Novel digitally fabricated materials for electronics, optics and medical applications (NOVIDAM)

Digital fabrication is a rapidly developing field of technology, which has changed the conventional way of thinking in manufacturing. One of the key techniques in digital fabrication is so called three-dimensional (3D) printing, which is mostly used for fabricating passive elements from plastics and metals. The need for novel environmental friendly materials suitable for 3D-printing is obvious but knowledge and expertise of those is quite limited. In addition, novel materials are needed to transform 3D-printed structures from passive elements to the active and more functional elements such as sensing systems or tissue models. Combining the multidisciplinary expertise of the researchers of the University of Oulu, a unique and competitive research and development ecosystem can be created by this project. The aim is that gained expertise can be utilized also outside the university to boost the technology development.

The objectives of the project are following:

1. Develop materials which can be digitally fabricated, and improve their functionality and recyclability.
2. Develop and complement the infrastructure suitable for digital fabrication of novel materials and rapid prototyping of new structures
3. Develop 3D printing technologies and processes for novel materials and structures suitable for electronics, photonics and medical applications.
4. Prove and document the functionality of developed 3D printed structures and their functionality.
5. Provide novel information about 3D-printable materials and their applicability for electronics, photonics and medical applications.

Application specific material and 3D-printing process development will be done in close collaboration with material and applications developers. By this approach, materials and their process can be developed without sacrificing their functional characteristics too much. Due to the fact, that novel materials and structures are demanding to be fabricated, the 3D-printing infrastructure will be improved by investing new printer with multi-material deposition capability.

This project provides the latest knowledge about novel digitally fabricated materials and structures and their properties and possibilities in different applications fields. The aim is to improve and promote the local competitiveness regarding the digital manufacturing and related materials development.