University of Maine – TechConnect Briefs

Exploring Process-Properties Relationships of 3D-Printed PLA: Towards Process- Informed Simulation and Design

Grant A., Ellis B.D., Rais-Rohani M., Hajiha R., University of Maine, US

The simulation of additively manufactured (AM) Polylactic Acid (PLA) tensile specimen is discussed. The procedure of evolution and use of a material definition for finite element simulation (FEA) of Polylactic Acid (PLA) printing is discussed, [...]

Design and Manufacture of a Functional 3D-Printed Stirling Engine: A Case Study Involving Bound Metal Deposition of 17-4 PH

Campbell Q., Filiault M., Rooney K., Belding J., Ellis B.D., University of Maine, US

Bound metal deposition (BMD) is a recently commercialized additive manufacturing of metal (AMM) process in which metal powder-binder composites are printed, debound, and sintered. Although potentially offering significant costs savings compared to traditional AMM process, [...]

Facts and Myths about Cellulose Nanofibrils (CNF): What to Expect and What to Not

Tajvidi M., University of Maine, US

Cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) are perhaps the only type of cellulose nanomaterials that have the potential for both large volume production and large volume applications in near future. Much research has been conducted on the production, [...]

Customized Manufacture of Protective Headgear for Primary Prevention of Fall Related Traumatic Brain Injuries

Ferguson J., Caccese V., Castle S., University of Maine, US

Alba-Technic, LLC and the University of Maine are developing an automated small batch manufacturing system that streamlines both the customization and manufacture of a protective headgear designed for aesthetic appeal and comfort by using advanced [...]

Challenges and Opportunities in the Scale-up of Cellulose Nanofibril Production

Gardner D.J., University of Maine, US

Technologies to produce cellulose nanofibrils via either mechanical means (CNF) or chemical means (cellulose nanocrystals (CNC)) have improved dramatically over recent years and a limited number of companies and research labs can produce cellulose nanofibrils [...]