characteristics, and it was natural to try it on a micrometer scale as well.”
Kraft also admits that “making a micrometer-sized boat is fun.” And, while it may seem like the team are just messing with their new, tiny 3D printer, their research will ultimately contribute to the understanding of biological micro-swimmers like sperm, bacteria, and white blood cells.
According to Soft Matter Journal Entry, their conclusion, so far, has been that “3D micro-printing exceeds current limitations in manufacturing active micro-swimmers with complex shapes and controlled patch position”.
So basically, the amazing scientific breakthrough to come with this exploit is that it’s totally possible to micro-3D print funky objects, so researchers don’t have to stare at small balls all day. Anyway, check out that spaceship.
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