National Science Foundation Supports Engineering Efforts to Create High-Resolution Liquid Printing Technologies
Engineering researchers Harish Subbaraman, an assistant professor of electrical engineering, and David Estrada, an assistant professor of material science and engineering, are working to improve upon existing nanomanufacturing technology. Currently, highly-specialized printers are needed to print nanomaterials that measure as little as one-billionth of a meter across. These additive manufacturing techniques rely on the use of specialized nozzles that deposit tiny amounts of material. Unfortunately, these special nozzles routinely clog.
Subbaraman adds that “new nozzle-free printing techniques will enable a broader selection of jetting materials,” an exciting prospect which would allow researchers to experiment with new materials in less time.
The research team is looking to gain a robust understanding of the fundamental mechanism behind the liquid jetting and energy conversion processes involved. Their work received support from the National Science Foundation (NSF) which is funding their collaboratory project with the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Boise State's share of the nearly half-million dollar grant is $187,132 for three years.
Subbaraman and Estrada are developing the nanomaterial inks for this new printing system, using specialized equipment purchased through a Department of Energy grant to establish nanoparticle ink synthesis capabilities at Boise State University. They hope to commercialize their inks through a new startup company – INFlex Labs, LLC – resulting from the fundamental discoveries of their Advanced Nanomaterials and Manufacturing Laboratory.